Mainz Institute for Theoretical Physics

The Mainz Institute for Theoretical Physics (MITP) provides unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchange between researchers from different fields of expertise in theoretical physics. The institute is part of PRISMA and is located on the campus of the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. The scientific activities at MITP are devoted to topics at the forefront of current research in theoretical physics.

Student Story|Brad Bachu, Math and Physics '17

Brad Bachu, Math and Physics '17

The nature of dark matter is still one of the biggest mysteries to physicists today. All the predictions that theorists made have failed to show up in collider experiments such as the LHC and other direct detection experiments.  One model of dark matter that has been developed and fits in with the WIMP hypothesis (weakly interacting massive particles) is called ‘Higgs Portal Dark Matter’. I worked on an extension of this model developed by Professor Joachim Kopp and Dr. Michael Baker.

My goal was to take this theoretical description and do the necessary computation and simulations to explore the possibility of its detection at the LHC and future, more powerful colliders. Some of the key computations include production cross section and decay length of the dark matter particle.

Taking part in the PRISMA Internship Program provided me with an unforgettable experience. I was able to witness talks from researchers all over the world and take part in post discussions to understand more of the physics myself. I was also able to sit in the Quantum Field Theory class taught by my supervisor, which played a significant role in my research success. The research team at PRISMA is extremely welcoming to undergraduate students and researchers in general.

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