The ESS has a unique capability to address some of the most intriguing and topical questions in modern physics. Examples include the origin of the matter-asymmety (i.e. why is there almost no antimatter around?) and the composition of dark matter which accounts for the vast majority of the mass in the universe. Furthermore, a key goal of the worldwide particle physics community is to break the highly successful Standard Model of particle physics by showing it is unable to predict a high precision measurement.
This application concerns the design of a beamline for the ESS which would allow the above questions to be tackled. Owing to high brightness and pulsed nature of the neutron flux, it is possible to design an instrument which will allow a number of world-class experiments in fundamental physics to be performed. The experiments are complementary to those performed in colliders and at other laboratories owing to the unique potential of the ESS.
Developing an older design, this proposal would provide a high flux beam of specially prepared cold i.e. slow neutrons. Using specialist engineering and simulation tools, an instrument providing the highest possible sensitivity for fundamental physics experiments. The design incorporates neutron beam focusing and bending and minimises backgrounds for the experiments.
A fundamental physics beamline is not yet one of the approved instruments. However, a recent ESS capability gap analysis identified fundamental physics as being of the highest priority for the next beamline approval. The proposed work in this application is essential for a successful fundamental physics program.
