Photon Counting Detector Technology
Oswald Siegmund, Research Physicist
Space Sciences Laboratory
Applications for Spring 2024 are closed for this project.
The Experimental Astrophysics Group at the Space Sciences Laboratory is the world leader in space-borne UV detector technology for applications in astronomical and biological research. We are currently seeking undergraduates who would like to learn about, and gain hands-on experience of, the assembly and testing of microchannel plate (MCP) photon counting imaging detectors. The students will learn about MCP detector test procedures, clean room operations and vacuum systems technology.
This sort of work would appeal to both physicists or electrical/mechanical engineers who want hands-on experience with state of the art electro-mechanical systems, especially those with relevance to the scientific spaceflight community. Our needs are continually changing and we encourage physicists, mechanical and electrical engineers to apply.
EAG student team members are responsible for learning and practicing basic lab safety procedures and skills, specific microchannel plate operations and test procedures and general laboratory operations. This includes direct experience with high vacuum pumps and chambers, precision cleaning, UV sources, clean room operations, data processing and day-to-day logistics and maintenance of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
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Work opportunities for the Fall semester:
Dependent on applicant pool, there will be independent or team based projects. We will propose a few options and seek input from the student(s). We are envisioning tasks that are related to the manipulation of detector data products, the control/interface of detector test systems, the acquisition/organization/aggregation of detector data from a database management system, etc.
Role: Students will be defined a framework of tasks, entry/exit criteria for the semester, etc. We will work to help guide students approach but it will ultimately fall to the responsibility of the individual/team to manage the requisite tasks.
Qualifications: Student team members work with each other and with staff to perform complex and sometimes difficult tasks, so good communication skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn are required. EAG student team members are usually physicists or electrical/mechanical engineers with an interest in developing laboratory techniques for space science research. MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SolidWorks (CAD) and general laboratory, data processing, workshop/wrenching are desirable. Students with the ability to return for 2 or more additional semesters are preferred. Please note- It is also highly recommended that candidates have open "blocks" of time in their schedule they can commit for this URAP opportunity- as we are an offsite location, some time commitment is required for traveling to/from the lab.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Travis Curtis, Staff Researcher
Hours: to be negotiated
Off-Campus Research Site: Space Sciences Laboratory 7 Gauss Way Berkeley, CA 94720
Related website: https://www.ssl.berkeley.edu/
Related website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchannel_plate_detector
Engineering, Design & Technologies, Mathematical and Physical Sciences