Master's Thesis in the Working Group of Prof. Husemann
The research in the working group of Prof. Husemann at the Institute of Experimental Particle Physics (ETP) of KIT is focused on two main topics, data analysis and particle detectors For the CMS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, we analyze the data and we build silicon tracking detectors. Such detectors are also very relevant for medicine, where they are employed, e.g. in radiotherapy. On this page you will find suggestions for thesis topics. Some of the topics are offered jointly with other working groups, from ETP or from the KIT Institute for Data Processing an Electronics (IPE).
Data Analysis at the CERN Large Hadron Collider
| Topic: | Search for Beyond the Standard Model Higgs Bosons |
| Summary: | Together with the research groups Klute/Quast/Wolf at ETP we search for the production of two Higgs bosons within the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM). Specifically, the decays of the two Higgs bosons into a pair of tau leptons and a pair of bottom quarks are of great interest to us. This analysis offers possibilities for contributions of Master students in object reconstruction, machine learning, and interesting analysis of CMS data in general. |
| What you will learn: | BSM Higgs physics, data analysis, Python programming, C++ programming machine learning |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann, Prof. Markus Klute |
| Contact: | Dr. Michael Waßmer |
| Last change: | 29/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Search for Dark Matter in Association with Heavy Quarks |
| Summary: | Deciphering the nature of dark matter (DM) is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. At particle accelerators, DM can be produced and studied in a controlled laboratory environment. We are conducting a search for DM using the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (CERN), studying final states with top and bottom quarks and missing energy. In your Master's thesis, you can improve this search with the most recent CMS data and new analysis methods. |
| What you will learn: | Physics beyond the standard model, data analysis, machine learning, Python programming, C++ programming, ROOT, statistical methods and numerical optimization |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Michael Waßmer |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Machine Learning in Particle Physics |
| Summary: | Multivariate methods of data analysis have been used in particle physics for many years. Current machine learning techniques such as Convolutional Networks (CNN), Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), Normalizing Flows (NFs) and Transformers have recently also entered particle physics. Increased attention is also currently being paid to methods for the systematic investigation of machine learning techniques, collectively known as "Explainable AI/ML". Try out one of the many new possibilities this opens up in your Master's thesis. |
| What you will learn: | Collider physics, machine learning, Python programming |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Michael Waßmer |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Associated ttX Production |
| Summary: | In the associated production of Higgs bosons and top quark-antiquark pairs, the top Higgs-Yukawa coupling can be directly measured. We observed this process for the first time in 2018 and have recently published updated analysis. To further understand the process and discover possible traces of new physics, we are also investigating the main background processes that look almost like the signal in the detector. These are mainly the associated production of top quarks with additional bottom quarks or Z bosons. Be part of the team investigating top-Yukawa coupling with the full data set from LHC Run 2, determining key background processes with the highest accuracy. |
| What you will learn: | Top-quark and Higgs-boson physics, data analysis, machine learning, Python programming, C++ programming, ROOT |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Michael Waßmer |
| Last change: | 26/10/2023 |
Silicon Detectors for Particle Physics and Medicine
| Topic: | Characterization of the Final Silicon Sensor Modules for the Upgrade of the CMS Experiment |
| Summary: | With up to 2000 2S modules to be assembled, the ETP contributes significantly to building the new tracking detector of the CMS experiment, which is scheduled to start operation at the high-luminosity LHC in 2029. The pre-production of the modules will start in summer 2024. In your Master's thesis, you will be involved in the construction of these modules as well as in their characterization. |
| What you will learn: | Data taking and data analysis; detector assembly |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Alexander Dierlamm |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Resistive Silicon Detector R&D for Phase 3 CMS and Future Colliders |
| Summary: | Over the past ten years, silicon timing detectors with gain layers have developed from research and development (R&D) projects to full subsystems that will be installed in large scale collider experiments such as the CMS and ATLAS experiments at CERN. This technology also led to the idea of ‘4D’ sensors capable of high spatial and temporal resolution. At KIT, we collaborate with the University of Torino on studying the Resistive Silicon Detectors (RSDs), a novel type of ‘4D’ sensor. As a master’s student you will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art silicon sensors. You will be studying new geometries, writing reconstruction software, and assisting with irradiation testing. |
| What you will learn: | Data taking and data analysis; detector assembly |
| Advisor: | Prof. Markus Klute, Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Brendan Regnery, Dr. Alexander Dierlamm |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Development of an Ion Beam Monitor using HV-CMOS Chips |
| Summary: | In a joint project with IPE, we are developing a beam monitor for therapeutic ion beams. Our beam monitor is based on silicon sensor technology, while conventional beam monitors are constructed from wire chambers and ionization chambers. The new technology comes with new challenges, including the readout concept, interconnection technology of a matrix of 13x13 chips and thermal management at minimal mass. In this thesis, concepts are developed and tested to meet these high requirements. Subsequently, you will participate in laboratory and beam tests. |
| What you will learn: | Data taking and data analysis; detector assembly; FEM simulations |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann |
| Contact: | Dr. Alexander Dierlamm |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |
| Topic: | Secondary Particle Tracking for Radiotherapy |
| Summary: | Carbon ion beam radiotherapy is a highly focused and efficient cancer treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to apply the radiation to the tumor precisely. Our partners at DKFZ have been developing a unique method to “see” the radiation dose distribution inside of the patient. It is based on nuclear fragments leaving the patient during the treatment. The Timepix detector technology developed at CERN is used to track such fragments. DKFZ has developed a clinical imaging system and the clinical study has been launched in 2023. In the Master's thesis you will design an own experiment using patient models, conduct the measurements at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center, evaluate the data and learn to interpret the results. |
| What you will learn: | Medical physics and its clinical applications in radiotherapy, pixelated mini-tracker operation, data taking, MATLAB programing |
| Advisor: | Prof. Ulrich Husemann, Prof. Oliver Jäkel (DKFZ) |
| Contact: | Dr. Alexander Dierlamm, Dr. Mária Martišíková (DKFZ) |
| Last change: | 26/01/2024 |