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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER2009

 

Particle beams injected into Large hadron collider
Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:10:12 GMT Font size :

Scientists monitoring the particle beam injections described the test as 'a spectacular success'.

Beams of particles have been successfully injected into the Large Hadron Collider — for the first time since the LHC was shut down last year.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) reported on Monday that beams of protons and lead ions were injected into the vast circular machine this weekend and were successfully guided both clockwise and anti-clockwise through two of the eight sectors. Each sector is approximately 3.5 kilometers long.

The injection tests allow the scientists and engineers working on the LHC to check the stability of the beam and that various sectors are prepared for the particle beam.

An LHC spokesperson said this was the first time particles have entered the LHC since it was shut down in September 2008, shortly after it was switched on.

Scientists monitoring the tests described them as 'a spectacular success'.

CERN said all settings and parameters of the machine showed a perfect functioning. Scientists plan to circulate the first circulating beam around the 27-kilometer tunnel in November.

Scientists hope the multi-billion-dollar project could reveal insights into the 'Big Bang' and the nature of the Universe.

AKM/AKMPressTV