The Dark Universe

• Gloria Luzon Marco (Universidad de Zaragoza (ES))

Dark matter and dark energy are two mysterious components of the universe that have captivated the curiosity of scientists for decades. This talk provides an overview of the historical context, as well as the significant contributions made by the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA) and the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC) in Aragón, Spain. Dark matter, comprising approximately 27% of the universe, is an invisible substance that exerts gravitational effects on visible matter. Despite extensive efforts, the precise nature of dark matter remains unknown. Various theoretical models propose that dark matter particles interact weakly with ordinary matter, making them extremely challenging to detect directly. Experiments employing particle accelerators, underground detectors, and astrophysical observations continue to search for the elusive dark matter particles, hoping to unlock the secrets of their composition and properties. Dark energy, on the other hand, constitutes about 68% of the universe and is responsible for the accelerated expansion of space. This phenomenon, gained prominence in the late 1990s. The discovery that the expansion of the universe was accelerating rather than slowing down suggested the existence of a repulsive force permeating space, now known as dark energy. This revelation revolutionized our understanding of cosmology. The investigation of dark energy has become a key area of research worldwide. Understanding the dark universe poses profound challenges for astrophysics, particle physics, and cosmology. Unravelling the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy would not only illuminate the fundamental nature of our universe but also provide insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies, the large-scale structure of the cosmos, and the ultimate fate of the universe itself. Ongoing research, including experiments at particle colliders, deep underground laboratories, and advanced telescopes, aims to detect dark matter particles, refine our understanding of dark energy, and shed light on the dark universe's profound enigma. The seminar can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DihJj4AqArXFxbp61J8TDVSERoHti45D

Axion Experiments: Probing the Dark Sector

• Gloria Luzon Marco (Universidad de Zaragoza (ES))

Axions, hypothetical particles proposed to resolve the strong CP problem in quantum chromodynamics, have captured the attention of physicists as potential constituents of dark matter. With their low mass and weak interaction with ordinary matter, axions represent an intriguing avenue for unraveling the mysteries of the elusive dark sector. Axion experiments primarily rely on two complementary approaches: laboratory-based searches and astrophysical observations. In laboratory experiments, high-precision techniques exploit the conversion of axions into detectable particles such as photons or electrons through various mechanisms, including the Primakoff effect and axion-induced nucleon interactions. Cutting-edge experiments, such as the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), use resonant cavity techniques to search for axions with masses in the micro-electronvolt range. These experiments have achieved impressive sensitivity, narrowing the parameter space for axion masses and interaction strengths. In addition to laboratory-based efforts, astrophysical observations provide valuable insights into the properties of axions. One prominent method is utilizing the Sun as an axion source. Solar axions may convert into X-rays or low-energy photons in the presence of strong magnetic fields, which can be detected by dedicated instruments like the X-ray detectors on board the International Space Station. Helioscopes, as CAST at CERN or the future IAXO, place constraints on axion properties, contributing to our understanding of their characteristics. Furthermore, new experimental proposals have emerged to explore unexplored regions of axion parameter space. Advanced techniques such as resonant haloscopes and quantum sensors have demonstrated promising potential in detecting axions with previously unattainable masses and interaction strengths. In summary, axion experiments have made significant progress in recent years, both in laboratory-based investigations and astrophysical observations. With improved sensitivities and innovative techniques, researchers are approaching the frontier of axion parameter space. These endeavors hold immense potential for shedding light on the nature of dark matter, the strong CP problem, and the fundamental physics beyond the Standard Model. The outcomes of ongoing and future axion experiments promise to revolutionize our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental level. The seminar can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DihJj4AqArXFxbp61J8TDVSERoHti45D

Tracking particles: detectors and other tools

• Gloria Luzon Marco (Universidad de Zaragoza (ES))

Particle physics has evolved significantly over the years, driven by the need for advanced instrumentation to track and study subatomic particles. This abstract provides a historical perspective on the development of instrumentation techniques used in particle physics experiments for particle tracking purposes. The history of particle tracking instrumentation can be traced back to the early 20th century when the study of radioactivity and the discovery of the electron laid the foundation for particle physics. The first attempts at particle tracking involved the use of cloud chambers and bubble chambers. The advent of accelerators and colliders in the mid-20th century revolutionized particle physics research. As particle energies increased, more sophisticated tracking instruments were required. In the 1960s, scintillation detectors, which utilized scintillating materials to convert particle interactions into light signals, became widely used for particle tracking. These detectors provided improved spatial resolution and allowed for efficient particle identification. In the 1980s, the development of drift chambers brought about another breakthrough in particle tracking. Drift chambers utilized a gas-filled chamber with an electric field to measure the drift of ionized electrons produced by particle interactions. This technique provided excellent position resolution and became a cornerstone of many high-energy physics experiments. Advancements in electronics and computing technology in the 1990s and early 2000s further improved particle tracking capabilities. Highly granular detectors, capable of recording fine details of particle interactions, were developed. Advanced readout systems allowed for faster data acquisition rates and more efficient analysis of the recorded tracks. Today, particle physics experiments employ a combination of tracking techniques, including silicon strip detectors, drift chambers, scintillation detectors, time projection chambers (TPCs), calorimeters, and magnetic spectrometers. These instruments work in synergy to provide comprehensive information on particle positions, momenta, and energy depositions. In conclusion, the history of particle physics instrumentation for tracking particles has been characterized by continuous advancements driven by the increasing demands of high-energy experiments. From cloud chambers and bubble chambers to the sophisticated detectors of today, each development has contributed to our understanding of the fundamental particles and their interactions. The ongoing pursuit of innovation in instrumentation technology ensures that particle physicists will continue to unveil the mysteries of the subatomic world. The seminar can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DihJj4AqArXFxbp61J8TDVSERoHti45D