Proton-proton and electron-positron collider in a 100 km ring at Fermilab

The discovery of a Higgs-like boson with mass near 126 GeV, at the LHC, has reignited interest in future energy frontier colliders. We propose here a proton-proton (pp) collider in a 100 km ring, with center of mass (CM) energy of ~100 TeV which would have substantial discovery potential for new heavy particles and new physics beyond the Standard Model. In the case that LHC experiments have already found exotic resonances or heavy partner particles, this collider could fill out the tower of resonances (thus e.g. confirming an extra dimension) or the full suite of partner particles (e.g. for supersymmetry). The high luminosity of the new collider would enable unique precision studies of the Higgs boson (including Higgs self coupling and rare Higgs decays), and its higher energy would allow more complete measurements of vector boson scattering to help elucidate electroweak symmetry breaking. We also discuss an e+e- collider in the same 100 km ring with CM energies from 90 to 350 GeV. This collider would enable precision electroweak measurements up to the ttbar threshold, and serve as a Higgs factory.

Quantum coherence between two atoms beyond Q=10^15

We place two atoms in quantum superposition states and observe coherent phase evolution for 3.4x10^15 cycles. Correlation signals from the two atoms yield information about their relative phase even after the probe radiation has decohered. This technique was applied to a frequency comparison of two Al+ ions, where a fractional uncertainty of 3.7+1.0-0.8x10^-16/sqrt{tau/s} was observed. Two measures of the Q-factor are reported: The Q-factor derived from quantum coherence is 3.4+2.4-1.1x10^16, and the spectroscopic Q-factor for a Ramsey time of 3 s is 6.7x10^15. As part of this experiment, we demonstrate a method to detect the individual quantum states of two Al+ ions in a Mg+-Al+-Al+ linear ion chain without spatially resolving the ions.

Frequency Comparison of Two High-Accuracy Al+ Optical Clocks

We have constructed an optical clock with a fractional frequency inaccuracy of 8.6e-18, based on quantum logic spectroscopy of an Al+ ion. A simultaneously trapped Mg+ ion serves to sympathetically laser-cool the Al+ ion and detect its quantum state. The frequency of the 1S0->3P0 clock transition is compared to that of a previously constructed Al+ optical clock with a statistical measurement uncertainty of 7.0e-18. The two clocks exhibit a relative stability of 2.8e-15/ sqrt(tau), and a fractional frequency difference of -1.8e-17, consistent with the accuracy limit of the older clock.

X-ray imaging of the dynamic magnetic vortex core deformation

Magnetic platelets with a vortex configuration are attracting considerable attention. The discovery that excitation with small in-plane magnetic fields or spin polarised currents can switch the polarisation of the vortex core did not only open the possibility of using such systems in magnetic memories, but also initiated the fundamental investigation of the core switching mechanism itself. Micromagnetic models predict that the switching is mediated by a vortex-antivortex pair, nucleated in a dynamically induced vortex core deformation. In the same theoretical framework, a critical core velocity is predicted, above which switching occurs. Although these models are extensively studied and generally accepted, experimental support has been lacking until now. In this work, we have used high-resolution time-resolved X-ray microscopy to study the detailed dynamics in vortex structures. We could reveal the dynamic vortex core deformation preceding the core switching. Also, the threshold velocity could be measured, giving quantitative comparison with micromagnetic models.

Operational aspects of the Main Injector large aperture quadrupole (WQB)

A two-year Large Aperture Quadrupole (WQB) Project was completed in the summer of 2006 at Fermilab. Nine WQBs were designed, fabricated and bench-tested by the Technical Division. Seven of them were installed in the Main Injector and the other two for spares. They perform well. The aperture increase meets the design goal and the perturbation to the lattice is minimal. The machine acceptance in the injection and extraction regions is increased from 40pi to 60pi mm-mrad. This paper gives a brief report of the operation and performance of these magnets.

Fast beam stacking using RF barriers

Two barrier RF systems were fabricated, tested and installed in the Fermilab Main Injector. Each can provide 8 kV rectangular pulses (the RF barriers) at 90 kHz. When a stationary barrier is combined with a moving barrier, injected beams from the Booster can be continuously deflected, folded and stacked in the Main Injector, which leads to doubling of the beam intensity. This paper gives a report on the beam experiment using this novel technology.