A Summer in CERN – Muhammad Zubair Asyraf Bin Jalal, UKM

MY SUMMER AT CERN
By Muhammad Zubair Asyraf Bin Jalal

Tell us about your work at CERN.

My research in the GEM Laboratory focused on assembly and retrofitting of the Long and Short Super-Chamber of the GEM detector. The work included an assembly procedure that follows the newly developed standard quality control tests, to verify satisfactory functionality of the GEM chamber. With its assembly verified, the Super Chamber can be tested for QC6, Cooling Test, QC 7 & 8.

Not all parameters for the assembly of the Super-Chamber GEM technology are finalised, so assembly modifications provide important data for future Super-Chamber assembly without jeopardising any resources of the CMS. During my first four weeks, I’ve completed several installations and assembly of the Super Chamber required for further testing. I’ve also participated in the High Voltage test, which is the preliminary testing of the GEM board before electronics integration. Several small modifications are required along the assembly line for safety measures in order to protect the GEM and its electronic housing due to the fragility of the optical fibres embedded within the Super Chamber. With a looming deadline, pressure to completely assemble all the GEM detectors for installation on the CMS grew higher with each passing day.

Figure 1.1 GEM board after passing the QC6

GEB Board with attached optical fibre to the Optical Hybrid System.

Gas line across the GEB for the flowing of CO2 + Argon gas inside the GEM.

How did you spend your time outside of work during CSSP?

I have participated in several activities outside of CERN’s working hours, as follows:

1. Welcome Drinks

2. UK Science and Technology Facilities Council meeting

3. Cloud Chamber Workshops

4. Visits to Antimatter, ISOLDE and CMS & ATLAS

5. Focus Group with the Summer Student Team

6. Lectures

7. CERN Hadronic Festival

8. CERN Summer Student 2019 Group Photo

Upon completion of CSSP, have you found your “niche” in particle physics that you would like to pursue?

Although being in CERN you are presumed to be interested in particle physics, my work here consists mostly of experimental physics where the technology of detectors for LHC experiments are being manufactured and assembled.

With that said, being in CERN does help broaden the several compartmentalisations which make up the world of particle physics. Although particle physics are idealised as the study of elementary particles within the standard model, many physicists are still questioning it authenticity of it being the answer to “where does our universe comes from?” The answer could lie within different studies such as String Theory or Super Symmetry.

So, to answer your question, No, I haven’t found my ‘niche’ in particle physics as being here has increased my understanding in the possibilities and questions that particle physics can’t answer.

How will the stint at CERN impact your current studies, and subsequent academic pursuits (Masters/PhD)?

My initial plan was to actually find any future prospects regarding the superconductor use in the LHC. However, CERN currently employs external contractors to install and manage the study of superconducting materials that they’re using in the LHC. In that regard, I’m still trying to find other prospects of study for pursuing any PhD projects here at CERN. At CERN, trying to find a niche in particle physics requires a lot of thought because there are so many ongoing studies that may or may not be related to particle physics.