Improving Mu2e momentum resolution through Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy
Yury Kolomensky, Professor
Physics
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Mu2e is a medium-scale Particle Physics experiment currently under construction at Fermi National Lab, with UCB and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab as collaborating institutions. Mu2e will search for the ultra-rare process whereby a muon particle converts directly into an electron, without the emission of any neutrinos. Though not forbidden by the Standard Model of particle physics, this process has never been observed, despite nearly 80 years of attempts. Mu2e will employ the world's most intense muon beam to increase the search sensitivity by nearly 4 orders of magnitude over previous efforts, potentially opening a new window on particle physics. Mu2e is scheduled to begin commissioning with cosmic rays in 2024, with the first muon beam physics run starting in 2026. For more information about Mu2e see https://mu2e.fnal.gov/.
While Mu2e will deploy traditional particle tracking detectors to detect electrons and measure their momenta, this measurement could be substantially improved through detection of faint cyclotron radiation, a coherent radio signal emitted by the electrons as they spiral in the solenoidal magnetic field. This concept is similar to using cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES) for the measurements of neutrino mass, which has recently been demonstrated.
Role: The project involves numerically modeling the CRES process for 100-MeV electrons. The goal of the project is to understand the spectral, temporal, and spatial distribution of the emitted radiation, model noise sources, and to ultimately validate the concept. The student will need basic computer programming skills (Python and/or C++).
The Berkeley Mu2e group consists of Senior Scientist David Brown, professor Yury Kolomensky, Staff Scientist Richie Bonventre, Research Scientist Vivek Singh, a postdoc, and a number of students. Student researchers will be expected to meet regularly with senior researchers, as well as work independently and/or with each other. Meetings can be through zoom or in person on campus or at Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Qualifications: Physics, Astrophysics, or Engineering Physics majors preferred. The student researcher will need basic computer programming skills (Python and/or C++). Understanding of special relativity at the level of Physics 5A/7C and E&M at the level of Physics 5B/7B is required. Understanding of E&M at the level of Physics 110 is a plus.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Vivek Singh, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: http://mu2e.fnal.gov/
Mathematical and Physical Sciences