Getting Ready for Physics - Commissioning of the ALICE Experiment

TL;DR

This paper details the commissioning process of the ALICE detector at CERN-LHC, focusing on the installation and testing of key components like the TPC, to prepare for high-energy heavy-ion collision experiments.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the ALICE detector's installation and commissioning process, highlighting the readiness for upcoming LHC beam operations.

Findings

Successful commissioning of the central detectors, especially the TPC.

Performance metrics aligned with physics performance expectations.

Preparation for first LHC beams completed on schedule.

Abstract

ALICE at CERN-LHC is an experiment dedicated to the study of high-energy heavy-ion collision. In this paper we will briefly describe the experimental layout and give an overview on the installation status of the ALICE detector components including an outlook towards the completion of the staged detector setup. We will review the commissioning of the detector components with emphasis on the central detectors, in particular the time projection chamber (TPC). The commissioning took place in summer 2008 awaiting the first beams from the LHC in the fall. The result from commissioning are compared with the performance figures, which are outlined in the ALICE Physics Performance Reports.