Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment

In summary, Samuel C. C. Ting gave a presentation on the AMS-02 at the Plenary Session #1 of the Space Nuclear Conference 2005. The AMS-02 is the second "Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer" and is an experiment on the International Space Station designed to search for dark matter, missing matter, and antimatter. It is scheduled for launch in October 2005, but this is subject to the Shuttle Schedule. The experiment has a time resolution of 100 ps and a spatial resolution of 10 microns. It consists of 8 planes of silicon solid-state detectors with 200,000 channels. The inductance of the magnets is 50 H with a current of 460 A, resulting in a
  • #1
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
2023 Award
21,906
6,328
In the Plenary Session #1 of the Space Nuclear Conference 2005, Samuel C. C. Ting gave a presentation on the AMS-02, the second "Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer." The first, AMS-01, flew aboard the Space Shuttle during Mission STS-91.

The AMS homepage is - http://ams.cern.ch/AMS/ams_homepage.html

An experiment to search in space for dark matter, missing matter & antimatter on the international space station.

AMS-02 is scheduled for launch Oct 2005, but that depends on the Shuttle Schedule.

AMS-02 is a relatively large experiment designed to look at the distribution of numerous elements (ions) and anti-particles in the galactic cosmic radiation. It has a time resolution of 100 ps and a spatial resolution of 10 microns.

It has 8 planes of silicon solid-state detectors, representing 8 m2 of detector area, with 200,000 channels.

AMS II Mechanical Integration Homepage - http://rbecker.home.cern.ch/rbecker/AMSII.html

The inductance of the AMS-02 magnets is 50 H and the current is 460 A for a stored energy level of 5 MJ.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Launched 2011 and had some interesting results since then. The larger than expected positron to electron ratio is among the most puzzling ones. Results from dark matter annihilation? Or product of some phenomenon we don't understand well yet?

There were some hints of anti-helium-3 nuclei, but I haven't seen a finished analysis about them.
 

1. What is the purpose of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment?

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment (AMS) is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector designed to study cosmic rays and search for evidence of dark matter and antimatter in space. It aims to understand the origin, composition, and behavior of the particles that make up the universe.

2. How does the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment work?

The AMS is installed on the International Space Station and uses a powerful magnet to bend the paths of charged particles from cosmic rays. The particles are then measured and identified by various detectors, providing valuable data about their properties and origins.

3. What has the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment discovered so far?

Since its installation in 2011, the AMS has made significant discoveries, including unexpected excesses of positrons and antiprotons in cosmic rays, as well as measuring the flux of cosmic ray particles with unprecedented precision. It has also observed the first evidence of cosmic ray nuclei heavier than iron, providing insights into the origins of these particles.

4. What is the significance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment's findings?

The AMS's findings have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its composition. The excesses of antimatter particles could provide evidence for the existence of dark matter, while the measurements of cosmic ray particles can help us understand the physical processes that occur in our galaxy and beyond.

5. What are the future plans for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment?

The AMS is expected to continue collecting data until at least 2028, providing a wealth of information for scientists to analyze. Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the experiment with new detectors and technologies, allowing for even more precise measurements and potentially groundbreaking discoveries.

Similar threads

Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2.0
    • Cosmology
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top