Measuring the CKM angle alpha with B0 to rho0 rho0 decays with LHCb

The LHCb experiment has been successfully taking data at the Large Hadron Collider since 2009. One of the core goals of the experiment is to measure the parameters of weak decays, which are seen in the rare decays of B mesons. LHCb was optimised for measuring these decays and using the upgraded detector, to be installed in upgrade 2, can extend the reach to more detailed measurements.

In your PhD you will design the trigger and online selection for the decay B0 to r0r0 for the data taking period after the second upgrade. These decays will be used to improve the measurement of the CKM angle alpha, which is an important test of the amount of CP asymmetry in the weak decays of quarks. The rate of these decays is small, approximately 1 in a million B0 mesons decays to two neutral rho mesons, so we need the very large datasets available at the LHCb upgrade to perform this measurement.

You will join the LHCb group at Liverpool and work with us to collect the data at CERN, and optimise the simulations running on the Grid in hundreds of sites across the world. There will be opportunities to visit CERN with an option to undertake a long-term attachment at CERN for a period of nine to twelve months.

This project has 3.5 years funding through STFC covering the student fees and PhD stipend. You would complete dedicated training in particle physics theory, detectors and analysis, with additional focused training for the LHCb experiment. The project would suit a student with an interest in particle physics, data analysis and large-scale data processing.

To apply for a PhD position within our Particle Physics research group please contact the Particle Physics PhD Admissions director Professor Neil McCauley and also make a formal online application (here) to the University of Liverpool.

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