PROOF-OF-PRINCIPLE TEST FOR AN EXPERIMENT FOR SHORT-LIVED PARTICLE DIPOLE MOMENTS AT LHC

The magnetic (MDM) and electric (EDM) dipole moments of fundamental particles serve as powerful probes of the Standard Model and of possible extensions that introduce new sources of CP violation. A permanent EDM would constitute clear evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model, while magnetic moments offer insight into the internal structure of baryons and the dynamics of the strong interaction. Although the magnetic moments of light baryons are precisely known, those of charm baryons remain unmeasured due to their extremely short lifetimes. A direct measurement at the 10% level would enable discrimination among competing theoretical models. This thesis summarises the physics motivations and preparatory work for a proposed fixed-target programme at the LHC aimed at performing the first direct measurements of charm baryon dipole moments. Central to this effort is the ALADDIN concept, which exploits bent-crystal channelling to produce forward charm baryons and measure their spin precession. The thesis reports simulation studies supporting the optimisation of the ALADDIN tracking system and assessing detector performance. A significant portion of the document discusses the TWOCRYST proof-of-principle experiment, which is installed in LHC Interaction Region 3. This experiment is designed to demonstrate double channelling with multi-TeV protons. The thesis describes the development and commissioning of the PIXEL detector, which is based on the LHCb VELO technology. It describes the detector's integration into the LHC environment and its operation during Machine Development sessions. Additionally, it presents complementary crystal-channelling measurements at the CERN SPS and contributions to the LHCb Upstream Tracker during Run 3. Together, these studies lay the groundwork for a future program dedicated to measuring charm baryon dipole moments.