Fundamental measurements with cold neutrons: Nab and BL3 experiments

冷中子的基本测量：Nab 和 BL3 实验

• 批准号: SAPPJ-2022-00024
• 负责人: Mammei, Russell
• 金额: $ 7.29万
• 依托单位: University of Winnipeg
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Project
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762528
• 关键词: Fundamental; measurements; cold; neutrons; Nab

This project encompasses the Nab experiment, at Oak Ridge National Lab and the BL3 experiment at the National Institute of Standards and Technoloy, both in the USA. Nab will make the most precise measurements of certain neutron decay parameters and the BL3 experiment will make the most precision neutron lifetime measured with a beam of neutrons. Together both experiments will shed light on the leading particle physics theories of today and help us home in on a theory that truly describes the world we live in. Nab is currently in its commissioning phase and will collect physics data from 2022-2025. The Canadian Nab group is responsible for testing the novel large area Si detectors used in the experiment where we have built a steerable 30 keV proton accelerator at the University of Manitoba for this purpose. The group has tested a set of Nab Si detectors with 30 keV protons will build a new detector mount and test another series of detectors to investigate various detector systematic effects so the Nab experiment can reach it error budget goals. In addition, the members of this group will participate in physics data taking data analysis. The Canadian BL3 group is responsible for testing the Si detectors used by the BL3 experiment, which are very similar to the Si detectors used by the Nab experiment. A systematic effect known as proton backscattering, where protons scatter off the surface of the Si detector surface will be studied as a function of proton energy and backscattering angle. This study will provide crucial information to ensure the BL3 meets its systematic error goals. The HQP in this project include one postdoc, two graduate students, and 1 undergraduate student each summer (for 3 summers). These personnel will: Build the Nab Si detector Characterization Mount and test with the 30 keV proton beam at the University of Manitoba. Develop the hardware and implement a backscatter detector into the 30 keV proton beam line detector test chamber at the University of Manitoba. Interface with the larger Nab collaboration, by performing data taking shifts and physics data analysis at ORNL. Present their work related to the 30 keV proton beam, the Nab Si detector tests, and the proton backscattering off Si surfaces at national and international conference and publish the results in the appropriate referred scientific journals. Through these activities the HQP will gain valuable skills and experience in computer aided design and modeling, simple machining, vacuum hardware, electronics signal processing and data acquisition techniques, advanced computing and data analysis practices, and presentation and writing methods. In addition, the postdoc and graduate students will get valuable mentoring experience while they work together with the undergraduate students to complete the projects. These skills will prepare them for a variety of careers, especially those in Canada's STEM fields.

该项目涵盖了NAB National Lab的NAB实验，以及美国国家标准和技术研究院的BL3实验。 NAB将对某些中子衰减参数进行最精确的测量，而BL3实验将使用中子束测量最精确的中子寿命。这两个实验共同阐明了当今领先的粒子物理理论，并帮助我们以一种真正描述我们生活的世界的理论。NAB目前处于调试阶段，并将从2022 - 2025年收集物理数据。加拿大NAB组负责测试实验中使用的新型大面积SI检测器，我们为此目的在曼尼托巴大学建造了可可的30 KEV Proton加速器。该小组已经测试了一组使用30 keV质子的NAB SI检测器，将构建一个新的检测器安装座，并测试另一个系列检测器，以研究各种检测器系统效应，因此NAB实验可以达到错误预算目标。此外，该小组的成员将参加物理数据进行数据分析。加拿大BL3组负责测试BL3实验使用的SI检测器，该检测器与NAB实验使用的SI检测器非常相似。一种被称为质子反向散射的系统效应，其中质​​子将根据质子能量和反向散射角的函数研究SI检测器表面的表面。这项研究将提供关键信息，以确保BL3符合其系统的错误目标。该项目中的HQP包括一名博士后，两名研究生和每年夏天的1名本科生（3个夏天）。这些人员将：在曼尼托巴大学建立NAB SI探测器表征安装座和测试。开发硬件并将反向散射检测器实施到曼尼托巴大学的30 KEV Proton Beam Line检测器测试室。通过在ORNL上执行数据分班和物理数据分析来与较大的NAB协作接口。介绍了与30个KEV质子光束，NAB SI探测器测试以及国家和国际会议上SI表面的质子反向散射有关的工作，并在适当的推荐的科学期刊上发布结果。通过这些活动，HQP将在计算机辅助设计和建模，简单的加工，真空硬件，电子信号处理以及数据获取技术，高级计算和数据分析实践以及演示和写作方法方面获得宝贵的技能和经验。此外，博士后和研究生将在与本科生一起完成项目时获得宝贵的指导经验。这些技能将为各种职业做好准备，尤其是加拿大茎领域的职业。