A Legacy of Collaboration with CERN

AGH University of Krakow is at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in high-energy physics, joining forces with CERN in an ambitious journey that dates back decades. While the university has contributed remarkably to renowned experiments like ATLAS and CMS, its partnership with the ALICE experiment began in 2017, transitioning to full membership by 2020. This exciting collaboration has enabled AGH to spearhead innovations in electronics, software engineering, and even artificial intelligence.

Pioneering Developments in Readout Electronics

Among the key projects is the Fast Interaction Trigger (FIT), a pivotal subdetector in the ALICE experiment. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, AGH's electronics engineers have risen to the occasion, enhancing the front-end electronics crucial for data acquisition. This evolution is vital for refining the measurement precision required for future experiments.

The New FIT Laboratory: A Game Changer

In a significant leap forward, AGH established a cutting-edge FIT laboratory in 2024. This high-tech facility features integrated components designed for precise, high-speed triggering and data acquisition. By effectively managing complex interactions between processing and control modules, the lab is set to enhance the capabilities of ALICE’s data handling.

Swift Enhancements on the Horizon

AGH is not resting on its laurels; the university has made immediate improvements to the existing front end electronics. By revamping the analogue circuits, the team has extended input ranges while maintaining stellar performance levels. These enhancements are expected to be operational by the next data-taking period in 2026.

Innovative Upgrades Planned for Run4

Looking ahead to ALICE Run4 (2030-2034), AGH is proposing revolutionary updates including a new charge integrator architecture, featuring operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs). This innovative solution aims to alleviate contemporary challenges related to the high bandwidth from Cherenkov arrays, potentially revolutionizing data acquisition in future experiments.

Long-Term Vision for ALICE3

AGH's ambition extends into the future with plans for the ALICE 3 Forward Detector. Aiming for improved proximity of sensors to detectors while enhancing radiation tolerance, the team is focused on developing electronics that cater to the forthcoming challenges in high-energy physics measurements.

Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage

In parallel with hardware advancements, AGH is leveraging machine learning to tackle the escalating demands for fast, accurate simulations in the ALICE experiment. With AI-driven models, researchers are significantly speeding up computational tasks, making this technology a staple of the future ALICE simulation toolkit.

Transforming Job Scheduling with AI

The ALICE experiment also relies on advanced job scheduling techniques using machine learning. By predicting execution times and optimizing resource allocation, AGH is streamlining processes, thus allowing for more efficient data management and increased job throughput across the grid's extensive network.

Acknowledgment of Support

The ambitious collaboration between AGH University and the ALICE experiment is made possible through generous grants from Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, affirming a shared commitment to pioneering discoveries in high-energy physics.