Design, Construction, and Test of a Charged Particle Detector (2023)

Undergraduate: Landon Overall

Faculty Advisor: Akaa Ayangeakaa
Department: Physics & Astronomy

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When conducting research in experimental nuclear physics, the coincident detection of both nuclei (charge particles) and gamma rays they emit is essential for understanding the underlying mechanisms of nuclear reactions and their unique properties. This requires the use of specialized charged particle detectors, which is the focus of our research at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Labratory. Over the course of this project, we have designed and constructed a detector that allows for the selective detection of recoiling particles in coincidence with gamma ray emission. The system uses a series of position-sensitive silicon detectors with high resolution to achieve this level of selectivity. The development of this selective charge particle detector is critical for advancing our understanding of nuclear physics and, in turn, shall lead to new discoveries and insights in the field of experimental nuclear physics.

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