Bachelor Thesis Completed: “Neutron Scattering in Spherical Proportional Counters: Investigation of the Experimental Design” by Julia Fock

6 November 2025

Photo: UHH

Julia Fock, the first Bachelor student in our group, has successfully completed her thesis and her Physics degree.

In the first part of her thesis project, Julia contributed to the design study of a neutron scattering experiment based on a spherical proportional counter. She investigated the experimental concept and performed detailed Monte Carlo simulations using Geant4 to model neutron interactions and optimize the detector geometry. These studies provided important input for the further development of the experimental setup and for assessing its feasibility and expected performance.

In the second part of her thesis, Julia characterised a large rectangular plastic scintillator detector system. The detector, read out by four photomultiplier tubes positioned at its corners, was systematically studied to determine its optimal operating conditions, detection efficiency, and position reconstruction capabilities. Cosmic muons served as a natural calibration source for the measurements.

We congratulate Julia on this excellent achievement and wish her all the best in her future research activities.