Philip Jones
PhD Title: What's that made of? Modelling muonic X-ray radiation for quantitative elemental analysis
PhD Supervisor: Albert Bartók-Pártay
Background
For undergraduate, I completed an integrated masters degree in Theoretical Physics at the University of York, graduating with a First Class Honours (with distinction). I was awarded the O. S. Heavens Prize for highest overall degree mark in the MPhys program.
My final year project was focused on acceleration of density functional theory calculations using graphics processing units (GPUs). In particular, this involved offloading the density of states calculations, as well as general GPU development within CASTEP.
Research
My PhD project involves working with Mudirac, an open-source code designed for simulating muonic x-ray spectroscopy experiments.
Negative muons essentially function as a negative electron; they are captured by an atom and then cascade down their atomic energy levels. This can proceed in two fashions: x-ray emission, and Auger electron emission. A robust method of modelling this, including the interaction of the muon and the electrons, is required to make full use of experimental accuracy.
There is an existing code used for calculating muonic X-ray intensities, but this code is old and contains several computational and theoretical approximations. An aim of this project is to bring this code up to date using modern techniques.
Talks
"Muon Cascade Calculations", STFC Muon User Day 2024, Abingdon. Presentation
