"ATLAS Experiment Uncovers Quantum Proton Billiards' Strong Interaction Secrets"

The ATLAS experiment at the LHC accelerator has measured the fundamental properties of strong interactions between protons at ultra-high energies by studying elastic scattering in proton-proton collisions. By analyzing the distribution of the scattering angle, the researchers were able to draw conclusions about the spatial structure of the colliding particles and the properties of their interactions. The measurements were made possible by using a dedicated measurement system and a special magnet configuration to minimize angular divergence. The results provide insights into the total cross-section and the interference between strong nuclear and Coulomb interactions, challenging pre-LHC theoretical models and advancing our understanding of fundamental particle interactions.