Heavier Proton Version, Xi-cc-plus, Discovered at CERN

Scientists at the Cern nuclear physics laboratory near Geneva have discovered a heavier version of the proton, a subatomic particle central to atoms. The new particle, named Xi-cc-plus, was observed at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in a shower of debris following high-speed proton collisions.

Key Characteristics of the Xi-cc-plus Particle

The Xi-cc-plus particle is four times heavier than a regular proton. It represents a significant find in the field of particle physics.

It differs from a standard proton (which contains two up quarks and one down quark) by having two charm quarks replace the two up quarks. Scientists estimate its lifespan to be less than a millionth of a millionth of a second before it decays into other particles.

The discovery was made possible after an upgrade to the LHCb detector, allowing scientists to detect the particle within one year.

The Xi-cc-plus particle is four times heavier than a regular proton and has a fleeting lifespan of less than a millionth of a millionth of a second.

Scientific Significance

This discovery is expected to enhance physicists' understanding of the strong nuclear force. The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding together the components within atomic nuclei and exhibits an unusual property of strengthening with increasing distance between subatomic particles. Insights from particles like Xi-cc-plus are crucial for further unraveling this fundamental force.

Funding Concerns Emerge Amidst Breakthrough

The discovery comes amid criticism for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) regarding its plans to withdraw £50m in funding for the LHCb's final upgrade, scheduled for the 2030s. This upgrade is considered crucial for maximizing the LHC's discovery potential.

UK scientists in particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics have been informed of grant reductions due to cost overruns at major science facilities. Projects affected include the next LHCb upgrade and an electron-ion collider developed with US researchers.

Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science committee, has sent a letter to UKRI's chief executive and the science minister, describing the cuts as "wholly unacceptable" and a "failure." Prof Tim Gershon emphasized the importance of overcoming these funding issues, stating that no other experiment, running or planned, will be capable of this type of physics.

"No other experiment, running or planned, will be capable of this type of physics," stated Prof Tim Gershon, underscoring the unique scientific opportunities at risk due to funding cuts.