Theoretical

The Theoretical Particle Physics group seeks to understand the fundamental forces of nature and the basic structure of matter, energy, and space-time. Work proceeds on theoretical foundations, such as M-theory and string theory, on the interface of particle physics and cosmology, and on phenomenological studies which test, strengthen and extend the current "standard model". Topics of interest include the string theory description of quantum gravity and gauge fields, supergravity, dark matter and dark energy, big bang physics, the origin of flavor and CP violation, the phenomenology of supersymmetry and string theory, QCD, regularization and renormalization in field theories, and the general connection of theory and experiment. The stimulating environment of the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics provides a very active atmosphere, support for visitors in all areas of particle theory, and fruitful cross-connections between the particle group and other theoretical disciplines.

Experimental

Michigan's experimental groups have lead roles in frontier experiments spanning much of particle and nuclear physics. The ATLAS group will study the Higgs boson and other new phenomena in 14 TeV proton-proton collisions at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. The CDF and DZero groups study the top quark and search for new phenomena in 2 TeV proton-antiproton collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron. The Mini-Boone group will verify or nullify the existence of an unexpected muon-electron neutrino oscillation. The MIPP group studies pion, kaon, and nucleon production using beams from Fermilab's Main Injector. The SPIN group studies the mysterious origin and effects of the nucleon spin. The Linear Collider group is carrying out detector R&D for a future high-energy electron-positron collider. The LIGO group is analyzing data from the world's most sensitive gravitational wave detectors at observatories in Washington and Louisiana. A large Michigan team works on the Dark Energy Survey telescope and the SNAP satellite, which will measure the nature of the "dark energy" that is accelerating the expansion of the universe. The U-M nuclear physics group uses beams of unstable nuclei to understand the astrophysical origin of the elements, while also pursuing studies in radiation oncology and nuclear medicine.

Nuclear, particle, and astrophysics at Michigan all benefit from the close relationship between our theory and experimental groups, and all teams look forward to uncovering new knowledge about the fundamental laws governing our universe.

Higgs-Boson decay
_{Image courtesy of CERN}