Experimental Particle Physics Seminars in 2023-2024

Wednesday October 18 2023 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Elena Villhauer – University of Edinburgh
Defying 4D Gravity: Novel searches for signatures of string theory via scalar cascades, noncommutative black holes, non-minimal dark sectors, and deep learning
The existence of extra dimensions could lower the fundamental Planck scale to the low TeV scale and very excitingly allow string theory to be probed at the LHC. This talk introduces novel searches for signatures of string theory via three models that have never been searched for by any experiment: scalar cascades, noncommutative black holes, and non-minimal dark sectors. Deep learning is employed through the use of particle flow networks to learn jet substructure and design analysis regions. The background estimation is automated through the implementation of distance correlation in the neural network loss function. A novel jet reclustering algorithm is used to overcome the challenges associated with a soft final state. Future directions are also discussed.


Wednesday November 1 2023 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Ian Dyckes – LBNL
The mystery of cold noise in ATLAS upgrade silicon strip modules
In preparation for the High Luminosity LHC, the ATLAS Experiment is constructing a new Inner Tracker (ITk) composed of silicon pixel and silicon strip detectors.  After multiple years of prototyping, the ITk strips community entered the pre-production phase in late-2021.  However, in early 2022, clusters of channels exceeding the noise specification were observed when testing modules at the design operating temperature of -35C.  This observation of “Cold Noise” interrupted pre-production and initiated an extensive investigation into the cause and potential mitigation strategies.  This talk will summarize our current understanding of the Cold Noise mechanism, highlighting the most insightful studies from this year-long investigation.


Wednesday December 13 2023 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Bernd Surrow – Temple University
The Electron-Ion Collider


Wednesday February 21 2024 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Daisy Kalra – Columbia University
TBA (liquid Argon TPCs and rare decays)


Wednesday February 28 2024 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Tae Min Hong – University of Pittsburgh
TBA (ATLAS)


Wednesday April 17 28 2024 at 3:30pm  in DRL 2C8
Jason Detwiler – University of Washington
TBA (LEGEND-200 and LEGEND-1000)

Previous seminars before 2023-24


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