muons

Final results from the Fermilab Muon g-2 experiment was announced on June 3, showing a tiny particle continues to act strangely — but that’s still good news for the laws of physics as we know them.

Physicists are exploring the development of a muon collider — an advanced particle accelerator that could reveal new insights into the nature of our universe. Though great challenges exist in studying fast-decaying muons, technological advancements in accelerators, magnets and detectors could make building the collider a reality. Recent workshops hosted by Fermilab brought together researchers from around the globe to address some of these challenges.

Over 100 accelerator scientists, engineers and particle physicists gathered at Fermilab last fall for the first of a new series of workshops to discuss the future of beam-cooling technology for a muon collider.

In 2024, Fermilab made significant scientific progress, including advancing preparations for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and conducting groundbreaking quantum research. The laboratory also continued its strong international collaborations — including involvement with the CMS experiment at CERN — and made strides in developing emerging technologies with wide applications beyond physics.

Physicists from the Muon g-2 collaboration have measured the magnetic moment of the muon to unprecedented precision and the collaboration’s latest work has been published in Physical Review D. What is next for Muon g-2?

New experimental results show particles called muons can be corralled into beams suitable for high-energy collisions, paving the way for new physics.

How are cosmology and particle physics connected? Observing the motions of stars and galaxies can reveal the influence of as-yet-undiscovered particles, while studying fundamental particles in the lab can tell us about the birth and evolution of the cosmos.

An accelerator known as a muon collider could revolutionize particle physics—if it can be built. The December 2023 P5 report calls for R&D on a muon collider, stating, “This is our muon shot.” A muon collider could fit on the campus of Fermilab, enabling the U.S. to reclaim the lead in the continuing competition for the highest energy collider.

Recent research on muons reveals inconsistencies between observed magnetic behaviors and theoretical predictions, hinting the potential discovery of new physical phenomena or the need to update quantum mechanics theories.

Interesting Engineering lists the top seven amazing innovations that pushed the boundaries of science and technology in 2023. Included in this line up is the latest announcement from the Muon g-2 collaboration with more evidence of a new force of nature that could revolutionize our understanding of the universe.