High Energy Physics Projects
High Intensity Elementary Particle Physics (Experimental)
E-mail: gahs@phys.ksu.edu
Physics at its heart is the study of the properties and interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. A primary focus of the K-State high energy physics group's research is on using high intensity particle beams and specialized particle detectors at Fermilab to search for "new physics". By "new physics", we mean fundamental interactions and properties that have not yet been discovered. We have a strong and active effort in developing the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and the muon-to-electron search Mu2e. K-State will be working on software for monitoring and controlling the Mu2e experiment and testing parts of the Mu2e cosmic ray veto system. This is an excellent opportunity for an REU student to gain experience in multiple aspects of high energy physics.
Testing New Instrumentation for CMS Detector Upgrade and Physics Analyses Searches for Double Higgs Production (Experimental)
E-mail: aivanov@phys.ksu.edu
The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector is one of two large multi-purpose detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where the Higgs boson was discovered. The purpose of CMS is to study Higgs boson properties and search for new particles, which could help answering unresolved fundamental questions in particle physics. The ongoing upgrade of the CMS detector will enable it to work at higher proton beam intensity and extend the reach in the searches for new physics, and in improving sensitivity for measuring double Higgs production, which will allow us to measure Higgs self-interaction.
Here at K-State we are in process of production testing of pixel readout chips on wafers. The project involves operating the wafer probe station and auxiliary electronics, testing chips and analyzing their characteristics. The project also involves development of tools automating the testing and post-testing analysis procedures. These chips will be further diced and mounted on the sensors for the upgraded pixel detector at CERN. We are also in process of developing and testing the full readout chain for the pixel detector using high-speed electronics, and there are opportunities to contribute to this effort as well.
We are also working on searches for double Higgs production at CMS. This project involves simulating various physics processes from proton-proton collisions and studying sensitivity to double Higgs production using machine learning techniques.
Mentee description:
General interest in high-energy physics and in development of instrumentation for high-energy experiments. Basic experience in working on Linux machines and basic programming using python and C++ is desired.