Laboratório de Detetores em Física de Altas Energias

Objectives

To understand the principles of operation of the different detector categories widely used in High Energy Physics Experiments and related fields. To acquire skills in the procedures needed to characterize and optimize the performance of these detectors.

Syllabus

Interaction of radiation with matter and energy deposition in detectors sensitive volumes; Characterization of different types of detectors: gaseous detectors; semiconductor detectors; Cherenkov and transition radiation detectors; scintillators, wavelength shifters, light guides and optical fibers. Measurement of the signal linearity, uniformity and resolution; Geometrical and intrinsic efficiency of a detector; Energy resolution of calorimeter detectors and its relation to the detector physical properties; Measurement of the energy deposition in thin materials : the Bethe-Bloch curve; Calibration of a detector; Characterization of different types of photodetectors : photomultipliers, silicon photomultipliers and other alternatives. Simulation techniques for the validation, characterization and optimization of the detector response.

Prerequisites

Students should have pre-knowledge of particle physics and phenomenology of the interaction of radiation with matter.

Cross Competence Component

Critical thinking and capacity to address unforeseen situations during the laboratory activities; propose and test solutions to address them. Ability to efficiently communicate the measurements and conclusions derived. Team work ability.

Laboratorial Component

The CU focus on the manipulation of different detector types, measuring their response to various types of radiation. It will also require the handling of instrumentation, namely nuclear electronics instrumentation, for the data acquisition.

Programming And Computing Component

Programming skills wil be explored in the analyses of the data and eventually in developing dedicated analysis software. The use of Monte Carlo simulation codes to complement and extend the measurements performed in the laboratory is also foreseen. A total of 0.3 ECTS is foreseen as the workload in developing and utilizing programming and computation tools.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.