People
| Name: | Ping Tan |
| Title: | Research Associate |
| Email: | ptan@fnal.gov |
| Phone: | 630.840.5169 |
Profile
Areas of research:
CMS Forward Pixel Detector
Electroweak physics
New physics
What is your main focus on the CMS experiment?
The electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions in nature so far have been successfully described by the Standard Model. There are theoretical indications and experimental evidence suggesting there is new physics, which are things that cannot be explained by the Standard Model. Many phenomenology were proposed to extend the Standard Model and explore what new physics could be. Experimentally, we look at final states expected by various new physics models and compare the experimental, measurable quantity with the predictions from the Standard Model. If there is significant excess, new physics is then evident. My current interest in electroweak physics is on the inclusive W boson production at the Large Hadron Collider, by studying the differential cross sections and charge asymmetry. This study is being carried out by looking at the muon plus missing transverse energy final state. I also use the same final state signature to search for the exotic Wprime boson proposed in the extended Standard Model.
What inspired you to study particle physics?
I was really fascinated by how simple and beautiful nature could be. Particle physics is probing the most fundamental aspects of the nature and coincided with my interests.
What is your favorite part about being a scientist?
My favorite part is when you see actual results. The best days you find something to answer the problem.
What about Fermilab surprises most people? What even surprised you?
The atmosphere. I like that you can choose what you want to work on, and who you want to work with.
If you could rescue one thing from your burning office or lab, and you already have your laptop what would it be?
Since everything is on the network, I might as well just run out of the office.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to popular music or whatever is on the radio.
