CMS Excludes Quark Structures Down to 10^–20 Meters in Search
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The CMS experiment has now probed the internal structure of quarks to a scale of 10^-20 meters, searching for evidence they are not, in fact, fundamental particles. Building on a legacy of discovery that revealed molecules are composed of atoms, and atoms of protons, neutrons, and ultimately quarks, researchers at the Large Hadron Collider are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of matter. By colliding protons and analyzing the resulting sprays of particles, known as jets, the CMS team reconstructed the scattering angle of the original quarks, seeking deviations from predictions based on the standard model of particle physics. “We can exclude structures with sizes of order 10^-20 meters related to the energy scale of a potential force binding constituents within quarks,” stated the CMS Collaboration, suggesting the quest to identify the smallest building blocks of nature continues with even more precise measurements planned for future LHC runs. CMS Experiment Probes Quark Structure at 10-20 Meters The Compact Muon Solenoid experiment is now examining matter at a scale of 10^-20 meters, a size smaller than ever previously explored, in a search for substructure within quarks themselves. Current models posit that visible matter is constructed from quarks, considered fundamental particles bound by the strong nuclear force; however, physicists are investigating whether these particles are truly indivisible, echoing a historical pattern where once-fundamental structures revealed deeper layers. This investigation builds upon earlier discoveries, beginning with molecules composed of atoms, then atoms revealing protons and neutrons, and finally, in 1968, the identification of quarks as constituents of those nucleons. The CMS approach mirrors Ernest Rutherford’s experiment that revealed the atomic nucleus, utilizing high-energy collisions to probe the internal structure of particles. “At the LHC, we collide two extremely dense and energetic beams of protons, which break apart into their constituent quarks in the collisions, effectively allowing us to study the scattering of quarks,” explains the CMS Collaboration. These collisions produce “jets,” collimated sprays of particles detected by the CMS experiment, allowing researchers to reconstruct the scattering angle between the original quarks. So far, the data does not reveal significant disagreement with the standard model, enabling the exclusion of structures with sizes around 10^-20 meters related to potential forces beyond current understanding. Andreas Hinzmann, writing for the CMS Collaboration, notes that the experiment is also being interpreted in terms of more exotic scenarios, including extra dimensions of space and even quantum black holes. With the ongoing Run 3 data and the forthcoming High-Luminosity LHC, the precision of these measurements will increase, promising to reveal even smaller structures and continue the search for the ultimate building blocks of matter.
Dijet Angular Distributions Constrain Beyond-Standard-Model Physics The search for fundamental particles has historically revealed increasingly intricate layers of matter; what once appeared indivisible often concealed deeper constituents, a pattern extending from molecules to atoms, and ultimately to the quarks currently considered elementary. Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider are now extending this investigation, attempting to discern if quarks themselves possess an internal structure, probing distances as small as 10^-20 meters. This approach echoes Ernest Rutherford’s historic experiment, which utilized scattered alpha particles to reveal the atomic nucleus, but with significantly higher energies to penetrate the quark’s potential substructure. Analyzing the distribution of these dijet angular distributions provides a stringent test of the Standard Model of particle physics, and a potential window into physics beyond it. Comparing measured scattering angles with theoretical predictions, the CMS experiment has not yet observed significant deviations suggesting the presence of new forces or constituents within quarks; the data currently excludes structures of approximately 10^-20 meters related to a potential force beyond the standard model. However, the quest continues, with interpretations of the data extending to scenarios involving extra dimensions, quantum black holes, and dark matter particles. History has often shown that structures once considered fundamental can reveal deeper layers. Source: https://cms.cern/index.php/news/whats-inside-quarks-cms-looks-deeper Tags: Dr. Donovan Dr. Donovan is a futurist and technology writer covering the quantum revolution. Where classical computers manipulate bits that are either on or off, quantum machines exploit superposition and entanglement to process information in ways that classical physics cannot. Dr. Donovan tracks the full quantum landscape: fault-tolerant computing, photonic and superconducting architectures, post-quantum cryptography, and the geopolitical race between nations and corporations to achieve quantum advantage. The decisions being made now, in research labs and government offices around the world, will determine who controls the most powerful computers ever built. Latest Posts by Dr. Donovan: Artemis II Astronauts Fly Farther Than Any Before April 8, 2026 UConn & QuantumCT Drive Quantum Tech Across Connecticut Economy April 8, 2026 ESA: Graphene Aerogels Accelerate in 30 Milliseconds in Microgravity April 8, 2026