Analysis, simulations, and hardware developments for the studies of the weak interactions
Yury Kolomensky, Professor
Physics
Applications for Fall 2026 are closed for this project.
The Weak Interactions group at the Department of Physics is involved in several sensitive experiments, such as searches for neutrinoless double beta decay (NLDBD) with experiments CUORE and CUPID at Gran Sasso Underground Lab in Italy, and the measurement of electron's weak charge with MOLLER experiment at Jefferson Lab. We are also developing quantum sensors for the next generation of NLDBD experiments, and RF instrumentation based on the Xilinx Zynq platform for MOLLER. The datasets accumulated by these experiments require careful analysis and complex modeling, and are particularly well suited for application of modern machine learning techniques. The projects in the group could range from developing AI/ML enabled analysis tools, modeling the behavior of cryogenic calorimeters, developing data acquisition software, to applying signal processing algorithms on FPGA and GPU platforms.
Role: The students will work with a member of the group, a postdoc or graduate student, to help analyze data from CUORE, develop novel analysis algorithms and data pipelines, or deploy machine learning algorithms on an FPGA. The specific projects will depend on the skills and interest of the student.
Qualifications: Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics, or EECS majors preferred. A background in electronics and/or signal processing is desirable. Experience in Python or C++ programming experience is preferable. We will also consider anyone with expertise with any other programming language. Experience with machine learning algorithms or FPGA is highly beneficial, but we do not expect an undergrad to know it. However, they are expected to learn a bit about it during the project. We also expect the student to spend some time in the lab as needed.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://cupidexperiment.org
Related website: https://moller.jlab.org