Research on Precision Silicon Position Sensors for the LHC and Data Analysis and Simulation Studies for Present and Future Collider Experiments
Marjorie Shapiro, Professor
Physics
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the most powerful particle accelerator ever built and researchers use its data to study what the universe was like shortly after the big bang. Researchers at Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) play a key role in all aspects of the ATLAS experiment, one of two main detectors at the LHC. Students who join our group work on a variety of projects, ranging from detector development to data analysis.
There are about a dozen ATLAS researchers stationed in Berkeley at any one time and there are a variety of projects available. Picking one of the general projects listed below does not commit you to a particular researcher or project. Projects and mentors are decided during and after the interview process.
Some funding may be available for students who are eligible for work study or LAEP. Please indicate if you are eligible and if you would like to be considered for such funding. Eligibility for work study will NOT be used as a criterion for selecting candidates
Finally, note that in the fall, we offer a once-a-week lecture series that introduces you to experimental particle physics research. We expect students who work with our group for the first time will participate.
(1) Research on Precision Silicon Position Sensors for the LHC
The physics program (discovery of the Higgs boson, etc.) of the ATLAS experiment crucially depends on the detection of charged particle trajectories that bend inside a large solenoidal magnetic field. These tracks are identified by measuring the position of the charged particles passing through a series of silicon layers. The LBNL ATLAS group is one of the leading groups worldwide developing, building, and testing sensor and readout electronics for these silicon layers. Unlike the silicon in the digital camera of your phone, we have to cope with extreme radiation among other challenges and so custom hardware and firmware are required.
Several research tasks associated with this instrumentation development activity are appropriate for undergraduate researchers. These include data taking during irradiation of components, testing and measurement of silicon devices on the wafer probe station, analysis of radiation damage test results, and simulation of the silicon behavior using simple models of the relevant bulk material physics. Please write ‘ATLAS Hardware Project' on your application if you are interested in these research projects.
(2) Data Analysis and Simulation Studies for Present and Future Collider Experiments
The ATLAS experiment is actively taking data - this is a great time to be involved in analysis! Researchers in our group are leading efforts to probe the extreme properties of the Standard Model: the set of known particles and the forces that connect them. This includes studying the newly discovered Higgs boson. In addition, we also are actively involved in searching for new particles and forces that are suggested by many unsolved puzzles in nature.
While our group plays a major role in current data analysis, we also have a leading role in studies for future experiments. A current US-wide effort is ongoing to assess the physics potential of future colliders, that provides an ideal platform for familiarizing with ideas that will shape the future of the field.
This work involves writing software to analyze the data and then discussing results with researchers at LBNL. We can adjust your work plan based on your interest and level of ability. Reading is an important part of this work and various materials will be made available. Please write ‘ATLAS Analysis Project' on your application if you are interested in this area.
Qualifications: Qualifications: Applicants should at a minimum have taken beginning physics (7A-7B or 5A-5B/5BL equivalent), and have some programming experience (Python or C++ preferred). Applicants with electrical engineering, physics, or computer science backgrounds are all welcome. Exact tasks to be performed will be adjusted based on student background and preference. Expect to work at LBL a minimum of 6 hours/week, with some additional time spent reading background material. NOTE: Due to Lawrence Berkeley Lab regulations, we cannot consider any applicant who is under 18 years of age.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Most projects will be located at Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Related website: https://www.physics.lbl.gov/atlas/
Mathematical and Physical Sciences Arts & Humanities