We are looking forward to the first open day in our new building at the research campus in Garching! The event will take place on October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; a total of 50 research institutions will be participating with a wide variety of topics related to science and technology.
Our scientists will show and explain our research at the interface of particle physics and cosmology.
For 70 years, cutting-edge research in the field of particle physics has been carried out at the European Research Center CERN (Geneva). The aim: to crack the code with which we can decipher the secrets of the universe.
In the exhibition, 40 close-up photographs shed light on research at CERN. They give an impression of how more than 17,500 people work together there and show the positive impact that particle physics has on our society. The exhibition also takes a look into the future. What kind of particle accelerator do we need to redefine the boundaries of knowledge?
Hands on particle physics
- Particle hunt: Where are the electron, quark & co. hiding? (Entrance hall)
- Experimenting with nitrogen (roof terrace)
- VR tour through a particle detector (room A.1.05)
- Selfie station with telescope mirror (gallery 1st floor)
- Telescope game: Hunters of blue light (gallery 1st floor)
- Experiment: How can you make a magnet levitate? (lab A.0.31)
- Experiment: Can you see particles with the naked eye? (lab A.0.33)
- Particle physics question corner: Demonstration of a cloud chamber (entrance hall)
The ATLAS experiment at CERN
(Entrance hall; lab A.0.18)
The MPP is closely linked to CERN, the LHC accelerator and its experiments. Our long-standing director Werner Heisenberg played an important role in the founding of CERN. MPP researchers have been involved in the ATLAS experiment for over 30 years. ATLAS measures and analyzes particles that are produced when protons accelerated in the LHC collide with each other.
Over the next few years, the LHC and ATLAS will be rebuilt to be fit for the next decades of research. We explain the projects with which we are involved in this conversion. You can watch how components of a detector are assembled by a robot. We will also give you an insight into the exciting world of the smallest particles.
Catch me if you can: The search for the Axion
(Ground floor, lab area)
How is a new experiment created? So far, the axion particle only exists in theory. In order to get hold of it, our scientists have to come up with a lot of ideas: You can't see the particle, it doesn't smell and it doesn't make itself noticeable in any other way.
But under certain circumstances, it leaves a trail of radio waves. In the MADMAX laboratory, we show which waves are involved and how they can be made visible. And then there's a pool table - you will learn what it has to do with the experiment (Lab A.0.39).
In the laboratory of the RADES experiment you can test whether your eyes can see as well and as precisely as an Axion detector (Lab A.0.33).
Dark matter: particle search at freezing temperatures
(2nd floor gallery and roof terrace; ground floor laboratory area)
Researchers are certain that dark matter exists. But nobody yet knows what it “looks like”, what particles are hidden behind it. There are two experiments at the MPI for Physics that are searching for this mysterious form of matter. Their operating temperature is almost -273 degrees, absolute zero. Among other things, liquid nitrogen is needed for these extremely cold temperatures.
You can try out all the other things you can freeze and produce with liquid nitrogen on our roof terrace. You can find out how the CRESST and COSINUS experiments search for dark matter on the 2nd floor in front of the roof terrace and in the laboratory area (Lab A.0.31). Please note: The lab will close at 16:00!
Gamma astronomy - a look into the radiant cosmos
(Gallery 1st floor)
The universe is a turbulent place: black holes swallow up all kinds of matter, stars explode in gigantic supernovae and then there are the mysterious gamma-ray bursts. All these objects release high-energy gamma radiation, which informs us like a kind of messenger about what is happening out there. The receivers of these cosmic messages are special telescopes.
We explain what these telescopes have to do. In a game, you can capture gamma rays with a telescope. We also show how the telescope mirrors work - and why they are an ideal selfie spot.
What happened to the antimatter in the universe?
(1st floor, room A1.05)
The Big Bang created as much matter as antimatter. Today's universe, however, consists almost exclusively of matter. Why did matter “win”? What happened to the antimatter? The Belle II experiment in Japan is investigating the decay of matter and antimatter particles in order to understand this imbalance.
We offer a virtual tour of Belle II: using VR glasses, you can navigate through the experimental hall and the detector - and see what happens when particles of matter and antimatter collide.
Mechanics and electronics: No experiment without technology
From the idea to the experiment - how do you build a telescope or a detector? Every experiment in particle physics is unique. Our mechanics department shows how to plan, design and finally assemble new experiments. Many components, from screws to highly complex turned and milled parts, have to be manufactured individually.
You can watch various machines at work in our workshops.
Mechanical workshops
(Ground floor: B.0.33, B.0.35; 1st floor: B.1.31)
- How do you turn a tube into a bottle opener? (Turning demo)
- We mill a three-dimensional polar bear out of aluminum (demo 5-axis milling machine)
- How can I scan my hand? (Faro arm demo)
- Cutting metal with water - how does it work?
Mechanics apprentice workshop
(1st floor, B.1.05)
- 3D printing to go: We print the blue elephant from the show with the mouse
- Demo: Pneumatic controls: We show how to operate a drive with air pressure - a prerequisite for automated production
- Demo: Ball track game
Design Office
(2nd floor, B.2.35)
- Demo: 3D scan for digitizing and measuring components
Electronics apprentice workshop
(2nd floor, B.2.37)
Our trainees show their current projects and perform demos.
Demo: Cloud chamber - how do you make particles visible to the naked eye?
Demo: Sensor barrier
Demo: Electronic cube with running lights
