WATERS1	Searching for Lorentz Violation in Double-Beta Decay
Type	Modelling/computer based data analysis
#students	1
Orientation	Why is the scientific problem of interest at all? Lorentz invariance is a fundamental space-time symmetry, violations of which are predicted in many theories of quantum gravity. Testing Lorentz invariance in as many physical systems as possible is therefore of paramount importance.
How	How is the research going to shed light on the given problem?. The NEMO-3 experiment has one of the world's largest samples of double-beta decay events : nuclear transitions comprised of two simultaneous beta-decays taking place inside certain isotopes. Double-beta decay is a unique laboratory in which to test fundamental symmetries at nuclear energy scales. If Lorentz symmetry is violated, then the electron energy distributions from double-beta decay are modified in a distinctive way. The project will involve the analysis of data from NEMO-3 with a view to searching for, and placing limits on, Lorentz violation in double-beta decay.
What	What is the specific thing that the student will do, and how does it fit inside the overall project? This project will start with a literature survey to understand the basic physics of double-beta decay and the signature of Lorentz violation. Computer programs that simulate double-beta decay may need to be modified to incorporate Lorentz-violating effects. The core of the project will involve the analysis of NEMO-3 data in order to search for the effects of Lorentz-violation. Statistical techniques will need to be developed to set quantitative limits on the presence of Lorentz-violating effects.
Special Knowledge
Supervisor	Prof. David Waters d.waters@ucl.ac.uk