Suggestions for project laborations in SH2306

Experimental Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics

1) Compton scattering angular distribution

Compton scattering – scattering of photons on quasi-free electrons is the dominant and simplest photon-matter interaction process in the energy region of few 100 keV up to few MeV. The laboratory measurement of the Compton scattering cross section should be performed. Its angular distribution is to be measured and compared with the theoretical Klein-Nishina formula.

Opponent group for group no.

Group members:

2) Beta and electron conversion energy spectrum measurement.

Beta and electron conversion energy spectrum measurement using a plastic scintillation detector.

Monte Carlo simulations are performed to interpret the results.

Opponent group for group no.

Group members:

3) Characterisation of a germanium detector for gamma-ray spectroscopy

The interaction of gamma-rays with matter (detectors) is governed by photoelectric, Compton scattering, pair production and Bremsstrahlung processes. In the ideal situation the full energy of the incoming photon is absorbed in the detector resulting in a well isolated full-energy peak (“photopeak”). It requires the full absorption of the secondary photons and electrons produced by these processes. The complex structure of the energy spectrum, resulting from partial photon escapes, should be well understood by every experimentalist. A germanium detector is tested and its efficiency and spectral properties are measured. Monte-Carlo studies of the detector response to gamma-rays is performed and compared with the laboratory measurements and with the specification given by the manufacturer.

Opponent group for group no.

Group members:

4) Muon detector construction.

A detector for cosmic ray-induced muons is constructed from suitable materials, e.g. plastic scintillator and phototubes. Monte-Carlo studies will be required to identify the suitable experimental geometry (AlbaNova building!) and to interpret the results using a suitable model for cosmic ray muon production.

This project requires quite a lot of practical lab work and may take longer to carry out.

Opponent group for group no.

Group members:

For all laboratory exercises detailed GEANT4 Monte-Carlo simulations will be performed and presented. The simulations can be performed on a dedicated computer at the Nuclear Physics Department, KTH, 3^rd floor, AlbaNova.

IMPORTANT:

The written project report (good draft) should be handed in at the latest at the last lecture. Contact your supervisor and agree on a date when you will meet to discuss it and receive comments. The modified report shall then be ready and back to the course responsible and to your opponent group at least one week before the date of the oral presentation.

Also make sure that you have the project report from the group for which you are opponent (see above) by that day.

In the presentation session each group will have prepared 4 critical questions (in a positive spirit!) on the report submitted by the group for which they are opponent. Additional questions from anyone that arise during the presentations are very much encouraged. We want to have a lively discussion on the different projects after each presentation.