In-class presentation will either cover one of the published research papers in experimental particle physics (high energy physics) or a mini-research project. The list of papers and potential mini-research projects is provided below. Presentations will take place on Mondays in the last month of classes. Each presentation will be approximately 20 minutes. Overhead slide projector or computer projector could be used for the presentation. In addition, a one-page outline of the presentation is due the last day of classes before the Spring break.

Access to PROLA database is provided through the subscription of the Johns Hopkins University. Let the instructor know if you have problems accessing the database. This page is available at http://gritsan.pha.jhu.edu/2008.171.731/papers.html


List of mini-research projects offered for the class presentation:


(1) Monte Carlo modeling of the Higgs meson reconstruction and analysis.
The instructor will provide data in the ROOT format for further analysis using ROOT Data Analysis Framework, based on C++. You will perform analysis of the data using either ROOT or RooFit Toolkit for data modeling, based on ROOT. The goal is to determine parameters of the Higgs (mass, lifetime, spin, and CP quantum numbers) and of the intermediate particles in the decay chain from the available data. Your presentation will discuss the analysis as well as overall discussion of the Higgs particle.


(2) Monte Carlo modeling of the B meson reconstruction and analysis.
The instructor will provide data in the ROOT format for further analysis using ROOT Data Analysis Framework, based on C++. You will perform analysis of the data using either ROOT or RooFit Toolkit for data modeling, based on ROOT. The goal is to determine polarization of the decay products in the B meson decay and determine spin of the intermediate particles in the decay chain from the available data. Your presentation will discuss the analysis as well as overall discussion of the B-meson reconstruction.


List of papers offered for the class presentation:


(1) The Positive Electron
Physical Review 43, 491 (1933)



(2) Observation of Antiprotons
Phys. Rev. 100, 947 (1955)



(3) Observation of a Hyperon with Strangeness Minus Three
Phys. Rev. Lett. 12, 204 (1964)



(4) Evidence for the 2pi Decay of the K20 Meson
Phys. Rev. Lett. 13, 138 (1964)



(5) Experimental Observation of a Heavy Particle J
Phys. Rev. Lett. 33, 1404 (1974)

OR

Discovery of a Narrow Resonance in e+e- Annihilation
Phys. Rev. Lett. 33, 1406 (1974)



(6) Evidence for Anomalous Lepton Production in e+e- Annihilation
Phys. Rev. Lett. 35, 1489 (1975)

SEE ALSO

Measurement of e+e-=>e+e- and e+e-=>mu+mu-
Phys. Rev. Lett. 34, 233 (1975)



(7) Experimental observation of isolated large transverse energy electrons with associated missing energy at sqrt(s)=540 GeV
Phys. Lett. B 122, 103 (1983)



(8) Observation of Top Quark Production in Pbar-P Collisions
Phys.Rev.Lett. 74, 2626 (1995)

OR

Observation of the Top Quark
Phys.Rev.Lett. 74, 2632 (1995)



(9) Observation of CP violation in the B0 meson system
Phys.Rev.Lett. 87, 091801 (2001)

OR

Observation of Large CP Violation in the Neutral B Meson System
Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 091802 (2001)



(10) Measurement of the Rate of nu_e + d => p + p + e- Interactions Produced by 8B Solar Neutrinos
Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 071301 (2001)

SEE ALSO

Solar 8B and hep Neutrino Measurements from 1258 Days of Super-Kamiokande Data
Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 5651 (2001)