Several thesis
topics are available on LiCAS. Besides simulation and analysis work on
the physics accessible with linear colliders (SUSY, Higgs, Multiple Gauge
Boson couplings, to name just a few) the experimental work would involve
aspects from the list below in proportions that would be determined from
the candidate's abilities and preferences. Since the project will be at
the first generation prototype stage in autumn 2005, students joining at
this stage will be able to fully participate in the prototype runs at
DESY, analyse the data taken and play a key role in the improvements for
the 2nd generation prototypes which are intended to operate in the new
X-FEL at DESY. Thesis supervisor: Armin Reichold
(a.reichold@physics.ox.ac.uk).
1.
The train must be able to combine all measurements from several
stops and calculate the co-ordinates of the surveyed markers. This has to
happen both online and offline with varying amount of calibrations being
used. Different algorithms for this task need to be developed and
characterised by comparison with simulated data.
2.
Many aspects of the system will have to be calibrated against
absolute length standards. Special calibration experiments that have
highly stable length standards built into them and can be used for all
subsystems have to be developed.
3.
An in-situ calibration system that allows a single car or even
the whole RTRS to be calibrated in the field would be a highly desirable
facility that could be based on accurately monitored differential motion
of cars and fits to the data taken during these motion steps.
4.
The errors of FSI technique due to length drift during a
measurement can be reduced by using two simultaneously tuning lasers.
Many alternatives exist how the two measurements can be combined and
these need be developed and compared.
5.
A second generation instrument, capable of measuring collider
positions against the wall marker reference system could be integrated into
the RTRS. A first generation prototype of this could be developed.
