Freya Blekman
@freyablekman.bsky.social
Particle physicist at @CMSExperiment at @CERN - Lead Scientist DESY & Professor of Physics University of Hamburg - World citizen ➡🇳🇱🇺🇸 🇬🇧🇨🇭🇧🇪🇩🇪
Posts: #physics #SciComm + academia/tech stuff + my opinions + summaries of #CMSpapers
Posts: #physics #SciComm + academia/tech stuff + my opinions + summaries of #CMSpapers
Pinned
Freya Blekman
@freyablekman.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Freya Blekman: on the particle pathway of big science – Physics World
Experimental physicist Freya Blekman talks to Tushna Commissariat about the joy of working on big science collaborations
physicsworld.com
You can read a lot more about me and my career in this physicsworld.com/a/freya-blek...
In particle physics and physics in general, some quantities are conserved for clear physical reasons .
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
December 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
In particle physics and physics in general, some quantities are conserved for clear physical reasons .
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
Arguably, one of the most classical ways to look for new particles at a collider is to look for unexpected resonant peaks, for example, in collisions where two jets are made. This #CMSpaper uses online "scouting", making it more sensitive than traditional techniques arxiv.org/abs/2510.21641
December 17, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Arguably, one of the most classical ways to look for new particles at a collider is to look for unexpected resonant peaks, for example, in collisions where two jets are made. This #CMSpaper uses online "scouting", making it more sensitive than traditional techniques arxiv.org/abs/2510.21641
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080
December 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080
There is no explanation why there are only 6 quarks seen in nature. So, we check if we can see an undiscovered extra quark in our collisions. This #CMSPaper looks for those in signatures where all particles are close together arxiv.org/abs/2510.25874
December 16, 2025 at 11:27 AM
There is no explanation why there are only 6 quarks seen in nature. So, we check if we can see an undiscovered extra quark in our collisions. This #CMSPaper looks for those in signatures where all particles are close together arxiv.org/abs/2510.25874
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
December 15, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
December 15, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
The LHC recently collided oxygen ions, and this #CMSPaper shows that we see charged particle suppression , a telltale sign that these collisions are creating the quark gluon plasma: arxiv.org/abs/2510.09864
December 14, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The LHC recently collided oxygen ions, and this #CMSPaper shows that we see charged particle suppression , a telltale sign that these collisions are creating the quark gluon plasma: arxiv.org/abs/2510.09864
We don't see the decay of the Higgs boson to charm quarks (yet!), but it is also possible to measure the interaction of the Higgs boson with charm by studying those particles being produced together. This #CMSPaper studies that Higgs+charm signature (we don't see it yet): arxiv.org/abs/2508.14988
December 14, 2025 at 1:03 PM
We don't see the decay of the Higgs boson to charm quarks (yet!), but it is also possible to measure the interaction of the Higgs boson with charm by studying those particles being produced together. This #CMSPaper studies that Higgs+charm signature (we don't see it yet): arxiv.org/abs/2508.14988
This #CMSpaper looks again at a non-significant (but intriguing!) excess in signatures consistent with two unstable, unknown particles from a heavier source. This paper further compares to theory predictions explaining these four-jet events
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
December 13, 2025 at 6:22 PM
This #CMSpaper looks again at a non-significant (but intriguing!) excess in signatures consistent with two unstable, unknown particles from a heavier source. This paper further compares to theory predictions explaining these four-jet events
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
This #CMSPaper measures the interaction of photons and top quarks, enabling tests of the electromagnetic behaviour of that quark. It is a good way to check predictions as signatures with a photon are much easier to calculate (predictions agree within uncertainties) arxiv.org/abs/2511.01995
December 13, 2025 at 1:03 PM
This #CMSPaper measures the interaction of photons and top quarks, enabling tests of the electromagnetic behaviour of that quark. It is a good way to check predictions as signatures with a photon are much easier to calculate (predictions agree within uncertainties) arxiv.org/abs/2511.01995
There is no explanation why there are only 6 quarks seen in nature. So, we check if we can see an undiscovered extra quark in our collisions. This #CMSPaper looks for those in signatures where all particles are close together arxiv.org/abs/2510.25874
December 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
There is no explanation why there are only 6 quarks seen in nature. So, we check if we can see an undiscovered extra quark in our collisions. This #CMSPaper looks for those in signatures where all particles are close together arxiv.org/abs/2510.25874
In particle physics and physics in general, some quantities are conserved for clear physical reasons .
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
December 12, 2025 at 11:27 AM
In particle physics and physics in general, some quantities are conserved for clear physical reasons .
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
But some other things seem to be conserved even though there is no physics law prohibiting it.This #CMSPaper checks for such charged-lepton-number-violating decays arxiv.org/abs/2510.21559
Arguably, one of the most classical ways to look for new particles at a collider is to look for unexpected resonant peaks, for example, in collisions where two jets are made. This #CMSpaper uses online "scouting", making it more sensitive than traditional techniques arxiv.org/abs/2510.21641
December 11, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Arguably, one of the most classical ways to look for new particles at a collider is to look for unexpected resonant peaks, for example, in collisions where two jets are made. This #CMSpaper uses online "scouting", making it more sensitive than traditional techniques arxiv.org/abs/2510.21641
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080
December 11, 2025 at 1:04 PM
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080
This #CMSPaper reports a #nullresult in signatures, as particles that don't show up in the @cmsexperiment are produced alongside particles that we can see. Those particles could be linked to dark matter, or new Higgs particles, or even more exotic undiscovered particles arxiv.org/abs/2510.12396
December 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
This #CMSPaper reports a #nullresult in signatures, as particles that don't show up in the @cmsexperiment are produced alongside particles that we can see. Those particles could be linked to dark matter, or new Higgs particles, or even more exotic undiscovered particles arxiv.org/abs/2510.12396
are you in Korea (Seoul region)? Then maybe this event is of interest to you. Gwacheon National Science Museum announced that it will host a special event on 13 December: "CMS@CERN, Journey to the Underground Laboratory in Europe" www.dongascience.com/en/news/75456
December 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
are you in Korea (Seoul region)? Then maybe this event is of interest to you. Gwacheon National Science Museum announced that it will host a special event on 13 December: "CMS@CERN, Journey to the Underground Laboratory in Europe" www.dongascience.com/en/news/75456
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
December 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Finding bottom (or beauty, whatever floats your boat) quarks is super important at the LHC. This paper describes one of the cutting-edge machine learning algorithms that is really good at finding multiple b quarks really close to each other
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
arxiv.org/abs/2510.10228
The LHC recently collided oxygen ions, and this #CMSPaper shows that we see charged particle suppression , a telltale sign that these collisions are creating the quark gluon plasma: arxiv.org/abs/2510.09864
December 9, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The LHC recently collided oxygen ions, and this #CMSPaper shows that we see charged particle suppression , a telltale sign that these collisions are creating the quark gluon plasma: arxiv.org/abs/2510.09864
We don't see the decay of the Higgs boson to charm quarks (yet!), but it is also possible to measure the interaction of the Higgs boson with charm by studying those particles being produced together. This #CMSPaper studies that Higgs+charm signature (we don't see it yet): arxiv.org/abs/2508.14988
December 8, 2025 at 6:22 PM
We don't see the decay of the Higgs boson to charm quarks (yet!), but it is also possible to measure the interaction of the Higgs boson with charm by studying those particles being produced together. This #CMSPaper studies that Higgs+charm signature (we don't see it yet): arxiv.org/abs/2508.14988
This #CMSpaper looks again at a non-significant (but intriguing!) excess in signatures consistent with two unstable, unknown particles from a heavier source. This paper further compares to theory predictions explaining these four-jet events
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
December 8, 2025 at 1:03 PM
This #CMSpaper looks again at a non-significant (but intriguing!) excess in signatures consistent with two unstable, unknown particles from a heavier source. This paper further compares to theory predictions explaining these four-jet events
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
arxiv.org/abs/2507.17884
It turns out that even though the paper is #openaccess, Nature & co still try to con tax-funded scientists into paying for the summary articles #opensciencefail #paywall www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Quarks in ‘exotic’ quartets prefer to stick together
Evidence of a particle made up of four tightly bound quarks tests physicists’ understanding of the force that holds protons and neutrons together.
www.nature.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:19 AM
It turns out that even though the paper is #openaccess, Nature & co still try to con tax-funded scientists into paying for the summary articles #opensciencefail #paywall www.nature.com/articles/d41...
I’m at @cmsexperiment.bsky.social week in #korea. What’s that all about?
www.instagram.com/reel/DR_FdRz...
www.instagram.com/reel/DR_FdRz...
undefined on Instagram: "cmsatdesyFreya is in #seoul for @cmsexperiment collaboration week. What’s that all about? And what is in her conference bag?#partic…"
cmsatdesyFreya is in #seoul for @cmsexperiment collaboration week. What’s that all about? And what is in her conference bag?#particlephysics #physics #academia #cern #swagbags
www.instagram.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:18 AM
I’m at @cmsexperiment.bsky.social week in #korea. What’s that all about?
www.instagram.com/reel/DR_FdRz...
www.instagram.com/reel/DR_FdRz...
I don’t fly often. But when I do, I get super annoyed by #eurowings. And not fora reason you may think:
My academic title is in my frequent flyer info. And only with Eurowings I can never check in online as obviously #conputersaysno to a woman checking in as Professor Blekman #everydaysexism
My academic title is in my frequent flyer info. And only with Eurowings I can never check in online as obviously #conputersaysno to a woman checking in as Professor Blekman #everydaysexism
December 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
I don’t fly often. But when I do, I get super annoyed by #eurowings. And not fora reason you may think:
My academic title is in my frequent flyer info. And only with Eurowings I can never check in online as obviously #conputersaysno to a woman checking in as Professor Blekman #everydaysexism
My academic title is in my frequent flyer info. And only with Eurowings I can never check in online as obviously #conputersaysno to a woman checking in as Professor Blekman #everydaysexism
As you may remember our Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe", which combines scientists from DESY and University of Hamburg (including me, I'm one of the co-PIs) was successfully renewed. This means #academicjobs postdoctoral, PhD, and soon also staff (incl. professorships) positions.
Research positions
Faculties
www.qu.uni-hamburg.de
November 28, 2025 at 11:27 AM
As you may remember our Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe", which combines scientists from DESY and University of Hamburg (including me, I'm one of the co-PIs) was successfully renewed. This means #academicjobs postdoctoral, PhD, and soon also staff (incl. professorships) positions.
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080
November 27, 2025 at 6:22 PM
When different particles are produced together, we can use those collisions to study their interactions. This #CMSPaper discovers that top quarks, W and Z bosons are made together, allowing us to precisely study their interactions. A result from our group in Hamburg btw! arxiv.org/abs/2510.19080