# Collaborative Research: Novel Plasma Physics of Trapped Antimatter

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (MI) · $449,975

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2512424

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2512424, Collaborative Research: Novel Plasma Physics of Trapped Antimatter. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2512424. Licensed CC0.

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