First measurements of the W → ν and Z/γ * → ( = e, µ) production cross sections in proton-proton collisions at √ s = 7 TeV are presented using data recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. The results are based on 2250 W → ν and 179 Z/γ * → candidate events selected from a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 320 nb −1 . The measured total W and Z/γ * -boson production cross sections times the respective leptonic branching ratios for the combined electron and muon channels are σ tot W · BR(W → ν) = 9.96 ± 0.23(stat) ± 0.50(syst) ± 1.10(lumi) nb and σ tot Z/γ * · BR(Z/γ * → ) = 0.82 ± 0.06 (stat) ± 0.05 (syst) ± 0.09 (lumi) nb (within the invariant mass window 66 < m < 116 GeV). The W/Z cross-section ratio is measured to be 11.7 ± 0.9(stat) ± 0.4(syst). In addition, measurements of the W + and W − production cross sections and of the lepton charge asymmetry are reported. Theoretical predictions based on NNLO QCD calculations are found to agree with the measurements.

Jet cross sections have been measured for the first time in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV using the ATLAS detector. The measurement uses an integrated luminosity of 17 nb −1 recorded at the Large Hadron Collider. The anti-k t algorithm is used to identify jets, with two jet resolution parameters, R = 0.4 and 0.6. The dominant uncertainty comes from the jet energy scale, which is determined to within 7% for central jets above 60 GeV transverse momentum. Inclusive single-jet differential cross sections are presented as functions of jet transverse momentum and rapidity. Dijet cross sections are presented as functions of dijet mass and the angular variable χ. The results are compared to expectations based on next-toleading-order QCD, which agree with the data, providing a validation of the theory in a new kinematic regime.

A search for new heavy particles manifested as resonances in two-jet final states is presented. The data were produced in 7 TeV proton-proton collisions by the LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 315  nb⁻¹ collected by the ATLAS detector. No resonances were observed. Upper limits were set on the product of cross section and signal acceptance for excited-quark (q*) production as a function of q* mass. These exclude at the 95% C.L. the q* mass interval 0.30

This paper describes the AC-coupled, single-sided, p-in-n silicon microstrip sensors used in the SemiConductor Tracker (SCT) of the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The sensor requirements, specifications and designs are discussed, together with the qualification and quality assurance procedures adopted for their production. The measured sensor performance is presented, both initially and after irradiation to the fluence anticipated after 10 years of LHC operation. The sensors are now successfully assembled within the detecting modules of the SCT, and the SCT tracker is completed and integrated within the ATLAS Inner Detector. Hamamatsu Photonics Ltd supplied 92.2% of the 15,392 installed sensors, with the remainder supplied by CiS.

A new infrared Thomson scattering system has been designed for the MAST tokamak. The system will measure at 120 spatial points with approximately 10 mm resolution across the plasma. Eight 30 Hz 1.6 J Nd:YAG lasers will be combined to produce a sampling rate of 240 Hz. The lasers will follow separate parallel beam paths to the MAST vessel. Scattered light will be collected at approximately f/6 over scattering angles ranging from 80 degrees to 120 degrees. The laser energy and lens size, relative to an existing 1.2 J f/12 system, greatly increases the number of scattered photons collected per unit length of laser beam. This is the third generation of this polychromator to be built and a number of modifications have been made to facilitate mass production and to improve performance. Detected scattered signals will be digitized at a rate of 1 GS/s by 8 bit analog to digital converters (ADCs.) Data may be read out from the ADCs between laser pulses to allow for real-time analysis.