High-energy physics

Particle physics or high-energy physics is the study of fundamental particles and forces that constitute matter and radiation. The field also studies combinations of elementary particles up to the scale of protons and neutrons, while the study of combinations of protons and neutrons is called nuclear physics.

All high-energy physics is divided into two parts, one of which is concerned with the observation of physical phenomena and experiments, and the other with mathematical models and abstractions of physical phenomena. These sub-categories are examined below.

Experimental high-energy physics

Cornell’s particle physicists are involved with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the International Linear Collider (ILC) and the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR). More resources can be found below:

The following courses may be relevant to research in experimental high-energy physics:

Theoretical high-energy physics

Theoretical high-energy physics is again divided into phenomenology and formal theory. The former is the application of theoretical physics to experimental data by making quantitative predictions based upon known theories, often working on interpreting the LHC data, while the latter doesn’t. While the work done and central themes in respective disciplines are different, theory students learn the same theory through graduate classes, before receiving specialized education, supervised by their professor. Some theoretical high-energy physics-specific resources at Cornell can be found below:

Some supplementary sources for topics in high-energy physics are found below:

Some advices for breaking into theory research as an undergraduate:

Per the physics yellow book, the following courses are strongly recommended for research in theoretical high-energy physics:

The following courses may be relevant to research in theoretical high-energy physics:

Seminar class on theoretical high-energy physics are sometimes offered, based on student interest. Some previously-offered topics are:

Accelerator physics

Accelerator physics is a branch of applied physics, concerned with designing, building and operating particle accelerators. As such, it can be described as the study of motion, manipulation and observation of relativistic charged particle beams and their interaction with accelerator structures by electromagnetic fields.

Faculty at Cornell are involved in a broad range of topics in accelerator science and technology, from the operation of the on-campus Cornell Electron Storage Ring, also known as CESR, to the construction of an innovative new x-ray light source and the design and construction of future high energy colliders. More resources can be found below:

While many of the ``strongly recommended’’ courses listed on the yellow book are seminar classes and not regularly offered, the following courses may be relevant: