Discover the gigantic, Sheffield-made LEGO model of the ATLAS detector, designed by particle physics researcher Nathan Readioff. Made from over 21,000 LEGO pieces, this 1/50 scale model accurately represents the ATLAS detector for the High-Luminosity LHC era, including the Inner Tracking Detector (ITk).
The model will be unveiled by Nathan Readioff on Friday, July 11th, at the European Physical Society Conference on High Energy Physics in Marseille, this model features cutaway walls that expose every component, from muon chambers to the ITk Strip Detector and Pixel Sensors, parts of which are being manufactured by the University of Sheffield.
“I am super excited about how the model has turned out”, states Kristin Lohwasser, Senior Lecturer and ATLAS researcher at Sheffield. “Nathan has done a great job. The model will be a great asset to give people an idea about how our detectors are designed and help explain the science behind these detector systems.” The ATLAS Sheffield group has been involved in a number of outreach projects to spark enthusiasm for particle physics in school children and the general public.”
Its modular design facilitates group assembly and detailed study. Future plans include sharing parts lists and instructions, allowing other ATLAS collaboration institutes to build their own, allowing the scientists and the public to explore the ATLAS collider for themselves.
The LEGO ATLAS model will be on display in the Hicks Building Foyer from the new academic year.