Study of Excess Electronic Recoil Events in XENON1T

This thesis summarizes the original analysis work performed by the author on data from XENON1T, a search for dark matter with a ton-size noble liquid detector operated at Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory in Italy. The analysis seeks a class of elusive elementary particles that interact with the electrons of ordinary atoms, presenting an excess with respect to the expected background, which could be a first hint of physics beyond the standard model.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 119 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The pursuit of understanding the enigmatic nature of dark matter remains one of the most captivating and urgent topics in contemporary physics. The remarkable data acquired through the XENON1T detector, an advanced noble liquid detector operated at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory in Italy, presents a unique opportunity to explore and investigate a wide range of potential scenarios. In this thesis, Dr. Shockley delves into the search for a specific class of elusive elementary particles that interact with the electrons of ordinary atoms rather than the nucleus. The results of this analysis, conducted with remarkable precision, unveil an excess in the observed data compared to the expected background. This excess, which suggests an increased rate of electron-mediated interactions, holds the potential to be a tantalizing first glimpse into the realm of physics beyond the standard model.

This accessible thesis offers a comprehensive overview of the detector, the data, and the theoretical framework employed in the search for physics beyond the standard model. It provides the reader with a deep and coherent understanding of the research endeavor, enabling them to engage with the complexities of this field. By presenting detailed insights into the detector's design, the collection of data, and the theoretical models employed, this thesis serves as a valuable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

The pursuit of dark matter continues to be a driving force in scientific exploration, and the insights gained from the XENON1T detector and the research conducted by Dr. Shockley contribute to our understanding of the universe's fundamental mysteries. As we continue to unravel the secrets of dark matter and other cosmic phenomena, this thesis stands as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Weight: 215g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030877545
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021