Particle Physics Detector Technology (874F3)

Key facts

Details for course being taught in current academic year
Level M  -  15 credits  -  spring term

E-learning links

Study Direct: 874F3 (09/10)

Resources

Timetable Link
Reading list

Course description

Course outline

Overview: The module explores the technical manner in which some of the scientific questions in the fields of experimental particle physics, including high energy physics, neutrino physics etc., are being addressed. The student is introduced to many of the experimental techniques that are used to study the particle phenomena. The focus is on the demands those scientific requirements place on the detector technology and current state-of-the-art technologies.
Aims:
Specific aims are to provide students with:
(i) an introduction to some of the basic concepts of particle physics
(ii) an overview of some of the topical cutting edge questions in the field
(iii) an understanding of some key types of experiments
a detailed understanding of the underlying detector technologies
1. Intro to particle structure (6 hours)
(i) Particles and forces, masses and lifetimes
(ii) Coupling strengths and interactions
(iii) Cross sections and decays

2. Accelerators (6 hours)
(i) Principles of acceleration
(ii) Kinematics, center of mass
(iii) Fixed target experiments, colliders

3. Reactors (6 hours)
(i) Nuclear fission reactors, fission reactions, types of reactors
(ii) Neutron sources, absorption and moderation, neutron reactions
(iii) nuclear fusion, solar and fusion reactors

4. Detectors (9 hours)
i. Gaseous
ii. liquid (scintillator, cerenkov, bubble chamber)
iii. solid-state
iv. scintillation
v. calorimeters, tracking detectors
vi. particle identification

5. - Monte Carlo modelling (3 hours)
(i) physics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the courses, a successful student should be able to:
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the standard model of particle physics and the observable phenomena from particle interactions
Discuss some key classes of experiments and answer quantitative questions regarding their design
Critically evaluate different detector technologies
Perform basic simulations of detector behaviour

Computing

Standard network PCs, running GEANT

Library

Glenn Knoll, “Radiation Detection and Measurement”, Wiley [this is the primary text].
Bock and Vasilescu, “The Particle Detector BriefBook”, Springer [also available online].
Leo, “Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments”, Springer.
Kleinknecht, “Detectors for Particle Radiation”, CUP.

Assessments

Resit mode of assessment

Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

Teaching methods

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Contact details

Dr Fabrizio Salvatore

Assess convenor, Convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/profile168614.html