1) Data analysis and interpretation of UHECR measurements by the Pierre Auger Observatory
Experimental framework: AUGER
Field: Cosmic Rays
The activity will be focused on the use of the Monte Carlo simulation code SimProp for the propagation of UHECRs in the extragalactic space. The energy spectrum of UHECRs and cosmogenic neutrinos will be computed corresponding to variations of spectral parameters at the UHECR sources as well as to different choices for the UHECR mass composition. The expected fluxes will be compared to the Auger open dataset of measurements of the energy spectrum and composition
2) mounting of a scintillating calorimeter with double readout and subsequent cooldown to 10 mK
Experimental framework: COSINUS
Field: Dark Matter, low temperature calorimeters
This hands-on activity offers PhD students the opportunity to build and operate low-temperature calorimeters, essential tools in particle and astroparticle physics. We will assemble the calorimeter, coupling it to either an NTD (Neutron Transmutation Doped) or TES (Transition Edge Sensor) thermometer. After coupling, the system will be cooled down in a cryostat to operational temperatures, and students will monitor the process to ensure optimal performance. Once operational, we will test the calorimeter’s calibration, gaining valuable experience in data acquisition and cryogenic experiments. This activity provides practical knowledge of assembling, calibrating, and operating low-temperature detectors used in advanced research.
3) Characterization of Transition Edge Sensors based Dark Matter Prototypes
Experimental framework: CRESST
Field: Dark Matter
The activity will be carried out in the CRESST test Facility (LNGS underground Lab). The activity will include the operation of cryogenics detectors and data interpretation.
4) Characterization of cryogenic calorimeters for 0νββ decay/characterization of thermal/mechanical performance of Pulse Tube cryocoolers
Experimental framework: CUORE-CUPID
Field: Cryogenic calorimeters / Cryogen-free refrigerators
The study of the Majorana nature of the neutrino represents one of the most interesting challenges in astroparticle physics. CUORE is the first calorimetric detector searching for neutrinoless double beta decay to reach the scale of one ton at 10 mK. It has the largest milliKelvin infrastructure in the world, utilizing a cryostat equipped with 5 Pulse Tube (PT) cryocoolers that provide two stages of pre-cooling at 35 K and 3.5 K. The CUPID experiment will further enhance the sensitivity by tripling the number of detectors and developing innovative cryogenic calorimeters with dual readout (light + heat) to identify the process while rejecting the main contaminations. To enable this scaling-up, also the cryostat will undergo an upgrade of the PT cryocoolers to improve its thermal and mechanical performance.
Students will be introduced to the basics of calorimetric detectors and techniques at Kelvin and milliKelvin temperatures, with a particular focus on the CUORE/CUPID cryostat. They will participate in the characterization of the PT cryocoolers and the thermalization with reduced vibration transmission and high thermal efficiency of the CUPID experiment, in a dedicated cryostat capable of reaching a base temperature of 2 Kelvin. Moreover, some CUPID detector prototypes could be tested using a dilution refrigerator in the underground laboratory to validate their performance in terms of resolution, light collection and background reduction.
5) Characterization and optimization of an Optically readout TPC for Direct Dark Matter Search
Experimental framework: CYGNO
Field: Dark Matter
The CYGNO experiment aims to detect dark matter using an innovative approach: a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC) that leverages charge multiplication through Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) combined with optical readout of scintillation photons. This technology is particularly suited for probing the low-mass region of dark matter candidates, an area where traditional methods show reduced sensitivity. A critical challenge for the CYGNO detector is the signal saturation issue. Achieving maximum GEM gain is essential for detecting extremely weak signals but risks compromising measurement accuracy due to signal saturation. The MANGO prototype is an accurate replication of the CYGNO experiment but situated in a controlled environment, ideal for targeted research and development. The project involves detailed studies of detector responses, including measurements with radioactive sources, systematic scans of GEM supply voltages, and specific tests aimed at mitigating saturation effects without compromising the low-energy threshold sensitivity. By analyzing known energy peaks from various radioactive sources while varying gain parameters, students will identify saturation points and optimize the detector's operational settings.
6) Characterization and integration of large SiPM arrays in the NOA facility
Experimental framework: DarkSide-20k
Field: Dark Matter
The activity is performed in the framework of Darkside experiment and consists in the study of the perfomance of cryogenic SiPMs arrays integrated into 5 x 5 cm2 tiles and finally into 20 cm x 20 cm Photo Detection Units (PDU) that will populate the optical planes of the Darkside Time Projection Chamber. Participants will be introduced to the basics of liquid argon techniques, to the SiPM detectors and cryogenic electronics inside the controlled environment of the Nuova Officina Assergi clean room. The students will learn to adoperate different experimental test set up, analyzing the results to qualify the SiPM readout electronics, characterize the SiPM tiles, and also validate the entire PDU.
7) DAQ operation and synchronization tests
Experimental framework: DarkSide-20k
Field: Dark Matter
DarkSide-20k (DS-20k) detector is now under construction in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS). It is designed to directly detect dark matter by observing weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) scattering off the argon nuclei in the dual-phase time projection chamber (TPC). When operating DS-20k will be the biggest dark matter detector ever built. The light generated during the interactions in the 20 tonnes of underground-sourced liquid argon is detected by custom silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The project aims at measuring with high precision the synchronization of the readout of the actual Data Acquisition (DAQ) system for the DarkSide-20k experiment by feeding generated analog signal to the digitizers. This system will be present in LNGS allowing for hands-on activity with the electronics.
