Searching for the Higgs boson: a virtual tour of ATLAS

In a huge cathedral-like cavern 100 metres below the Swiss countryside, the 7000-tonne ATLAS experiment is searching for evidence of new physics to complement and enhance the discovery of the mythical Higgs boson, first discovered in 2012. Following this breakthrough discovery, researchers are using ATLAS to search for new particles and carry out experiments that could shed light on the identity of dark matter and uncover the existence of extra dimensions.

Whilst predicted in 1964, the search for the Higgs boson has occupied generations of physicists. How did the team at ATLAS finally confirm its existence? How can physicists ‘see’ fundamental particles? How can they be sure that they have seen something new among the vast amount of data that is produced? This tour consider these questions, led by the University of Birmingham researchers participating in the search and those that built and run the equipment that facilitates it.

This event is presented as part of the public programme for A History Through Objects: Research and Innovation at the University of Birmingham.