What did you study?
Numerical modeling of particle collisions can be achieved using Monte Carlo event generators, which are based on models based on the theory of Quantum Chromodynamics and driven by experimental collider data. These simulations handle the most energetic interaction, radiation of quarks and gluons, and the formation of stable particles. Pythia is one of the most widely used Monte Carlo tools for these simulations, and is used, for example, in measurements of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. During the course of his thesis work, Laulainen joined the international research community developing Pythia.
The research deals with the simulation of deep inelastic scattering of electrons and protons within the Pythia program. In such collisions, a highly energetic electron punctures deep inside the proton, breaking it apart. The scattered electron and other final-state particles can be detected in collider experiments, and their properties, such as charge, energy, and momentum, tell us about the structure of the proton.
What were the results of your study or what was the main result?
The well-established methods implemented in the thesis enable, for example, the production of multiple realistic jets of particles, extending the model's applicability to different energy scales. Additionally, more accurate modeling allows for a reduction of theoretical uncertainties. With these improvements, the simulations better match measurements made with the HERA accelerator at DESY laboratory.
How can the results be applied? What new information did the study provide on the topic?
The simulation developments can be utilized in the detector design and analysis interpretation of the upcoming Electron Ion Collider, which is expected to begin operating in the coming decade. The thesis work enables similar advancements for other scattering processes in Pythia.
MSc Joni Laulainen defends his thesis “Improved simulations of deep inelastic scattering processes in Pythia 8” on Friday October 23rd at Ylistönrinne lecture hall YA A303. The opponent is Professor Frank Krauss (University of Durham), and the custos is University Researcher Ilkka Helenius (Jyväskylän yliopisto).
The language of the defense is English.
