PDRAs for experimental exploitation in PPRC at QMUL

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This grant proposal focuses on the exploitation of the research activities of the Particle Physics Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) exploring the fundamental nature of the Universe. The PPRC group studies the decays and the properties of the Higgs boson and the nature and behaviour of neutrinos. We perform precision measurements of Standard Model processes and we search for manifestations of new physics, both directly or via deviations from the Standard Model. These goals are aligned with the STFC strategic priorities and address the major scientific challenges of modern physics.We propose four high impact projects on the Minerva neutrino experiment and on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The Minerva proposal aims to study the influence of nucleon correlations in neutrino-nuclear interactions. On the ATLAS experiment, we propose three key measurements: to complete a high precision measurement of the so-called weak mixing angle, a fundamental parameter of the Standard Model; to measure the rare decays of B mesons which are sensitive to the indirect effects of new physics; to search for dark matter particles.The proposed activity on neutrino physics focuses on the study of neutrino interactions in MINERvA data. Neutrino experiments aim to discover if neutrinos oscillate in the same way as their antineutrino counterparts, addressing the question of why we live in a matter-dominated Universe. However, they are limited by a partial understanding of neutrino and antineutrino interactions with matter. We plan to perform measurements of neutrino interactions on a variety of nuclei, enabling our sensitivity to detect a matter-antimatter asymmetry.For the ATLAS activity, we plan to perform a unique measurement of the weak mixing angle using published ATLAS data: we will produce a result with the highest precision from the LHC experiments, thereby testing the self-consistency of the electroweak Standard Model. Such measurement is particularly timely given recent discrepancies with theory predictions in the electroweak sector at other colliders.As we are testing the Standard Model to unprecedented levels, we are finding various discrepancies, like the so-called "B anomalies". We aim to measure the observable R(K) in ATLAS. This quantity compares how the weak force interacts with electrons or muons: we expect an interaction of exactly the same strength, while the "B anomalies" seem to hint at a deviation from this paradigm, and this would represent a strong signal of new physics.We also plan to search for signals of dark matter in ATLAS data. Evidence from cosmology shows that a gravitationally-interacting substance accounts for more than 80% of the matter in the Universe. However, its nature has not been established. Should dark matter be made of particles, it could be produced in the LHC collisions. Dark matter particles could be generated in LHC collision in sprays mixed with standard model particles. We aim to search for these new phenomena which have not been explored before in ATLAS data.QMUL was founded to facilitate education and opportunity for the local community. That ethos continues in our work today through our nationally recognised outreach and public engagement programmes, particularly with the local community. We were the first organisation to receive a platinum award for public engagement from the national co-ordinating centre, and our programmes have been adopted by the Royal Society.Creating a truly inclusive environment for research that is diverse and based on principles of equity is a core value of our institution and is embedded in the research practices proposed here. Our academic group has attained gender parity, we visibly engage with national LGBTQ STEM research networks, and seek disruptive change in supporting underrepresented minorities into research career pathways.