Dissertation topics suggested by the teacher.
Dissertation topics are available for the following projects.
DUNE, Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment @ FermiLab
The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a leading-edge, international experiment for neutrino science and proton decay studies. Discoveries over the past half-century have put neutrinos, the most abundant matter particles in the universe, in the spotlight for further research into several fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the evolution of the universe — questions that DUNE will seek to answer.
a) Advancements in Neutrino Event Reconstruction in DUNE/SAND
• Development of time segmentation algorithms for event discrimination and potential offline trigger applications.
• Enhancement of GRAIN raw data processing utilizing machine learning, GPUs, or alternative methods.
• Design and implementation of a comprehensive SAND reconstruction framework; time segmentation preprocessing with all 3 SAND subdetectors.
• Vertex finding in the SAND tracker with fast reconstruction.
b) Performance Evaluation of the DUNE/SAND near detector
• Investigation of SAND neutrino flux measurements and systematic uncertainties.
• Analysis of neutrino cross-section measurements in hydrogen, carbon, and argon using SAND.
• Exploration of SAND's sensitivity to various Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) theories, in collaboration with the Theory Group.
c) DUNE/SAND Tracker Design, Prototyping and Testing
• Simulation studies for optimizing the drift-chamber cell design for the SAND tracker.
• Assessment of the performanace of a SAND 30x30 tracker prototype based on drift-chamber technology.
• Construction of a medium-scale 120x80 cm2 drift-chamber prototype for the SAND tracker.
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EUCLID, Space Mission (in collaboration with INAF-OAS Bologna)
Euclid is an ESA mission to map the geometry of the dark Universe. The mission will investigate the distance-redshift relationship and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and redshifts of galaxies and clusters of galaxies out to redshifts ~2, or equivalently to a look-back time of 10 billion years. In this way, Euclid will cover the entire period over which dark energy played a significant role in accelerating the expansion.
a) Monitoring and Performance Evaluation of EUCLID Near Infrared Spectro-Photometer
Development of end-to-end tools for comprehensive performance monitoring and health checks of the NISP instrument.
b) Analysis of EUCLID Near Infrared Spectro-Photometer Performances with the first EUCLID data set
Investigation of raw data within the Science Ground Segment framework, focusing on the link between the NISP detector effects and the mission scientific requirements.
c) CONDOR: a particle physics experiment to study the Cosmic Ray signal effect on EUCLID Near Infrared detectors
Development of specialized analysis tools to study cosmic ray signals on NISP detectors, aiming to enhance cosmic ray rejection algorithms.
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IBIS Project, Innovative Backside Illuminated Silicon Photomultipliers
The IBIS Project (Innovative Backside Illuminated Silicon Photomultipliers) is producing a novel type of SiPM with photons entering from the “back” or substrate side of the device. Thanks to this technology developed by our partner FBK, it will be possible to obtain SiPMs with increased efficiency and easier integration with readout electronics. The very first prototypes shall be available before the end of 2023 and will need to be characterized in terms of IV curves, noise rate, photon detection efficiency, etc …
a) Electrical Characterization of Backside-Illuminated Silicon Photomultipliers
Investigation of the electrical properties of innovative backside-illuminated SiPMs produced by FBK for the IBIS project (use of sourcemeter and oscilloscope).
b) Optimization of an optical test bench for photon detection efficiency of IBIS SiPMs
Development and operation of an optical test bench for automated efficiency measurements of SiPMs, crucial for optimizing their performance (use of leds/lasers, calibrated photodiodes, beam splitters, lenses, etc...).
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ENUBET, Enhanced NeUtrino BEams from kaon Tagging
The objective of the ENUBET project, which promises to open a new frontier in neutrino physics, is to provide physicists with an innovative technology for the production of intense sources of electron neutrinos (νe), with an accuracy ten times greater than standard: a novel investigation instrument in the field of neutrino physics
a) Analysis of test-beam results of the longitudinally segmented ENUBET calorimeter
Examination of test-beam data to assess the performance and capabilities of the longitudinally segmented ENUBET calorimeter.
