Nucleon decay search and cosmic rays in the DUNE experiment

The Deep Underground Neutrino experiment (DUNE) will carry out accurate measurements of neutrino oscillations and search for other effects in particle physics beyond the Standard model, such as nucleon decay. The proposed research focuses on a search for nucleon decay as an exciting topic in modern physics. The project involves development of advanced methods for discriminating potential nucleon decay events from a background caused by cosmic-ray muons. We plan to improve on algorithms for event reconstruction and particle identification and apply machine learning techniques to increase the efficiency of identifying signal events and rejecting cosmic-ray background. We will be working with simulated data, as well as the data collected by prototype experiments, such as ProtoDUNE and SBND. Working in collaboration between UK (Sheffield) physicists and Malaysian scientists will allow academics and PhD students from Malaysia to be trained in the areas of particle physics, data intensive science and machine learning techniques applied to complex particle physics problems.

The impact of the proposed research is directed towards the development of scientific capabilities in Malaysia and research potential of Malaysia science. Although this project will address issues relevant to particle physics, the methods applied, such as training of algorithms within a common techniques of neural networks, can further be applied in other areas of science or, more generally, in image recognition.
By training Malaysian scientists in particle physics, data intensive science and machine learning techniques, we expect them to pass their knowledge and skills to a new generation of scientists in Malaysia that will be able to apply this knowledge in different areas of life contributing to the sustainable development of the country.