What is inside the detector in a particle accelerator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the internal environment of detectors in particle accelerators, specifically focusing on the presence of electric and magnetic fields, vacuum conditions, and the implications for particle collisions. It explores theoretical considerations in quantum field theory (QFT) and practical aspects of detector design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the detector chambers are vacuum sealed and if they shield out external electric and magnetic fields, raising concerns about the conditions at the point of particle collision.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the nature of the space where particles collide, asking if it is a vacuum and whether stray fields from the accelerator ring affect the collision.
  • A different participant asserts that not only the center of the detector but also other regions like the beam pipe are maintained in a vacuum, and that magnetic fields are used to bend collision products for momentum measurement.
  • This participant also suggests that the effect of magnetic fields on the interaction between particles during collision is likely to be minimal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the conditions inside the detector, particularly about the presence of vacuum and external fields. There are competing views on the significance of these factors during particle collisions, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of "vacuum" in this context, potential dependencies on specific accelerator designs, and unresolved questions about the influence of stray fields on particle interactions.

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What is inside the detector in a particle accelerator??

We need E and B fields to steer and focus beams in a particle accelerator, but all the calculations we do in QFT assume (apart from the colliding particles) that we are in the vacuum state. Does this mean there are no fields at the point of interaction of two beams? i.e., are detector chambers designed to be vacuum sealed and do they shield out external E and B fields? How then do the colliding particles enter the chamber?

Thanks.
 
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The emission source is inside the chamber..?

Not sure what you mean though tbh.
 


Galron said:
The emission source is inside the chamber..?

Not sure what you mean though tbh.

Sorry, I don't mean the emission chamber. The particles collide somewhere, presumably this happens at the center of the detector. What is that space? Is it a vacuum? Are there still stray fields from the accelerator ring? Does it matter if this is not a vacuum or if there are electric and magnetic fields around when the particles actually collide?
 


Not only the center of the detector, but other regions like the beam pipe are kept in vacuum.
The detector set up usually consists of magnetic fields. It is used to bend the collision products and measure their momenta. The effect of this field on the interaction between particles during collision will be extremely small(if at all there is an effect).
 

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