Award Abstract #0320759
Collaborative Research: Development of a Particle Tracking System for the Qweak Experiment

NSF Org:	PHY Division of Physics
Initial Amendment Date:	July 26, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	July 26, 2003
Award Number:	0320759
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Richard N. Boyd PHY Division of Physics MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2003
Expires:	July 31, 2006 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$31657
Investigator(s):	Allena Opper akopper@gwu.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Ohio University 108 CUTLER HL ATHENS, OH 45701 740/593-2857
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0000099 Other Applications NEC
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, 0000
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

Ohio University will design and build two sets of trigger

scintillators for the Qweak experiment at Jefferson Lab. This

important new experiment will measure the weak charge of the proton,

as a precision test of the running of the weak mixing angle, thus

providing a uniquely sensitive probe of physics beyond the Standard

Model of particle physics.



The trigger scintillators are an essential component of the Qweak

particle tracking system, and will be used to start the electronics

and to veto neutral particles during the calibration and background

measurements. Each scintillator will be 225 cm x 16 cm x 1 cm and

made from BC408 or its equivalent. Non-UVT lightguides at each end

will provide a mechanically reliable optical coupling joint. UVT rods

that are 5.1 cm in diameter and 5 cm long will couple the rectangular

lightguide to the photomultiplier tubes. The long edges of the

scintillators will be diamond milled and the ends finished to a 600

grit sanded finish. Given the extreme ratio of thickness to length,

the scintillator counters must be supported by a frame which is then

mountable to the rear chamber package. To reduce radiation damage,

this package will be removed from direct view of the beam for the high

current running mode.

The assembly and testing of the detectors will be done at the Ohio

University Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics by a graduate

student and at least one undergraduate student, under the supervision

of Professor Opper. The Ohio University group will also develop the

fast triggering system which is required for this experiment.

When the detectors have been deemed ready for installation, the

students will participate in their commissioning at Jefferson Lab.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.