To catch a particle

Speaker

Tammy Zidar, MSc Candidate

Abstract

Particle detectors allow us to identify, track, and measure characteristics of particles that are impossible to view directly.  Detectors meant to 'see' a given particle must be made from specific materials, in shapes and configurations optimal for data collection.  But how do we know if a neutrino has just whizzed by?  This talk will focus on the materials and geometry of several national detector systems.  At TRIUMF laboratory, various onion-peel type detectors surround the particle impingement site to provide simultaneous data (energy, location, and timing) of electrons, gamma-rays, and neutrons.  Chalk River Laboratories has a passive muon tomography system.  Not only can it track and provide spectroscopy of these cosmic particles, but there are layers of detectors which are placed around large objects to determine the materials inside them depending on how the muon's path changes as it passes through them.

Further Details

The talk is from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Snacks will be provided at 12:00 pm. Make sure to follow the Graduate Seminar Series on Facebook.