Harnessing AI for Particle Physics:
Enhancing Data Reconstruction and Particle
Identification in CERN Beamline Experiments
Team Proposal
Students from Pakistan
January 9, 2025
1. Introduction
This project proposal outlines our participation in the CERN Beamline for Schools
(BL4S) competition. As a team of enthusiastic students from Pakistan, we are deeply
inspired by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize scientific research.
Our project aims to leverage advanced AI tools, specifically Graph Neural Networks
(GNN), to improve data reconstruction and particle identification in beamline experi-
ments. We believe that introducing school students to cutting-edge technologies such as
AI can foster curiosity, innovation, and a deeper appreciation for the role of science in
solving real-world problems.
2. Objectives
The primary objectives of our project are as follows:
1. To explore the application of Graph Neural Networks (GNN) for particle data
reconstruction.
2. To enhance particle identification accuracy by applying AI-driven approaches.
3. To design a robust framework for analyzing data from CERN’s beamline experi-
ments.
4. To inspire and engage school students in Pakistan by demonstrating the potential
of AI in science.
3. Background and Motivation
In high-energy physics, accurate data reconstruction is crucial for understanding particle
interactions. Traditional methods for particle identification and trajectory reconstruction
rely on predefined algorithms. However, the recent advancement of AI techniques, par-
ticularly GNNs, offers a promising alternative to extract complex patterns from detector
data.
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Our motivation stems from a desire to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and
education in Pakistan. We hope to inspire a new generation of scientists by demonstrating
how AI can be applied to fundamental physics problems, making these concepts accessible
and exciting for school students.
4. Feasibility and Data Requirements
To ensure the feasibility of our project, we have analyzed the data requirements and
potential challenges. The data from CERN beamlines typically include:
• Particle tracks recorded by drift chambers or silicon trackers.
• Energy deposits in calorimeters.
• Time-of-flight measurements for particle identification.
• Trigger signals for event selection.
The GNN framework requires converting this data into a graph structure:
• Nodes: Represent particles or detector hits.
• Edges: Represent spatial or temporal relationships between nodes.
We will utilize both real beamline data (if accessible) and simulated datasets to vali-
date our approach.
5. Implementation Plan
The project will be carried out in the following phases:
5.1 Data Acquisition
We will obtain sample datasets from previous beamline experiments or simulate data
using tools such as Geant4 and ROOT.
5.2 Data Preprocessing
The raw detector data will be converted into graph structures suitable for GNN models,
ensuring that spatial and temporal relationships are accurately represented.
5.3 Model Development
We will design and train GNN models for particle identification and data reconstruction,
leveraging frameworks like PyTorch Geometric.
5.4 Validation
The performance of AI-driven data reconstruction will be compared to traditional meth-
ods to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
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5.5 Educational Outreach
Our team will conduct learning sessions to introduce students to AI concepts and their
applications in particle physics.
6. Expected Outcomes
We expect the following outcomes:
1. Development of an AI-based data reconstruction framework for beamline experi-
ments.
2. Enhanced particle identification accuracy and improved data analysis workflows.
3. Increased student understanding of both AI and particle physics.
4. A comprehensive report summarizing findings and contributions to the BL4S com-
munity.
7. Potential Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
• Challenge: Limited access to real beamline data.
Mitigation: Use simulated data generated through tools like Geant4 to replicate
real experimental conditions.
• Challenge: High computational requirements for training GNN models.
Mitigation: Use cloud-based or institutional computational resources to ensure
efficient model training.
8. Conclusion
This project represents a unique opportunity to merge advanced AI techniques with
particle physics, fostering innovation and education. As students from Pakistan, we aim
to bring cutting-edge research tools to our educational environment, inspiring the next
generation of scientists. By participating in the BL4S competition, we hope to make
a meaningful contribution to the field and inspire our peers to explore the fascinating
intersection of AI and science.
