Testing Thin Scintillating Polarized Targets
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Kent Leung
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 12:45 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 1:44 PM
Description
Protons and neutrons (the nucleons), the key constituents of atomic nuclei, are made up of quarks and gluons. These elementary particles interact with each other via the nuclear strong force. The COMPTON@HIGS collaboration is working to understand the nature of the nuclear strong force that plays a vital role in the formation of nucleons. This is done by inducing Compton scattering between gamma photons (~ 60 MeV) and different types of light nuclei. We are working on developing scintillating polarized targets for a next-generation experiment where we seek to measure the tensor spin polarizability of the proton. The target is required to achieve >80% of proton spin alignment in an external magnetic field using dynamic nuclear polarization. To test the scintillating properties of candidate materials, we developed a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based light detection system capable of detecting single photons. This system will facilitate the exchange of different scintillators quickly, as well as meet requirements for detection efficiency and background reduction. This involves making a stable, light-tight system that can guide photos to the small area photosensor. Using Fusion 360, I designed a light guide that connects our SiPM to our scintillator. This piece is necessary because it prevents the loss of light and facilitates travel. Support for the board that powers the PM was also necessary. All of these will go into a dark box to ensure no outside source will affect our measurements. Results and data analysis will be presented at the poster session.
Testing Thin Scintillating Polarized Targets
Protons and neutrons (the nucleons), the key constituents of atomic nuclei, are made up of quarks and gluons. These elementary particles interact with each other via the nuclear strong force. The COMPTON@HIGS collaboration is working to understand the nature of the nuclear strong force that plays a vital role in the formation of nucleons. This is done by inducing Compton scattering between gamma photons (~ 60 MeV) and different types of light nuclei. We are working on developing scintillating polarized targets for a next-generation experiment where we seek to measure the tensor spin polarizability of the proton. The target is required to achieve >80% of proton spin alignment in an external magnetic field using dynamic nuclear polarization. To test the scintillating properties of candidate materials, we developed a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based light detection system capable of detecting single photons. This system will facilitate the exchange of different scintillators quickly, as well as meet requirements for detection efficiency and background reduction. This involves making a stable, light-tight system that can guide photos to the small area photosensor. Using Fusion 360, I designed a light guide that connects our SiPM to our scintillator. This piece is necessary because it prevents the loss of light and facilitates travel. Support for the board that powers the PM was also necessary. All of these will go into a dark box to ensure no outside source will affect our measurements. Results and data analysis will be presented at the poster session.