Thesis

Analysis tools development for the XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2015

• Academic Year:

  2015 / 2016

• Domains:

  Experimental Particle Physics | Astroparticle Physics

• Supervisor:

  José Matias

• Co-Supervisor:

  Francesco Arneodo

• Institution:

  Universidade de Coimbra

• Host Institution:

  Coimbra and NYU AD

• Abstract:

  Motivated by the striking fact that 83% of the mass in the Universe remains a mystery, the so-called Dark Matter, our team joined the XENON collaboration for Dark Matter direct detection in 2004. XENON (xenon.astro.columbia.edu) has consistently led the way for the discovery of Dark Matter, since the publication of its first results in 2007. The phased program started with XENON10 (2005-2007) followed by the XENON100 detector that keeps on taking data since 2008, allowing as well for its detailed study and understanding of the physics processes involved in its operation. Besides the outstanding record of 7 years of non-stop stable operation of a liquid xenon time projection chamber, XENON100 has also served as a test-bench for the next step in the program, XENON1T. Being the only ton-scale detector financed and being built in the world, XENON1T is paving the way for the future of Dark Matter direct detection. It will start taking data in September 2015 and will reach the dark matter sensitivity limit after 2 years of operation. The candidate will contribute to the operational maintenance of XENON1T at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy, including short stays of a few weeks at a time at the experiment location as well as in other partner institutions such as Columbia (New York), NYU (Abu Dhabi), etc. The core work plan will be the development of analysis tools for XENON1T capitalizing on the extensive experience gained with XENON100. Other tasks will include remote monitoring of the vital parameters of the experiment as well as other remote tasks that can be performed away from Gran Sasso. The successful candidate will have here an excellent of opportunity of integrating the highly stimulating environment of a world class experiment.