Freitag, 23. Oktober 2026 17:00 Uhr The Art of Particle Detection
Prof. Dr. Andre Schöning, Physikalisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg The Art of Particle Detection - How Modern Instruments Measure the Invisible Prof. Dr. André Schöning Physikalisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg Particle detectors have been at the heart of experimental particle physics for more than 130 years. Continuous advances in detector technology have enabled one of the great achievements of modern science: the Standard Model of particle physics, which provides an extraordinarily successful description of fundamental interactions down to smallest length scales and forms a cornerstone of our understanding of the evolution of the universe. Yet the Standard Model is not the final word. Fundamental questions remain unanswered, motivating new experiments and increasingly sophisticated particle detectors. In this talk, I will introduce the physical principles behind particle detection and explore how modern detector technologies transform the passage of invisible particles into measurable signals. I will discuss the scientific and technological challenges of achieving ever higher spatial, time, and energy resolution, while maintaining excellent performance in environments with extremely high particle rates. We will see how advances in sensors and electronics are utilized to improve tracking detectors and calorimetry, thereby opening up new opportunities to explore the fundamental laws of nature.
