Date of Completion
Spring 5-1-2024
Thesis Advisor(s)
Richard Jones; Diego Valente; Myron Minn-Thu-Aye
Honors Major
Physics
Disciplines
Elementary Particles and Fields and String Theory | Nuclear
Abstract
Although particle physics research is typically reserved for advanced undergraduates, algebra-based physics students can readily develop the foundational skills necessary to conduct particle physics research. Despite this, there is a shortage of educational resources that introduce particle physics to algebra-based physics students. This project, Particle Identification Playground, is a collection of Python-based activities that teach students about several fundamental topics in experimental particle physics research. Through these activities, students will learn about the common detectors used in particle physics, how they work, and how we can use these detectors to identify particles. Students are able to interact with 3D models of real particle detectors, use applets to visualize and analyze particle physics data, and create and interpret plots commonly seen in published papers. These activities provide students with the rare opportunity to engage with particle physics research as early as high school.
Recommended Citation
Dube, Richard, "An Educational Resource for Particle Identification (PID) in Experimental Particle Physics Data" (2024). Honors Scholar Theses. 1026.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/1026