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Helmut Braun Big PIG, S upervisor, Friend & Colleague!!!

Helmut Braun Big PIG, S upervisor, Friend & Colleague!!!. Chris Bee – CPPM & CERN. Big PIG. In NA9 EMC – Helmut was the “BIG PIG” The undisputed leader and visionary of the PIG (Particle Identification Group) The system comprised:

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Helmut Braun Big PIG, S upervisor, Friend & Colleague!!!

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  1. Helmut BraunBig PIG, Supervisor, Friend & Colleague!!! Chris Bee – CPPM & CERN

  2. Big PIG • In NA9 EMC – Helmut was the “BIG PIG” • The undisputed leader and visionary of the PIG (Particle Identification Group) • The system comprised: • 3 Threshold Gas Cerenkov counters: C0 (neo-pentane), C1(nitrogen) & C2 (neon) • 1 Aerogel Cerenkov: CA • 1 Time of Flight system: TF • Helmut was in particular the architect, installer, commissioner and physical defender (see later) of C0

  3. A student on NA9 • I came to CERN first as a Lancaster Graduate student in 1980 • Joined the PIG group working on the nitrogen Cerenkov C1 • In agreement with my boss, Terry Sloan, Helmut became my effective supervisor at CERN, and I worked closely together with his Wuppertal students Manfred & Heiner • Other notable PIGS: Ian Bird, Guy Coignet, John Coughlan, , JoergGayler, Philippe Heusse, Francois Montanet, Mark Schneegans, Sarah Wheeler • I learnt a lot – and fast – I had no choice! Helmut lived and worked at 100km/h!! • He gave his graduate students patience, unfailing support & encouragement as well as being an exceptional teacher • His infectious laugh was inspiring – and useful to warn young students in advance when he was approaching your office!!!

  4. Braun vs. Osborne • A well-remembered incident when I was on EMC • C0 – filled with “deadly” neo-pentane was a permanent safely worry in particular in the event of fire • 2 gas exhaust emptying systems were installed • A slow one: few minutes - no damage used for planned gas extraction • A fast one: about a minute but some internal damage unavoidable to C0 –for emergencies

  5. Braun vs. Osborne • I was on night shift with shift leader Tony Osborne • EMC s/w chief (together with Gottfried Kellner) & latterly of IT • Helmut was the on-call PIG • The fire alarm went off, Tony called Helmut who arrived rapidly • Tony (not known for his mild disposition…) was desperate to hit the C0 ‘red” button to action the emergency emptying • Helmut was desperate not to have “his” C0 destroyed

  6. Braun vs. Osborne • A pitch battle ensued in the counting room with YT observing - Helmut prevailed & saved C0 • The Pompiers arrived to declare a false alarm • Tony announced: “I was wrong, I was wrong. Helmut, you’re a f****** hero”!!!

  7. A Good Friend & Colleague • Helmut was always full of life, jokes, smiles & good humour • He was always keen to instigate trips to • Café Abbe (for a fondue) • Café de l’Aviation (for a Super Caravelle – or in latter times an A380.!!!) • Some downtown bar • What counted for him most was enjoying good company and good humour

  8. A Good Friend & Colleague • It was a pleasure and an honour to have studied under, worked with, and enjoyed the great friendship of Helmut • He was an exceptional man & an exceptional physicist • I have received many messages from ex-colleagues from EMC days expressing similar sentiments • He is sorely missed by physics, ATLAS & all his colleagues & friends but his resonant laugh will always echo around the corridors of B40!!!

  9. Helmut Braun A Thinking Man • A Social Man

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