What's Happening?
An international team of scientists, led by Sun Yat-sen University and the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has initiated the MACE experiment. This ambitious project aims
to detect the rare transformation of muonium into antimuonium, a process that would challenge the Standard Model of particle physics by violating lepton flavor conservation. The experiment seeks to improve sensitivity by over a hundred times compared to previous efforts, using advanced technology such as a powerful surface muon beam and a newly developed silica aerogel target. If successful, MACE could reveal new forces or particles at energy scales between 10 to 100 TeV, surpassing the capabilities of future particle colliders.
Why It's Important?
The MACE experiment represents a significant step in particle physics, potentially uncovering new physics beyond the Standard Model. By exploring lepton flavor violation, it could lead to a deeper understanding of fundamental forces and particles. The technologies developed for MACE, such as advanced muonium production targets and high-resolution detectors, may also have applications in materials science and medical research. This project underscores China's growing role in global particle physics, leveraging major research facilities to drive scientific and technological advancements.
What's Next?
MACE is set to operate in an initial Phase I stage, investigating other rare muonium decay processes and lepton flavor violating events with unprecedented sensitivity. The experiment's success could prompt further research into new physics and inspire similar projects worldwide. As MACE progresses, it may foster international collaboration and contribute to establishing China as a leader in high-precision nuclear and particle physics.
