Thesis

Cosmic and Gamma rays new-generation detectors

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2016

• Academic Year:

  2016 / 2017

• Domain:

  Astrophysics

• Supervisor:

  Pedro Assis

• Co-Supervisor:

  Bernardo Tomé

• Institution:

  Instituto Superior Técnico

• Host Institution:

  Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas

• Abstract:

  The main aim of this thesis is to prepare the future of Cosmic and Gamma-ray experiments. This thesis consists in developing new detectors and its associated instrumentation and also on devising new forms to use existing technology. Typically the techniques used to detect Cosmic Rays and Gamma Rays rely on the detection either of the particles in the shower front at ground level or the UV light produced in the atmosphere by fluorescence or by Cherenkov effects. The field has reached such maturity that it is necessary to change paradigm for further advances. On the detector technologies it is necessary to come up with a detector that can either enhance the detection capabilities or that is able to reduce the cost of each station to allow bigger arrays to be deployed. For instance LIP has adapted and developed the RPC (Resistive Plate Chamber) that can be used in CR arrays, enhancing its detection capability for the muon component of Air Showers, which will impact directly on the sensitivity to the mass of the primary and to hadronic interactions at the 100 TeV scale. The applicant will need to understand the standard techniques and the current plans for the field and identify the needs and opportunities for improvement. Moreover the applicant is expected to follow current discussions about the next steps in the area. The program comprises a large experimental component as well as simulation to test the proposed designs.