Dr Jeanne Wilson Project Abstracts
BSc Project Abstracts and MSci Research/Investigative Project Abstracts
SNO+ Modelling and detector response
SNO+ is a multi-purpose neutrino experiment based in an active nickel mine in Sudbury, Canada, due to start data taking in 2017. The SNO+ detector consists of a large volume of liquid scintillator, surrounded by around 9500 PMTs. The experiment will detect neutrinos from the Sun, Earth, nuclear reactors and possibly also SuperNovae allowing precision measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters. In a separate phase of the experiment, Tellurium will be added to the scintillator to allow a search for the rare process of double beta decay which would probe the fundamental properties of the neutrino. These measurements require extremely low levels of radioactive background, and a very precise understanding of the detector response which is achieved through accurate modeling and calibration of the detector. These projects (scope for more than one student) would contribute directly to the testing and development of the C++ based Monte Carlo simulation package and analysis tools that are being written by the SNO+ collaboration for this purpose. The students would use the package to simulate and analyse various physics quantities that must be compared against theory or experimental calibration data, and develop analysis macros.
(Prerequisite: an understanding of C++ will be required but training in Linux and the ROOT analysis framework will be provided.)
Design studies for the HyperK optical calibration systems
HyperKamiokande is a next generation Megatonne scale water cerenkov detector, currently being designed. The UK is involved in developing calibration systems for this huge water-filled detector. In particular, optical systems that inject beams of LED light across the detector volume in order to calibrate the timing response of the approximately 99,000 light sensors (PMTs) and the scattering and absorption in the water. This study will use C++ based simulation tools and root analysis tools in order to optimise the design of the system for timing and scattering measurements.
(Prerequesite: Training on the specific simulation tools will be provided but an understanding of C++ and linux will be required.)
MSci Review Project Abstracts
Neutrino-less Double Beta Decay Experimental Status
Neutrino-less double beta decay is considered the golden channel for probing the fundamental nature of the neutrino as this rare decay process can only occur if the neutrino is a majorana-type particle. Furthermore, the process proceeds at a rate proportional to the neutrino mass so could help us understand the absolute neutrino mass scale. This project will review the theory and techniques applied to neutrino-less double beta decay searches and summarise the current status and projected sensitivities of the leading experiments in this field.
Solar Neutrino Physics, Experimental Status
Solar neutrinos were first observed over 60 years ago, and since then, we have learnt a great deal about neutrinos from them. This project will review the history of solar neutrinos experiments and the current status of the field. The student will summarise what we have learnt, what we still don't understand and the future experiments that may be able to answer the remaining questions.
Particle Physics results that went away
This review project will take some famous publications in particle physics that have since been disproved or are still largely refuted: The Heidelberg-Moscow measurement of neutrino-less double beta decay, The OPERA experiment's discovery of faster than light neutrinos, disputed evidence of dark matter from the DAMA experiment ... and review the discussions and history of these 'anomalies'. The project should discuss the significance of scientific method and uncertainty estimation. There is scope for the student to chose other results for discussion too.
Supernova neutrino detection
When a star undergoes a type II supernova explosion, more than 99% of its gravitational binding energy is released as neutrinos. This results in more neutrinos being produced in the span of a few seconds than are released in the rest of the star's life combined. In 1987 a supernova occurred about50kpc away from earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and neutrinos were detected by the KamiokandeII, IMB and Baksan neutrino detectors (11, 8, and 5 events, respectively in ~13s). In this review project, the student will research the different current and future experiments capable of detecting supernova experiments, review the difference interactions they use and assess the relative sensitivities and capabilities in terms of the information that can be derived about both neutrino properties and supernova physics.
