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The OPAL detector at CERN
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The OPAL detector at CERN
A technician works on one of two end caps of the OPAL detector at CERN, the European centre for particle physics near Geneva. OPAL is one of 4 giant particle detectors at the LEP collider. LEP collides electrons & positrons accelerated to an energy of 50 GeV in a circular tunnel 100m underground & 27km in circumference. OPAL is a cylindrical assembly of many types of apparatus which fit together like layers of an onion around the point where the particles collide. The OPAL end caps consist of pre-shower counters (the " spokes" of the wheel) & electro-magnetic & hadron calorimeters. The technician is Martin Sproston of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Britain. Photo taken April 1989
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Media ID 6291245
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, we are transported back to April 1989 at the European centre for particle physics near Geneva. The image showcases the intricate and awe-inspiring OPAL detector at CERN, where a skilled technician named Martin Sproston from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Britain is diligently working on one of its two end caps. The OPAL detector, one of four colossal particle detectors at the LEP collider, plays a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of our universe. It is ingeniously designed as a cylindrical assembly that resembles layers of an onion surrounding the collision point of particles. This cutting-edge technology enables scientists to study electron-positron collisions accelerated to an astonishing energy level of 50 GeV within a circular tunnel buried 100 meters underground and spanning an impressive circumference of 27 kilometers. The end caps of OPAL are particularly fascinating, consisting of pre-shower counters resembling spokes on a wheel and electro-magnetic as well as hadron calorimeters. These components work harmoniously together to capture invaluable data during collisions. This remarkable photograph not only captures Martin Sproston's dedication and expertise but also serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity about the fundamental building blocks that make up our universe. As we gaze upon this snapshot frozen in time, we can't help but marvel at how far scientific exploration has come and eagerly anticipate future breakthroughs yet to be made within these hallowed halls dedicated to unraveling nature's deepest secrets.
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