ALPHA Antiproton Catching Trap

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One of the grand challenges in physics is understanding the fundamental differences between matter and antimatter. Current theories suggest that matter and antimatter should have been created in equal quantities during the formation of the universal; the predominance of matter in the observable universe starkly calls this conclusion into question. The ALPHA collaboration seeks to address these questions by making precise measurements, such as spectroscopy, on trapped antihydrogen atoms, and comparing these against similarly precise measurements in hydrogen. Measurements of these low-energy phenomena allow for a unique and complementary probe of fundamental physics from Charge, Parity, Time symmetry to gravity, as compared to traditional high-energy experiments. ALPHA, located at CERN, is pursuing the first precision measurements of these exotic anti-atoms. In addition to achieving this goal through optical spectroscopy of the antihydrogen, ALPHA is planning on expanding to the first direct gravitational measurements of any sort on antimatter. Central to the ALPHA experimental programme is the Antiproton Catching Trap, a device which capture, cools, and prepares antiprotons for use in the ambitious activities. We are seeking a PhD student to work on topics related to the Catching Trap during this exciting growth period. The proposed project is the experimental investigation of novel plasma techniques to enable long-term accumulation and extraction of antiprotons. This work involves developing plasma manipulation techniques and diagnostics in order to achieve novel and reliable on-demand antiprotons. The project will also include design studies and measurements for enabling a new generation of antimatter gravitation experiments as well as integration with ELENA, CERN's next-generation antiproton decelerator. The student is expected to participate in the ongoing experimental programme on trapped antihydrogen.