What is studied

The Particle Physics at Accelerators track naturally fits within the curriculum of Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics. Research in subnuclear physics at accelerators investigates the fundamental components and interactions of matter through the study of the products of particle beam interactions. The field today primarily relies on the accelerator complex at CERN in Geneva. Research groups from Florence contribute in particular to the experiments CMS, LHCb, and LHCf at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and to the NA62 experiment at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). CMS searches for signals of new physics across a wide range, with the Florence group focusing particularly on the development of innovative detectors and the characterization of the Higgs boson properties. LHCb searches for signals of physics beyond the Standard Model in the B meson system, particularly investigating CP violation; the Florence activity involves the development of 4D tracking detectors, proton-helium interaction studies, and hadronic spectroscopy. LHCf is an initiative almost entirely from Florence that uses LHC collisions to improve models of interaction between primary cosmic rays and the atmosphere. NA62 searches for signals of new physics in the ultra-rare decays of K mesons; the Florence group is heavily involved in the development and operation of the Cherenkov detector and in data analysis.

Courses

The following core, related, and elective courses are recommended:

For further information on the research areas related to the Particle Physics at Accelerators track and for thesis inquiries, please contact Piergiulio Lenzi (piergiulio.lenzi@unifi.it) and refer to the following pages:

Page on Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics Research at the Department

Accelerator Physics @ INFN Florence

Thesis Opportunities