Experimental Tools for Subatomic Physics
Experimentella verktyg i subatomär fysik

FKFN05F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2016
Decided by: FN1/AndersGustafsson
Date of establishment: 2016-04-28

General Information

Division: Nuclear Physics
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course codes: FKFN05, FYSN15
Teaching languages: English, Swedish

Aim

The course aim is a deeper insight into experimental physics and nuclear physics in particular and to give an overview of the tool box available for the experimentalist. The doctoral student will learn to understand and apply generic experimental tools and techniques used in the natural sciences and in particular in physics. In addition, the student will be oriented on contemporary large-scale infrastructure for physics research e.g. MAX IV, ESS, DESY, CERN. The course elements are dedicated to different subjects and focus for the individual student will be on those parts not earlier encountered.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• have good knowledge about nuclear physics measurement systems
• describe the functioning of accelerators and light sources.
• be familiar with the properties of the beams leading to certain reactions and also their interaction with matter.
• explain the relationship between the kinds of beams leading to certain reactions.
• be familiar with how to perform nuclear physics experiments and how to evaluate them.
• have detailed knowledge of basic statistical methods for error treatment and level of confidence.
• have knowledge of signal treatment from sensor to data storage

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to plan a nuclear physics measurement.
• be able to use regression and non-linear curve fitting to data points by means of chi-2 minimisation and determine statistical uncertainties and judge on the chance nature of a result.
• be able to write a report that critically comment and summarize published results on a course subject.
• be able to present their own work orally and discuss presentations by other students critically.
• be able to judge if reported results are reasonable.
• have developed skills for collaboration in realising an experimental measurement system.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must be able to seek relevant scientific information on a course subject and summarize it in a report.

Course Contents

Accelerators and radiation sources Interaction of radiation with matter. Detectors and instrumentation for nuclear physics experiment Analogue and digital electronics Statistical analysis, experimental planning, simulation The function of accelerators and radiation sources is presented both in lectures and during along study visits to the research divisions, which show and explain the infrastructure being used to create controlled reactions. The practical exercises are important and are mainly performed with research equipment at the department. For well performed experiments, statistical analysis, data handling and simulations are necessary and this is treated as separate projects.

Course Literature

• Leo, William R.: Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments: A How-to Approach. Springer Verlag, 1994. ISBN 9780387572802.
• Ekström, P.: Compendium in Statistics and Treatment of Experimental data.
• Krane, K.S.: Introductory Nuclear Physics (ch. 15 and 20). John Wiley & Sons, 1988. ISBN 047180553X.
• Kompendium i acceleratorfysik.
• Artiklar utdelade vid studiebesök och för projekt.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises, exercises, project, study visit. Lectures, tutorials, laboratory exercises, project, and study visits

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written report, written assignments. In order to pass the course the student is required to have approved practical reports, to have acceptable hand-in exercises, and to have actively participated in all compulsory course elements and tutorials.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Admission requirements: FAFF10 Atomic and Nuclear Physics with Applications, or similar.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinator: Jan Pallon <jan.pallon@fysik.lu.se>
Web page: http://www.nuclear.lu.se/utbildning/valfria-kurser/experimentella-verktyg-i-subatomaer-fysik/