{UAH} Research Positions:ALPHA Antiproton Catching Trap

One of the grand challenges of physics is understanding the fundamental differences between matter and antimatter. Current theories suggest that matter and antimatter should have been created in equal quantities during the formation of the universal; the predominance of matter in the observable universe starkly calls this conclusion into question. The ALPHA collaboration seeks to address these questions by making precise measurements, such as spectroscopy, on trapped antihydrogen atoms, and comparing these against similarly precise measurements in hydrogen. Measurements of these low-energy phenomena allow for a unique and complementary probe of fundamental physics from Charge, Parity, Time symmetry to gravity, as compared to traditional high-energy experiments.

We are seeking a PhD student to work on topics related to the critical task of providing antiprotons for precision measurements. The ALPHA Catching Trap is the device that provides the interface between CERN's accelerator complex and all atomic physics experiments. The proposed project is the experimental investigation of novel plasma techniques to enable long-term accumulation and extraction of antiprotons. This work involves developing plasma manipulation techniques and diagnostics in order to achieve novel and reliable partial-extraction of antiprotons from a reservoir. The project will also include design studies and measurements for integrating the catching trap with ELENA, CERN's next-generation antiproton decelerator, and integration with a possible antimatter gravitation experiment. The student will also be expected to participate in ALPHA's ongoing experimental programme on trapped antihydrogen.

This project is a multi-disciplinary project at the intersection of accelerators, plasma and atomic physics. The project will involve both experimental effort as well as calculation and simulation of plasma behaviour using modeling software such as GPT, Opera, and ANSYS. This is a 3-year studentship at the University of Manchester and the Cockcroft Institute supervised by Dr. William Bertsche, with significant time spent stationed at CERN.

For more information on ALPHA, see: http://alpha.web.cern.ch

Funding Notes:

European students must have been (or will have been) studying in the UK for at least 3 years in order to qualify for this funding.

References:

"Description and first application of a new technique to measure the gravitational mass of antihydrogen", Nature Communications 4, 1785 (2013)
"Resonant quantum transitions in trapped antihydrogen atoms", Nature 483, 439 (2012)
"Trapped antihydrogen", Nature 468, 673 (2010)
http://alpha.web.cern.ch

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Staff Scientist Position in Accelerator Mass Spectrometry
Christian-Albrechts-Universität
The Leibniz-Laboratory for Radiometric Dating and Isotope Research at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, Germany invites applications for a permanent position in Physics and/or Isotope Chemistry in the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Unit. The Leibniz Laboratory uses a 3 MV HVE Tandetron accelerator system exclusively for radiocarbon research in fields such as climate and marine research, in geology and cultural sciences, as well as in history and archaeology. Internal research projects are performed in these fields while most of the annual budget is funded by measurement income from external customers. The successful candidate is expected to: •direct and contribute to the routine operation and maintenance of the existing AMS system for radiocarbon measurements on biological, geological and archaeological samples •assure the quality control of measurements and instrument performance at highest level possible •Initiate and guide the purchase and installation of a second small state-of-the-art AMS system for very small sample volumes. Essential qualifications are: •a PhD, preferably in Physics or Chemistry, related to the application of accelerator systems and/or isotope chemistry in nuclear, environmental or health studies • extensive experience in AMS 14C analyses and data quality assessment, as well as in independent operation and maintenance of AMS-systems • practical knowledge in a relevant field of experimental physics, e.g., vacuum or detector techniques, ion optics and sources, electronics. Experience in programming of complex data bases, orientation towards customer-related services, and strong interest in own research projects will be advantageous. The successful applicant will be part of an international team, thus fluency in English and German language will be preferred. For foreign applicants, the willingness to learn German within 2 years is essential. Preparedness for flexible working schedules including at weekends is also a requirement. The starting salary will be commensurate with experience up to TV-L 14. Advancement to become the head of the AMS unit is possible, depending on existing experience or after a probation period of two years. The Christian-Albrechts University is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore women, disabled persons and those with foreign citizenship are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a résumé, including a detailed description of work experience, educational background, a one page statement of research interests and copies of your 3 most important publications, as well as names and addresses of 3 referees, by June 15th, 2014 to Prof. Ralph Schneider, Leibniz-Labor, CAU Kiel, Max-Eyth-Strasse 11, 24118 Kiel, Germany For further information contact Ralph Schneider Tel.: +49 (431) 880 – 7390, email: rschneider@leibniz.uni-kiel.de

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Bwanika Nakyesawa Luwero

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