8) Control of the GEMINI platforms
Experimental framework: GEMINI
Field: GW / seismic isolation
GEMINI is an underground test facility for advanced seismic isolation and control systems used in next-generation gravitational-wave detectors. The activity will focus on testing actively and passively isolated platforms and running control simulations. Students will explore control strategies, analyze platform motion, and evaluate isolation performance using real and simulated data.
9) Light guide characterization/LAr purity monitoring
Experimental framework: LEGEND
Field: 0νββ, LAr Scintillation detection
The LEGEND (Large Enriched Germanium Experiment for Neutrinoless ββ Decay) program aims to detect the Neutrinoless double β decay of 76Ge using High Purity Germanium Detectors enriched in 76Ge above 86%. The experimental program consists of two phases characterised by the two detectors LEGEND-200 currently in data taking and the future LEGEND-1000 both located in the underground laboratory of Gran Sasso (LNGS). Both detectors will feature an external Liquid Argon instrumentation that will act as cooling medium for the Germanium detector and as active veto against external background. The students will be performing measurements on liquid Argon purity and characterization of light guides in a small mockup setup called LEGENDarYno consisting in a instrumented liquid Argon cryostat.
Disclaimer: due to reason independent from the organizers there is the chance that the setup will not be accessible during the school period, in that case the activity will be devoted to analysis or simulation related to the liquid Argon instrumentation of LEGEND-200
10) Cross section measurements at LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics)
Experimental framework: LUNA
Field: Nuclear Astrophysics
Fusion reactions are essential for understanding nucleosynthesis, energy production, stellar evolution, and the fundamental properties of the universe. The LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) collaboration aims to measure the cross sections of key nuclear reactions using the 400 kV accelerator and the new 3.5 MV accelerator at the Bellotti Ion Beam Facility, both located inside the LNGS (Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso) underground laboratory.
The hands-on activities will focus on the experimental techniques necessary to perform cutting-edge research in this field, with particular attention to the measurements currently taking place and the detectors installed on the beamlines. The student will be involved in the real experiments, from preparation and testing of the setup, including targets, to data analysis and the determination of the reaction cross section.
11) Performance evaluation and particle detection for upcoming space missions
Experimental framework: NUSES
Field: Space-based detectors / Cosmic Rays
Location: Space Lab (External Ground Labs)
Characterization of plastic scintillator bars in various geometries read out by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) used in space missions. The participants will familiarize with particle detection techniques in a lab environment. The experimental setup foresees the preparation of scintillator bars with different geometries along with the characterization of SiPMs coupled at their respective ends. This experience exploits cosmic ray muons to measure the charge distribution of said particles in different trigger positions along the tested bars, which will lead to the calculation of the light attenuation length. Finally these results will be compared to the expected perfomance aspects of upcoming space instruments such as the Ziré detector on board the NUSES mission.
12) High-frequency electronics testing for the RF detector prototype of the PTOLEMY experiment.
Experimental framework: PTOLEMY
Field: Neutrino Physics
The core component of the PTOLEMY detector is the RF region. The primary objective of this subsystem is to measure the energy and emission angle of electrons in order to trigger the experiment’s electromagnetic filter. These kinematic variables are extracted by analyzing the frequency of the RF signal emitted by electrons undergoing cyclotron motion, characterized by an extremely high frequency (27 GHz) and an ultra-low power (approximately 1 fW). Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of the electronics currently implemented in the RF Region prototype (electron trap at LNGS), technology that is extensively applied in both civilian and military contexts. They will perform experimental tests aimed at understanding the operation and performance of this system.
13) Characterization and measurements with an ultra-pure sodium iodide crystal
Experimental framework: SABRE
Field: Dark Matter
The activity involves setting up the ultra-pure sodium iodide (NaI)
crystal, photomultiplier tubes, and a data acquisition system (DAQ) to
collect scintillation photons emitted by the NaI. Students then perform
data collection and analysis to reveal internal contamination of the
crystal and background radiation from the surroundings. Measurements with
a radioactive source can also be performed to gain more understanding
about the crystal's response. Participants will gain valuable experience
in data aquisition hardware (digitizers), data collection and analysis.
Some familiarity with C++ or python is recommended.
14) Energy Reconstruction, Signals Correction, Using Machine Learning for data analysis from the XENONnT experiment
Experimental framework: XENONnT
Field: Dark Matter
This project aims to explore and compare several data analysis techniques within the XENONnT experiment, all contributing to a complete understanding of the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) response. Analysis includes Energy Reconstruction, which involves determining the true energy of particle interactions from the observed light signal and charge signal; Electron Lifetime Calculations, which quantify the attenuation of the ionization signal due to impurities in the liquid Xenon; Peak Reconstruction Bias, which investigates potential systematic deviations in the identification of signal peaks; and use of ML for position reconstruction, which can provide powerful tool to enhance signal classification and event reconstruction. Together, these analyses are essential for accurately reconstructing the energy and spatial (3D) position of events, from initial signal detection to final interpretation.
15) Characterization of GAGG-based neutron detectors
Field: Neutron detectors
The aim of the project is the characterization of a new generation neutron detector based on a GAGG scintillator crystal coupled to a photomultiplier.
In a first phase, the performance of the PMT will be optimized by using a pulsed light source. Subsequently, the crystal will be characterized with calibration sources.
The student will have the opportunity to gain experience in the signal processing of scintillator crystals read by PMT, the use of readout electronics, and the analysis of gamma spectra.
