The big CMS model

Barrel1CMS is a particle detector that is designed to see a wide range of particles and phenomena produced in high-energy collisions in the LHC. Like a cylindrical onion, different layers of detectors measure the different particles, and use this key data to build up a picture of events at the heart of the collision.

In 2012, Jaime Gomez, Jeff Temple and Marguerite Tonjes of the High Energy Physics group at the University of Maryland designed a model of the CMS experiment made entirely of LEGO bricks. Just as the source of inspiration, the ATLAS LEGO model, it features all details of the experiment. Here’s some key data:

  • about 13000 pieces
  • roughly 48:1 in scale
    (close to scale with the LEGO man)
  • material cost of about 2300 USD
  • about 60 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm in size

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jaime Gomez and/or Marguerite Tonjes.

For more details have a look here:

Thanks and credits:

  • for building the first model:
    Jeff Temple, Kevin Pedro, Ellie & Kevin Twedt, Jaime Gomez, Marguerite & Wayne Tonjes, Sarah Eno, Ernie Buchanan, Fred Buchanan and Charlie Dawson
  • for funding the first model:
    Drew Baden and Nick Hammer