Thesis

The next generation of neutrino experiments aims to achieve unprecedented precision in neutrino interaction cross-section measurements, a prerequisite for reducing systematic uncertainties in future oscillation experiments such as DUNE and Hyper-Kamiokande. The proposed nuSCOPE facility at CERN introduces an innovative approach based on monitored and individually tagged neutrino beams, where precise reconstruction of charged particles produced in meson decays provides information on the neutrino flux, flavour and energy. Realising this concept requires detector systems combining excellent timing and spatial resolution, high-rate capability and large-area coverage.

This PhD project proposes to investigate precision timing and particle association using complementary gaseous and silicon detector technologies. The main experimental activity will focus on developing a new generation of large-area PICOSEC-Micromegas detectors, exploiting Cherenkov-light conversion and fast gaseous amplification to achieve timing resolutions of a few tens of picoseconds. Particular attention will be devoted to understanding the physical mechanisms limiting timing performance and efficiency, optimising robust photocathodes, detector geometry and readout electronics, and preserving uniform performance when scaling towards larger surfaces. The integration of PICOSEC timing layers with thin Micromegas tracking detectors will also be investigated. In parallel, the project will contribute to the characterisation of MiniCACTUS monolithic silicon sensors, combining fine spatial granularity, precise timing and high-rate capability for the central regions of the spectrometer.

A central scientific objective will be to establish the relationship between detector performance and neutrino-tagging capabilities. Through simulations and reconstruction studies, the doctoral researcher will investigate how timing resolution, spatial granularity, detection efficiency and particle multiplicity influence track association, accidental coincidences and neutrino reconstruction. These studies will provide quantitative feedback for optimising the complementary detector technologies.

The experimental programme will exploit dedicated laser, cosmic-muon and radioactive-source facilities at CEA, enabling detector development during CERN’s accelerator long shutdown. Supported by the recently funded ANR EXTASE project, providing resources for prototypes, equipment and scientific exchanges, the thesis will combine innovative detector development with physics-driven optimisation, contributing to nuSCOPE and future high-intensity particle-physics instrumentation.