< BACK TO PEOPLE
Darin Acosta

Darin Acosta

Professor

Physics and Astronomy

CONTACT

darin.e.acosta@rice.edu

WEBSITE(S)| http://bonnerlab.rice.edu/

SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: Characterization of particle physics processes at a novel muon collider. The Rice Nuclear and Particle Physics group is championing the use of high-energy muons for the next generation of particle colliders. We are conducting simulations of particle physics processes for experiments at both a muon-antimuon collider and a muon-proton collider to characterize the detector requirements for such experiments, with the goal of reaching a common experiment design. Student would assist in the simulation and analysis of several processes along with other group members.

Potential skills gained: The student would gain experience in computing and programming as well as possibly the use of advanced machine-learning tools. Experience with statistical data analysis and plotting tools is another outcome. An introduction to the field of experimental particle physics is a third outcome.

Required qualifications: While not required, any prior experience with computer programming languages such as Python or C++ would be helpful.

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Graduate Student

Student Project Titles List

Assessing L1 Trigger Performance in Data for High-Energy Particle Collisions at the CMS Experiment

Measurements at a TeV Muon-Ion Collider

Research Areas

Prof. Acosta’s research program in experimental particle physics has spanned the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, the HERA electron-proton collider, the Tevatron proton-antiproton collider, and the LHC proton-proton and heavy ion collider. His research has focused on precise measurements of Standard Model processes (QCD and electroweak) as well as on searches for new particles beyond the Standard Model including leptoquarks and excited fermions. Most recently his research uncovered evidence for the rare Higgs boson decay into dimuons. Prof. Acosta is an expert on the trigger systems of particle collider experiments that perform a real-time analysis of high-rate collision data before storage to computer disk. He designed and successfully delivered the endcap muon trigger for the electronic trigger system of the CMS experiment at the LHC, and currently leads the overall CMS Trigger project.