New Approaches for Acoustic Analysis in PICO Dark Matter Searches
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Authors
Trayling, Quintin
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Dark Matter , PICO , Bubble Chamber , Acoustic , Statistics , Noise Reduction
Alternative Title
Abstract
With the search for dark matter well underway among the physics community, the PICO experiment, using superheated fluorocarbons in bubble chambers, has set world-leading limits on the WIMP-proton cross section with multiple detectors. One strength of the PICO experiment is its exceptional background rejection methods, particularly in background events from alpha particles, which produce significantly different acoustic signals than WIMP-like interactions. Furthermore, PICO bubble chambers are almost entirely insensitive to electron recoils, so the majority of background events are caused by neutrons and alphas. This thesis proposes new metrics for acoustic analysis of events for alpha rejection, and introduces new analysis techniques which seek to optimize these metrics. We start by providing motivation for the PICO experiment, as well as for updated monitoring tools for the upcoming PICO40L bubble chamber. The previous acoustic analysis for PICO-60 is covered, motivating new methods in acoustic analysis for alpha rejection. We then introduce relevant metrics for acoustic analysis, as well as new methods for selecting relevant frequencies to optimize these metrics. Finally, a novel attempt to reduce noise levels in the context of alpha rejection is made using spectral filtering.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 United States