CERN has released a conceptual design report detailing the feasibility of the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider. The FCC would be a much larger and more powerful collider, with a circumference of 91-100 kilometers, capable of reaching collision energies of 100 TeV. The report outlines the technical challenges and potential scientific breakthroughs associated with such a project, which would significantly expand our understanding of fundamental physics, including the Higgs boson, dark matter, and the early universe. The ambitious project is estimated to cost around €24 billion and would involve several phases, starting with an electron-positron collider followed by a proton-proton collider in the same tunnel. The report serves as a roadmap for future discussions and decisions about the next generation of particle physics research.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), renowned for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, has recently published an extensive conceptual design report (CDR) detailing the feasibility of constructing a Future Circular Collider (FCC). This ambitious project envisions a new particle accelerator significantly larger and more powerful than the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), currently the world's most powerful particle accelerator. The proposed FCC would be situated in a new, roughly 100-kilometer circumference tunnel encircling Geneva, Switzerland, dwarfing the LHC's 27-kilometer circumference.
This comprehensive CDR meticulously explores the technical and financial aspects of realizing the FCC. It delineates a phased approach, beginning with an electron-positron collider (FCC-ee) operating at various energy levels to precisely study the Higgs boson and other known particles. This initial phase would leverage existing infrastructure and technologies while providing invaluable data and paving the way for the subsequent phase.
The culminating stage of the project would involve the construction of a proton-proton collider (FCC-hh) within the same tunnel. This incredibly powerful machine, capable of reaching collision energies of 100 TeV, vastly exceeding the LHC's 13 TeV, would open up a new frontier in high-energy physics, potentially uncovering novel particles and phenomena beyond the Standard Model. The report meticulously examines the necessary advancements in superconducting magnet technology required to achieve these unprecedented energies, addressing the challenges associated with generating, maintaining, and containing the immensely powerful magnetic fields.
The CDR acknowledges the significant financial investment required for such a monumental undertaking, estimated to be in the range of 20 billion euros for the FCC-ee phase and a further 15 billion euros for the FCC-hh phase. The report carefully considers the long-term implications, suggesting a potential timeline that spans several decades, with the FCC-ee potentially operational in the 2040s and the FCC-hh following in the 2050s. It underscores the global collaboration necessary to realize this ambitious project and emphasizes the potential scientific and technological returns, including advancements in superconducting magnets, cryogenics, computing, and other fields, which could have far-reaching benefits beyond particle physics.
Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of the FCC for maintaining European leadership in particle physics research and emphasizes the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that could revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental constituents of matter and the universe. It represents a significant step forward in the planning process, providing a solid foundation for future discussions and decisions regarding the realization of this truly ambitious and potentially transformative scientific endeavor. The release of this report marks a pivotal moment, inviting the global scientific community to consider the next generation of particle accelerators and the profound insights they may unlock.
Summary of Comments ( 88 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43632828
HN commenters discuss the immense cost and potential scientific return of the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC). Some express skepticism about the project's justification, given its price tag and the lack of guaranteed breakthroughs. Others argue that fundamental research is crucial for long-term progress and that the FCC could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Several comments compare the FCC to the SSC, a similar project canceled in the US, highlighting the political and economic challenges involved. The potential for technological spin-offs and the inspirational value of such ambitious projects are also mentioned. A few commenters question the timing, suggesting that resources might be better spent on more immediate global issues like climate change.
The Hacker News post discussing CERN's feasibility report on the Future Circular Collider (FCC) generated a lively discussion with a variety of perspectives.
Several commenters expressed skepticism about the cost and practicality of the project. One questioned the scientific return on investment, arguing that fundamental research in other fields could yield more significant advancements for a fraction of the cost. Another pointed out the difficulties in securing funding for such a massive undertaking, particularly given competing global priorities. The potential environmental impact was also raised as a concern, with some suggesting that the resources could be better allocated towards addressing climate change.
Others highlighted the potential benefits of the FCC. Some emphasized the importance of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploring fundamental questions about the universe. The possibility of unforeseen technological advancements arising from the project was also mentioned, drawing parallels with past scientific endeavors that have yielded unexpected practical applications. One commenter argued that the cost, while substantial, is spread over a long period and represents a relatively small fraction of global GDP, making it a worthwhile investment in the long term.
A thread of discussion emerged around the feasibility of alternative approaches to particle physics research, such as muon colliders. Commenters debated the relative merits and challenges of different technologies, discussing factors such as energy efficiency, construction costs, and technical complexity.
Some commenters focused on the societal implications of the project. One discussed the potential for international collaboration and the symbolic value of pursuing ambitious scientific goals. Another raised concerns about the potential for military applications of the technology.
Several technical points related to the design and operation of the FCC were also discussed, including the challenges of maintaining stable particle beams at such high energies and the complexity of the detectors required to analyze the collision data.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of excitement, skepticism, and pragmatic concern about the feasibility and implications of the FCC. The discussion highlights the complex trade-offs involved in pursuing large-scale scientific projects and the importance of considering both the potential benefits and the potential drawbacks.