The neutrino group covers a wide range of activities:

DUNE PhD projects in Warwick would usually have an initial emphasis on the development of pattern-recognition algorithms (including machine-learning approaches) to better exploit DUNE’s LArTPC imaging detectors. These detectors provide “photograph-quality” images of the charged particles that emerge from neutrino interactions. The human eye/brain can often do a good job of interpreting what’s shown in the complex images, but developing algorithms to interpret the images is still a significant research challenge. Warwick is the home of the Pandora pattern-recognition software, and joining the Warwick group is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Pandora algorithm development, to support the different analyses in DUNE’s physics programme

A PhD project would concentrate on an area of specific physics interest at DUNE; recently this has included the flagship neutrino oscillation analysis, examination of supernova neutrinos and nucleon decay. The reconstruction of events recorded by the LArTPC detectors would be optimised to meet the needs of the analysis, by identifying current image-analysis limitations and designing new algorithms to improve the pattern recognition. Work would then proceed to perform the analysis itself, including selection of signal events, rejection of backgrounds, parameter fitting and consideration of systematic uncertainties, in conjunction with the relevant DUNE physics working group.

We are also building a high-pressure Time Projection Chamber in the department (WarTPCLink opens in a new window). Potential PhD thesis topics include measuring the properties of novel gas mixtures, further developing the readout system, and constructing a laser calibration system.

---

HyperK is in the development phase and our activities can be read about here. A project on Hyper-K would involve R&D work on the two calibration systems we are constructing for Hyper-K, work on the data acquisition system and analysis work on validating the calibration system requirements using the Hyper-K neutrino flavour oscillation analysis.

---

JUNO is a next-generation neutrino experiment under construction in China, now finishing construction in 2024 and set to begin data collection in 2025--the group websiteLink opens in a new window is slightly out of date because we are busy (proudly) preparing for data taking! Using 20 kilotons of liquid scintillators, its primary goal is to detect neutrinos from nuclear power plants and determine the neutrino mass ordering. As an observatory that will operate for the next few decades, it will also study interesting phenomena involving neutrinos from various natural sources. The Warwick group is leading the effort in studying neutrino interactions in JUNO. A project in JUNO will involve analysing the first data and understanding and improving the performance of this brand-new detector. Potential PhD thesis topics include the measurement of neutrino mass ordering using atmospheric neutrinos and the search for proton decay.

---

T2K has been taking data since 2010. Our research interests revolve around making measurements of neutrino scattering cross section for different scattering modes which have not been measured before. We have studied: coherent scattering of neutrinos from nuclei, the first measurements of single pion production from electron neutrino interactions, and are working on measurements of neutral current interaction cross sections. Potential PhD thesis topics include the first TKI measurements with the upgraded Near Detector.

Projects are available in all of these areas. Please talk to

Dr. John Marshall (john.marshall@warwick.ac.uk), Dr. Xianguo Lu (xianguo dot lu at warwick dot ac dot uk), or Prof. Gary Barker (g.j.barker@warwick.ac.uk) for enquiries on DUNE

Dr. Steve Boyd (s.b.boyd@warwick.ac.uk) for enquiries on Hyper-K

Dr. Xianguo Lu (xianguo dot lu at warwick dot ac dot uk) for enquiries on JUNO

Dr. Steve Boyd (s.b.boyd@warwick.ac.uk), Dr. Xianguo Lu (xianguo dot lu at warwick dot ac dot uk) or Prof. Gary Barker (g.j.barker@warwick.ac.uk) for enquiries on T2K