Together, Columbia University’s electrical engineering department has really pioneered this technology used in particle physics. A team of researchers, that includes Professor Peter Kinget, has designed two advanced analog-to-digital converter (ADC) chips. This second run of The LHC will increase the speed and ability in analyzing data with these chips. That first chip is the “trigger,” as it’s called, which rapidly culls the torrents of data produced by collisions between particles. At the same time, the second, higher-resolution chip takes the signals coming from the ATLAS detector, transforms them to digital data, allowing a more detailed and complete analysis.
The LHC, which has been in operation since 2008, has played an essential role in pushing the frontiers of our understanding of fundamental physics. Its ATLAS detector is a massive 3D camera that takes a snapshot of particle collisions at an unprecedented rate. Engineers specifically designed the new ADC chips to process up to 1.5 billion collisions every 1/100th of a second. This expanded capability is critical to ensuring accurate and timely data processing.
Collaboration and Innovation
For a decade, scientists from Columbia University and the University of Texas, Austin, worked closely to produce these ADC chips. Through their collaboration, they made remarkable strides in technology. Kinget has collaborated with physicists John Parsons and Gustaaf Brooijmans, and with electrical engineer Nan Sun. Their combined work exemplifies how critical multidisciplinary collaboration is to overcoming diverse challenges in high-energy physics.
Internally, it was Rui Xu, then a PhD student in Kinget’s lab, who proved to be the spark for the design of the second ADC chip. This unique collaboration enhances the technical capabilities of the chips. This is a clear signal that the Biden administration is highly committed to supporting innovative approaches and effective knowledge sharing between researchers.
“It’s been nice for us to be part of that,” – Peter Kinget
The next upgrade to the LHC, expected in 2026, will be decisive for the introduction of these state-of-the-art chips. As Kinget pointed out, hardware upgrades only occur once every ten years. This can create enormous liability risk for engineers and scientists as they must ensure their technology will not fail when installed.
Addressing Unique Challenges
Despite their success, the research team did encounter specific challenges when creating the new ADC technology. The chips will survive radiation levels at least an order of magnitude higher than those experienced by satellites. All this is imaging after only eight years in high Earth orbit. During the webinar, Kinget reinforced just how important their work was.
“This environment around this beam is one of the most intense environments you can imagine,” – Peter Kinget
Kinget explained that during the particle collisions that occur at the LHC, extremely intense radiation is created. Supportive engineering solutions are vital to address this major challenge. We still need to be sure that the chips can survive hostile environments without sacrificing their extreme performance.
The challenges in the design of these specialized performance chips highlight the larger lessons for the trajectory of future R&D directed toward particle physics. Improved sensitivity and quicker data analysis lead to innovative discoveries. They have the potential to unlock fundamental mysteries behind production of the Higgs boson, exotic extra dimensions, and the nature of dark matter itself.
Future Implications
The potential implications of these ADC chips go far beyond just saving time with data analysis. By pushing the limits of the ATLAS detector, researchers seek to further extend their understanding of fundamental physics. The ability to process vast amounts of collision data quickly and accurately could lead to groundbreaking findings in various fields.
Kinget’s group is still determined to continue breaking barriers for technology in high-energy physics. With their innovative approach and collaborative spirit, they are well-positioned to contribute significantly to the scientific community’s ongoing exploration of the universe’s mysteries.