The Future Circular Collider (FCC) study is developing designs for the next generation of particle colliders, aiming to succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) around 2040. The goal is to reach collision energies of 100 TeV, pushing the boundaries of particle colliders. The project involves over 150 universities, research institutes, and industrial partners worldwide. The FCC is exploring three types of particle collisions and conducting physics and detector studies. A feasibility study was launched in 2021, with a report due in 2025. The CERN Council recently reviewed the study’s progress, noting significant achievements and no technical roadblocks so far.
The Future Circular Collider: A New Era in Particle Physics
The Future Circular Collider (FCC) study is a global initiative aimed at designing the next generation of particle colliders. These advanced machines are expected to succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), currently the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. The FCC study is focused on developing a research infrastructure that will host these high-performance particle colliders, extending the research currently being conducted at the LHC once its High-Luminosity phase concludes around 2040.
The primary objective of the FCC is to push the boundaries of particle colliders in terms of energy and intensity. The ultimate goal is to achieve collision energies of 100 TeV, a significant leap from the current capabilities, in the pursuit of new physics. This ambitious project is a collaborative effort involving over 150 universities, research institutes, and industrial partners worldwide. The collaboration is exploring possibilities for circular colliders, new detector facilities, the associated infrastructure, cost estimates, global implementation scenarios, and suitable international governance structures.
Exploring Different Types of Particle Collisions
The FCC study is examining scenarios for three different types of particle collisions: hadron (proton–proton and heavy ion) collisions, similar to those in the LHC (FCC-hh); electron–positron collisions (FCC-ee), reminiscent of the former LEP; and other options such as proton–electron collisions or proton-heavy ion collisions. Scientists are currently conducting physics and detector studies for each option. In parallel, dedicated teams of experts are performing in-depth analyses of infrastructure, operation concepts, and the key technologies required.
The FCC Conceptual Design Report and Feasibility Study
In 2020, an FCC conceptual design report was submitted as input to the update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics. Following the adoption of this update by the CERN Council in the same year, CERN was tasked with conducting a technical and financial feasibility study for the FCC, to be ready for the next update of the strategy, anticipated for 2027.
The FCC Feasibility Study was launched in 2021 in response to a recommendation from the 2020 update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics. After three years of work, the midterm report reflects significant accomplishments across all study deliverables, including the placement of the ring, the implementation of the facility, civil engineering, technical infrastructure, accelerators, physics opportunities, detector concepts, and cost and funding aspects.
Review and Progress of the FCC Feasibility Study
The review of the FCC Feasibility Study has been conducted in three steps, starting in October of the previous year with dedicated reviews by expert committees and by the Council’s subordinate bodies, the Scientific Policy Committee and the Finance Committee, and culminating in the extraordinary session of the Council on 2 February.
The FCC feasibility study is still a work in progress, with a final report expected to be completed and released in 2025. While no technical roadblocks have been identified so far, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to achieve greater accuracy and depth in technical details, geology, and projected cost, among other aspects. The Council delegates have commended all the teams involved in the Study for their excellent work and significant progress, and eagerly anticipate the final report in 2025.
