Fundamental measurements with cold neutrons: Nab and BL3 experiments

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This project encompasses the Nab experiment, at Oak Ridge National Lab and the BL3 experiment at the National Institute of Standards and Technoloy, both in the USA. Nab will make the most precise measurements of certain neutron decay parameters and the BL3 experiment will make the most precision neutron lifetime measured with a beam of neutrons. Together both experiments will shed light on the leading particle physics theories of today and help us home in on a theory that truly describes the world we live in. Nab is currently in its commissioning phase and will collect physics data from 2022-2025. The Canadian Nab group is responsible for testing the novel large area Si detectors used in the experiment where we have built a steerable 30 keV proton accelerator at the University of Manitoba for this purpose. The group has tested a set of Nab Si detectors with 30 keV protons will build a new detector mount and test another series of detectors to investigate various detector systematic effects so the Nab experiment can reach it error budget goals. In addition, the members of this group will participate in physics data taking data analysis. The Canadian BL3 group is responsible for testing the Si detectors used by the BL3 experiment, which are very similar to the Si detectors used by the Nab experiment. A systematic effect known as proton backscattering, where protons scatter off the surface of the Si detector surface will be studied as a function of proton energy and backscattering angle. This study will provide crucial information to ensure the BL3 meets its systematic error goals. The HQP in this project include one postdoc, two graduate students, and 1 undergraduate student each summer (for 3 summers). These personnel will: Build the Nab Si detector Characterization Mount and test with the 30 keV proton beam at the University of Manitoba. Develop the hardware and implement a backscatter detector into the 30 keV proton beam line detector test chamber at the University of Manitoba. Interface with the larger Nab collaboration, by performing data taking shifts and physics data analysis at ORNL. Present their work related to the 30 keV proton beam, the Nab Si detector tests, and the proton backscattering off Si surfaces at national and international conference and publish the results in the appropriate referred scientific journals. Through these activities the HQP will gain valuable skills and experience in computer aided design and modeling, simple machining, vacuum hardware, electronics signal processing and data acquisition techniques, advanced computing and data analysis practices, and presentation and writing methods. In addition, the postdoc and graduate students will get valuable mentoring experience while they work together with the undergraduate students to complete the projects. These skills will prepare them for a variety of careers, especially those in Canada's STEM fields.