Researchers at CERN transport antiprotons by truck in world‑first experiment

A cloud of 92 antiprotons have been on a journey around CERN’s campus The post Researchers at CERN transport antiprotons by truck in world‑first experiment appeared first on Physics World .

7 April 2026 at 08:51 am

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Researchers at CERN transport antiprotons by truck in world‑first experiment

Researchers at CERN have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the world of particle physics by successfully transporting antiprotons in a truck across the lab’s main site. This world-first experiment, which follows a similar test with protons in 2024, marks a significant step forward in the quest to transport antimatter between laboratories across Europe.

Antimatter, a substance almost identical to ordinary matter but with reversed electric charge and magnetic moment, holds profound mysteries for physicists. The Big Bang theory suggests that equal amounts of matter and antimatter were created, yet they would have annihilated each other, leaving an empty universe. The survival of matter and the near-complete disappearance of antimatter remain unexplained, and scientists suspect hidden differences between the two.

CERN’s Baryon-Antibaryon Symmetry Experiment (BASE) is dedicated to measuring the magnetic moment, or charge-to-mass ratio, of protons and antiprotons to uncover these differences. However, precise measurements at CERN’s “Antimatter Factory” are challenging due to interference from nearby equipment. To overcome this, the BASE team developed a device called BASE-STEP (Symmetry Tests in Experiments with Portable Antiprotons) in 2020.

BASE-STEP functions by trapping particles in a Penning trap, a device composed of gold-plated cylindrical electrode stacks made from oxygen-free copper. This setup is surrounded by a superconducting magnet bore operated at cryogenic temperatures. The device also includes a carbon-steel vacuum chamber to shield the particles from stray magnetic fields. Mounted on an aluminum frame, BASE-STEP can be transported using standard forklifts and cranes, withstanding the bumps and vibrations of transport.

In 2024, BASE researchers successfully transported a cloud of approximately 105 trapped protons using this innovative device. Now, the team has taken the next giant leap by transporting 92 antiprotons around CERN’s campus. This achievement not only validates the BASE-STEP technology but also paves the way for future experiments that require precise measurements of antimatter properties.

The ability to transport antiprotons between laboratories is crucial for advancing our understanding of the fundamental differences between matter and antimatter. By overcoming the logistical challenges of moving these delicate particles, researchers can conduct experiments in environments less susceptible to interference, leading to more accurate measurements and potentially unveiling the secrets behind the universe’s matter-antimatter imbalance.

CERN’s success in transporting antiprotons by truck represents a monumental achievement in the field of particle physics. It underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and opens new avenues for exploring the enigmatic properties of antimatter. As the research continues, the potential to unravel one of the universe’s greatest mysteries grows ever closer.

Source: Physics World

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