Particle Physics with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider
Summary
This project provides the opportunity (both PhD and MPhil) to join the global effort to search for physics beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics using data from the Belle II Experiment at KEK’s SuperKEKB electron-positron collider.
Supervisor
Professor Kevin Varvell.
Research location
School of Physics
Program type
PHD
Synopsis
The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider in Japan has now been data-taking for several years. It primarily studies rare decays of particles known as B mesons, in order to make precision tests of the Standard Model (SM) of Particle Physics and to search for physics “beyond the Standard Model” (BSM), including for dark matter. It can also search for new exotic states containing quarks and gluons. The University of Sydney is a member of the Belle II collaboration, and areas within which projects could be offered include:
- searches for purely leptonic decays of B mesons, such as a charged B meson decaying to an electron, muon or tau lepton and associated neutrino. The first two of these decays are extremely rare and have not been observed to date, and all three decays are particularly sensitive to BSM physics.
- studies of so-called semileptonic decays of B mesons, where in addition to an electron, muon or tau lepton and associated neutrino, a meson is also produced. Like purely leptonic decays, semileptonic decays are sensitive to BSM physics, and also allow for the determination of fundamental parameters of the Standard Model of Particle Physics (SM).
- studies of other rare processes using Belle II data.
- preparations for future planned upgrades of the Belle II detector to operate at higher beam intensities from the SuperKEKB collider, for example in the area of triggering of the detector.
Specific projects could be tailored to suit the particular interests of students.
Additional information
Consider the following for example:
- Potential research areas for PhD and MPhil topics
- Current PhD/Hons topics being undertaken at the location or with the supervisors
- Is the opportunity also available for Honours students?
- Techniques, methodologies, research approaches, technologies, etc., employed by the project - e.g., electron microscopy, textual analysis, etc.
- Scholarships/funding available
- Eligibility criteria (e.g., Hons 1) or previous experience or skills required
Some aspects of the above program can also be tailored towards shorter projects to be undertaken at Honours level.
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Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2147
Other opportunities with
Professor Kevin Varvell
