Agentic AI -- Physicist Collaboration in Experimental Particle Physics: A Proof-of-Concept Measurement with LEP Open Data

TL;DR

It is suggested that precision physics, leveraging the open LEP data and advanced theoretical landscape, provides an ideal testing ground for developing advanced AI systems for scientific applications.

Abstract

We present an AI agentic measurement of the thrust distribution in $e^{+}e^{-}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=91.2$~GeV using archived ALEPH data. The analysis and all note writing is carried out entirely by AI agents (OpenAI Codex and Anthropic Claude) under expert physicist direction. A fully corrected spectrum is obtained via Iterative Bayesian Unfolding and Monte Carlo based corrections. This work represents a step toward a theory-experiment loop in which AI agents assist with experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, and synthesize insights by comparing the results, thereby accelerating the cycle that drives discovery in fundamental physics. Our work suggests that precision physics, leveraging the open LEP data and advanced theoretical landscape, provides an ideal testing ground for developing advanced AI systems for scientific applications.

Figures (24)

• Figure 1: Complete pwflag=0 kinematic set.
• Figure 2: Complete pwflag=1 kinematic set.
• Figure 3: Complete pwflag=2 kinematic set.
• Figure 4: Complete pwflag=3 kinematic set.
• Figure 5: Complete pwflag=4 kinematic set.