DUNE – Design and Optimisation of The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment at Fermilabing Update by Supervisor

DUNE is the a billion dollar international neutrino experiment in which a beam of neutrinos will be fired from Fermilab, USA to a 10 kton liquid argon detector built 1300 km away in a new underground facility at Homestake, S. Dakota. Construction has already begun but one issue to address is the ability of DUNE to detect low energy non-accelerator events, such as from possible proton decay or astrophysical neutrinos. Sheffield is responsible for building key parts of the main far detector charge readout array. The project will involve a combination of experimental work to measure and understand the critical low background performance of the DUNE detector components, specifically radon emanation and U/Th issues, plus simulations and analysis to assess the implications of this on the design and science capability for low energy physics. There will be chance for long term attachment (6-12 months) in Chicago at Fermilab and involvement in our programme to construct the main detector. This is a rare chance to become integral to work towards the huge DUNE experiment in the US, gaining both hardware and software expertise.

Science Graduate School:
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School – a community of postgraduate researchers working across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.