QuarkNet Classroom Projects

Measuring the Effect of a Single Photon?

Project Homepage

Classroom Projects Homepage - Teacher Homepage - Student Homepage

Abstract:

Photons are created in scintillator devices in most modern particle detectors. These photons yield information about particle collisions that must be measured and decoded. This Website follows the track of a photon as it enters a photomultiplier tube (pmt), an amplifying device that increases the effect of a single photon to levels that are measurable. This signal amplification is crucial; without it, no information exists for decoding.
The site presents information regarding the innards of a pmt and allows students to investigate predictive mathematical models describing the signal increase under different, adjustable parameters.

Introduction to Research:

Photomultipler tubes are omnipresent in particle physics. Understanding the creation of their output signals helps to build understanding regarding the entire process of experimental particle physics.

Learner Outcomes: Students will know and be able to:

Trace energy of a single photon through a photopmulitplier tube.
Determine the effect of changing the dynode potential.
Study data plots to determine the best mathematical fit to the presented data.
See an example of work done on a charge by an electric field.

Research Questions:

How can we "see" a single photon?

Assessment:

Assessment is left to the classroom teacher. This website is envisioned as part of a larger unit on measurement or data modeling. Accordingly this unit of study would have an assessment plan that includes the stated outcomes of this website.