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.

该项目包括位于美国橡树岭国家实验室的 Nab 实验和美国国家标准与技术研究院的 BL3 实验。 Nab 将对某些中子衰变参数进行最精确的测量，BL3 实验将使用中子束测量最精确的中子寿命。这两项实验将共同揭示当今领先的粒子物理理论，并帮助我们深入了解真正描述我们生活的世界的理论。Nab 目前正处于调试阶段，将收集 2022 年至 2025 年的物理数据。加拿大 Nab 小组负责测试实验中使用的新型大面积硅探测器，为此我们在曼尼托巴大学建造了一个可操纵的 30 keV 质子加速器。该小组已经测试了一组具有 30 keV 质子的 Nab Si 探测器，将建造一个新的探测器支架并测试另一系列探测器，以研究各种探测器系统效应，以便 Nab 实验能够达到误差预算目标。此外，该小组的成员还将参与物理数据采集数据分析。加拿大BL3小组负责测试BL3实验使用的Si探测器，它们与Nab实验使用的Si探测器非常相似。一种称为质子反向散射的系统效应，即质子从硅探测器表面散射，将作为质子能量和反向散射角的函数进行研究。这项研究将为确保 BL3 实现其系统误差目标提供重要信息。该项目的HQP每年暑期包括一名博士后、两名研究生和一名本科生（共3个暑假）。这些人员将： 建造 Nab Si 探测器表征装置并在曼尼托巴大学使用 30 keV 质子束进行测试。开发硬件并将反向散射探测器安装到曼尼托巴大学的 30 keV 质子束线探测器测试室中。通过在 ORNL 执行数据获取轮班和物理数据分析，与更大的 Nab 协作建立联系。在国内和国际会议上展示他们与 30 keV 质子束、Nab Si 探测器测试和 Si 表面质子反向散射相关的工作，并在相应的参考科学期刊上发表结果。通过这些活动，总部将获得计算机辅助设计和建模、简单加工、真空硬件、电子信号处理和数据采集技术、高级计算和数据分析实践以及演示和写作方法等方面的宝贵技能和经验。此外，博士后和研究生在与本科生一起完成项目的过程中将获得宝贵的指导经验。这些技能将为他们从事各种职业做好准备，尤其是加拿大 STEM 领域的职业。