PDRAs for experimental exploitation in PPRC at QMUL

PDRA 在 QMUL 的 PPRC 中进行实验开发

• 批准号: ST/X005968/1
• 负责人: Marcella Bona
• 金额: $ 37.12万
• 依托单位: Queen Mary University of London
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Research Grant
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=ST%2FX005968%2F1
• 关键词: PDRAs; experimental; exploitation; PPRC; QMUL

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.

该资助计划的重点是利用伦敦大学（QMUL）玛丽女王大学粒子物理研究中心（PPRC）的研究活动，探索宇宙的基本性质。PPRC小组研究希格斯玻色子的衰变和性质以及中微子的性质和行为。我们对标准模型过程进行精确测量，并直接或通过偏离标准模型来寻找新物理的表现形式。这些目标与STFC的战略重点一致，并解决现代物理学的主要科学挑战。我们提出了四个高影响力的项目，在密涅瓦中微子实验和ATLAS实验在大型强子对撞机。密涅瓦计划的目的是研究核子关联对中微子-核相互作用的影响。在ATLAS实验上，我们提出了三个关键测量：完成对标准模型基本参数弱混合角的高精度测量;测量对新物理间接效应敏感的B介子的稀有衰变;寻找暗物质粒子。中微子物理方面的拟议活动重点是研究MINERvA数据中的中微子相互作用。中微子实验旨在发现中微子是否以与反中微子相同的方式振荡，解决为什么我们生活在物质主导的宇宙中的问题。然而，他们受到中微子和反中微子与物质相互作用的部分理解的限制。我们计划在各种原子核上进行中微子相互作用的测量，使我们能够灵敏地检测物质-反物质的不对称性。对于ATLAS活动，我们计划使用已发表的ATLAS数据进行弱混合角的独特测量：我们将从LHC实验中产生具有最高精度的结果，从而测试电弱标准模型的自洽性。考虑到最近在其他对撞机上的电弱部分与理论预测的差异，这样的测量特别及时。当我们将标准模型测试到前所未有的水平时，我们发现了各种差异，比如所谓的“B异常”。我们的目标是在ATLAS中测量可观测的R（K）。这个量比较了弱力如何与电子或μ子相互作用：我们预计相互作用的强度完全相同，而“B异常”似乎暗示了与这个范式的偏离，这将代表新物理学的强烈信号。我们还计划在ATLAS数据中寻找暗物质的信号。来自宇宙学的证据表明，与引力相互作用的物质占宇宙中物质的80%以上。但其性质尚未确定。如果暗物质是由粒子组成的，那么它可能是在LHC碰撞中产生的。暗物质粒子可能在LHC碰撞中以与标准模型粒子混合的喷雾形式产生。我们的目标是寻找这些在ATLAS数据中没有被探索过的新现象。QMUL的成立是为了促进当地社区的教育和机会。这种精神继续在我们今天的工作，通过我们的国家认可的外联和公众参与计划，特别是与当地社区。我们是第一个获得国家协调中心颁发的公众参与白金奖的组织，我们的项目已被皇家学会采用。为研究创造一个真正包容的环境，这种环境是多样化的，基于公平的原则，是我们机构的核心价值，并嵌入在这里提出的研究实践中。我们的学术团体已经实现了性别平等，我们显然与国家LGBTQ干研究网络参与，并寻求支持代表性不足的少数民族进入研究职业道路的破坏性变化。