Comparing the properties of protons and antiprotons

About

The BASE experiment tests charge, parity, and time reversal (CPT) invariance by comparing the fundamental properties of protons and antiprotons in advanced cryogenic Penning-trap systems. CPT symmetry, a combination of discrete symmetry transformations, is observed as the sole exact symmetry of nature within the realm of known fundamental physics. The outcomes of BASE’s experiments at CERN's Antimatter Factory facility play a crucial role in testing the foundations of relativistic quantum field theory, with the potential for discoveries beyond the Standard Model. 

BASE's primary focus is comparing the magnetic moment, charge-to-mass ratio and lifetime of the proton to that of the antiproton. It also investigates the interactions between antiprotons and dark matter, and investigates how the technologies of Penning traps can be used for a wide range of dark matter detection experiments. Imperial has been a collaborating institute in BASE since 2022; the Imperial team take a particular interest in the application of new frequency measurement techniques in Penning traps and in dark matter searches. 

Find out more

You can find out more on the BASE website 

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr. Jack Devlin (j.devlin11@imperial.ac.uk).