INT26-2699-ALEMANIA

PERFIL REQUERIDO DEL CANDIDATO:

• Conocimientos necesarios:  

Programing in C++ or Python.  Knowledge of Geant4 simulation toolkit. Multilayer optics

• Conocimientos valorables:

Experience with multilayer optics. IDL programming

• Características personales:

Independence of research. Interest in dark matter; more in particular axions. Experience with Geant4 or multilayer coatings.

CONDICIONES DE LAS PRÁCTICAS:

• Tipo de institución: Universidad
• Actividad de la Empresa/Institución: Research and Education
• Localidad: DORTMUND
• Tareas a desarrollar:

"Optimization of X-ray Telescope Integration for International Axion Observatory"

During this internship, the student will conduct an in-depth study of optimization strategies for the future integration of X-ray telescopes at the International Axion Observatory (IAXO). The objective is to evaluate different telescope configurations to enhance the experiment’s sensitivity to axion signals. The student will use IDL and Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation techniques within the Rare Event Searches Toolkit framework to assess the effective area and point spread function (PSF) of various telescope configurations.

A key component of the project will be the evaluation of different multilayer coating recipes and their impact on signal-to-noise ratios for a range of axion couplings. This work will contribute to the development and refinement of next-generation low-background detection techniques for rare-event searches in axion physics.

Main Objectives:

- The selected candidate will define and develop the main objectives of the study, including geometric design optimization and ray-tracing simulations

- Image analysis and performance evaluation

Methodology:

1. Geometric Configuration: Design of a specific X-ray telescope based on a Wolter I optical configuration. Justification and comparison of selected multilayer coating recipes.

2. Ray-Tracing Simulation: Implementation of simulations using the IDL IMD code. Definition and description of parameters modeling X-ray reflection as a function of energy and incidence angle.

3. Monitoring Plan

- Daily Supervision: Ongoing oversight to ensure the trainee stays on track and receives immediate support when needed.

- Weekly Meetings: Scheduled check-ins to review progress, discuss challenges, and provide guidance for the next steps.

4. Results and Discussion

Quantitative evaluation of the impact of different telescope designs on signal-to-noise ratios for various axion couplings. Comparative analysis of configurations to determine optimal performance.

• Fecha de comienzo: 01/07/2026
• Número de plazas: 2
• Horario:  8:00-15:00h
• Ayuda económica voluntaria mensual de la empresa/institución: 300-500€
• Otro tipo de ayudas voluntaria de la empresa/institución:

The reception company/institution provides information so that the trainee can look for their accommodation

The reception company/institution offers meals at the Centre, paid by the trainee

• Beca Neta Mensual de UNIVERSA (cantidad mensual a ingresar al becario): 931 €
• Valoración de becarios anteriores a 2018 (de 0 a 5 puntos):  Sin valoración
• Valoración de becarios desde 2018 (de 1 a 5 puntos):  Sin valoración
• Más información: The Particle Physics Research Group (AG Vogel / Ruz)  is dedicated to forefront research beyond the Standard Model through non-collider experimental approaches. The group’s core scientific program focuses on axion and dark matter searches, with major contributions to the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST), the International Axion Observatory (IAXO), and space-based missions carried out in collaboration with NASA and the European Space Agency.

• The group has extensive expertise in the design, development, and characterization of advanced X-ray telescopes and optics for applications in astroparticle and nuclear physics. It also possesses strong capabilities in gaseous detector technologies optimized for rare-event searches and ultra–low-background measurements.

• AG Vogel is led by Professor Julia K. Vogel, with direct support from Privatdozent Dr. Jaime Ruz. Together, they bring more than 30 years of combined experience through close collaborations with leading international research institutions, including CERN, NASA, the European Space Agency, the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), U.S. Department of Energy laboratories such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY).

• AG Vogel is a key contributor to CAST and IAXO and has played a significant role in the design and performance characterization of Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), a NASA space telescope dedicated to high-energy X-ray astronomy.