Jacob Todd receives URA Graduate Thesis Award for work on neutrino data analysis
In his doctoral thesis, Todd details a method for data analysis in a way that minimizes a source of bias in some particle physics experiments. By analyzing information from two distant detectors simultaneously rather than sequentially, he incorporated the lack of precision knowledge in both detectors. A University of Cincinnati graduate, Todd used data from Fermilab’s MINOS and MINOS+ experiments, and his analysis can be applied in other neutrino research as well.
Fermilab is America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Our vision is to solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time for the benefit of all.
Laura Fields receives URA Early Career Award
The Universities Research Association recognizes Fermilab scientist Laura Fields for her contributions to the field of accelerator-based neutrino physics. She co-leads the MINERvA experiment, which is making measurements necessary for tuning models of neutrino interactions used in ongoing and future neutrino experiments, and helped design a new focusing system for Fermilab’s LBNF neutrino beam.
Daniel Bafia wins first prize in student poster competition at International Particle Accelerator Conference
A Ph.D. student at the Illinois Institute of Technology conducting his research at Fermilab, Bafia is currently researching a method to draw maximum performance from acceleration cavities. The method, called nitrogen doping, increases superconducting radio-frequency cavity efficiency and boosts beams to higher energies over shorter distances. His work earned him the Best Student Poster Prize at the 2019 International Particle Accelerator Conference.
The language of physics
Word fans, rejoice! Symmetry is back with another list of 10 common words that take on a new meaning when spoken by scientists. Take these physics words for a spin.
An interaction of slipping beams
In particle accelerators, the greater a beam’s intensity, the more opportunities there are to study particle interactions. One way to increase the intensity is to merge two beams with a technique called slip-stacking. However, when combining them, the beams’ interaction may cause instability. A Fermilab scientist has created a successful model of the fraught dynamics of two particle beams in close contact, leading to smoother sailing in this area of particle acceleration.
Department of Energy announces $75 million for high-energy physics research
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced $75 million in funding for 66 university research awards on a range of topics in high-energy physics to advance knowledge of how the universe works at its most fundamental level. The projects involve scientists at 51 U.S. institutions of higher learning across the nation and include both experimental and theoretical research into such topics as the Higgs boson, neutrinos, dark matter, dark energy and the search for new physics.
Fermilab in the news
From CNN, June 12, 2019: Fermilab scientist Don Lincoln writes about a moon mass mystery: In a recent study, scientists claim they have discovered a huge and unexpected mass buried deep underneath the moon’s surface.
From Back Reaction, June 13, 2019: The so-called muon g-2 anomaly is a tension between experimental measurement and theoretical prediction. The most recent experimental data comes from a 2006 experiment at Brookhaven National Lab. A new experiment is now following up on the 2006 result: The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab.
From The Beacon-News, June 9, 2019: A recent Sunday afternoon in Batavia gave parents and children the chance to experience animal and plant life as the Fermilab held its 11th annual Family Outdoor Fair. The event included more than a dozen outdoor activities, ranging from viewing the herd of bison that live on the property to scooping up insect and pond creatures and invertebrates with nets.