Scintillator-based Neutron Detection for Applications
Bethany Goldblum, Research Engineer
Nuclear Engineering
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
Organic scintillators are materials that emit light when excited by ionizing radiation. They are particularly attractive for fast neutron detection with applications in fusion diagnostics, nuclear security and proliferation detection technologies, and curiosity-driven science. Our group develops new methods for characterization and application of organic scintillator-based detectors at the 88-Inch Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Role: Responsibilities of this position may include performing experimental measurements at the 88-Inch Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, analyzing data using a C++ software framework and the ROOT data analysis toolkit, and Monte Carlo transport modeling using the Geant4 toolkit. This apprenticeship provides opportunities for co-authorship of peer-reviewed journal articles as well as potential to transition to a paid research fellowship with the Nuclear Science and Security Consortium upon successful performance. The student is required to attend and participate in the Bay Area Neutron Group's weekly research group meeting. There are opportunities for both remote and in-person work. (If you are eager to participate but don't have the required background, apply anyway! We have previously hosted Freshman who have gone on to coauthor peer-reviewed publications with us.)
Qualifications: Required:
Lower Division Physics (7 Series) and math through Math 54; Programming fundamentals
Desired skills (or what you'll learn):
Upper division undergraduate standing; Proficiency in C/C++ programming; Familiarity with a Linux/Unix environment; Completion of NE101 Nuclear Reactions and Radiation (or equivalent); Experience with digital electronics and neutron detection; Proficiency in nuclear data analysis
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Thibault Laplace, Staff Researcher
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Remote or in-person options at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720
Related website: http://bang.berkeley.edu
Related website: http://appliedphysics.nuc.berkeley.edu/