Collaborative Research: Novel Plasma Physics of Trapped Antimatter

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $449,975 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The prevalence of matter over antimatter is one of the most important unexplained observations in physics. As currently understood, the laws of physics predict that there should be an equal amount of matter and antimatter, which is at odds with our everyday experience and detailed astronomical observations. Such an inconsistency suggests that our current understanding of the laws of physics may be incomplete. ALPHA is an interdisciplinary antimatter experiment at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, that tests this notion by producing antihydrogen and sensitively measuring its properties in comparison with the hydrogen atom. These experiments are improved by the efficient conversion of collected antiprotons and positrons into antihydrogen. Trapping antimatter to produce antihydrogen is a plasma physics problem, consisting of collecting and manipulating large collections of charged particles using electric and magnetic fields. This award supports a joint effort between the University of Michigan and Marquette University, in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory, that will advance the understanding of the novel plasma physics processes expected in antimatter traps and will conduct experiments using ALPHA to test the predictions. This project will also contribute to developing the next generation of the science and technology workforce by supporting the training of undergraduate and graduate students, and will contribute to local education

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512424
Awardee
Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI)
SAM.gov UEI
GNJ7BBP73WE9
PI
Scott D Baalrud
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
SWITZERLAND
Estimated total
$449,975
Funds obligated
$449,975
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028