Online Lecture Series - Selected lectures from the African School of Physics

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Selected Lectures from the African School of Physics (ASP)

ESS, being one of the partners in ASP, have helped us to collect some selected lectures from the African school of physics. These lectures are chosen because of their relevance to synchrotron and neutron methods. These lectures are listed in 11 categories in order to make it a bit easier for the viewer

What is ASP?

“The aim of the school is to build capacity to harvest, interpret, and exploit the results of current and future physics experiments with particle accelerators, and to increase proficiency in related applications and technologies. Since the first edition in South Africa in 2010, we have operated 5 three-week long summer schools across Africa, and expanded our program to reach policy makers, learners, high-school teachers and added a physics conference. In the sake of a sustainable program, we have also established a student’s mentorship program with international university and Research Institutions. While the global pandemic continues to keep us physically remote from one another, we are also studying the impact of the COVID on the African population and we have now initiated and Online courses.” More insight at: https://www.africanschoolofphysics.org

ACCELERATORS

In the framework of the ASP, we have introduced the concept of particle accelerator as a machine that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate and steer charged particles to almost the speed of the light.

Large accelerators are used for basic research in particle physics, they support life sciences discoveries and materials characterization thanks to light sources and neutrons sources. In addition, particle accelerators can contribute to the production of radio-isotopes, to medical applications like the Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and as well they can help us understanding cultural heritage or generating nuclear energy with Accelerator Driven System (ADS). The following lectures are giving insight into those topics and beyond:

Lecture 27
Sept 3, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to culture heritage
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927019/

Lecture 31
Sept 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 1)
By Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932699/

Lecture 33
Sept 22, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 2)
by Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932701/

Lecture 35
Sept 29, 2020
Course: A variety of physics using radioactive ion beams at ISOLDE and HIE-ISOLDE @ CERN
by Prof. Gerda Neyens, ISOLDE Physics Group Leader and Collaboration spokesperson, CERN
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932722/

Lecture 37
Oct 6, 2020
Course: Solid state physics and biophysics with radioactive probes at ISOLDE—Opportunities and challenges
By Dr. Karl Johnston (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932726/

Lecture 43
Oct 27, 2020
Course: The United States Department of Energy Continues to Play a Key Role in Isotope Production by Making Significant Upgrades to its Facilities and Expanding its Collaborations
By Prof. Cathy Cutler (Brookhaven National Laboratory)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/966884/

Lecture 44
Oct 29, 2020
Course: A challenge on the mythic 10 ps frontier for time-of-flight positron emission tomography
By Prof. Christian Morel, Aix-Marseille University
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927045/

Lecture 45
Nov 3, 2020
Course: Nuclear energy in the mix—Can it power Africa Sustainably? ( Part 1)
By Prof. Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/943789/

Lecture 51
Nov 24, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 1)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/967632/

Lecture 52
Nov 26, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 2)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972320

Lecture 53
Dec 1, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 3)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972786/

DATA ANALYSIS AND HPC

In the framework of the ASP, we have reviewed the mathematical tools used to analyze and explore data, which are the building blocks of our scientific understanding. Furthermore, simple data acquisition and big data collection, depend on the growing capability of technologies and the cyberinfrastructures will drive tomorrow world. High performance computing, quantum computer, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence are also vectors for development. To better understand this evolution, the following lectures are giving insight to those topics and beyond:

Lecture 17
Jul 23, 2020
Course: Profile Likelihood as a tool for Discovery and Exclusion of New Physics
By Prof. Eilam Gross (Weizmann Institute)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926960/

Lecture 19
Jul 30, 2020
Course: The Look Elsewhere Effect (LEE) in Statistical Analysis (I)
By Prof. Eilam Gross (Weizmann Institute)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926961/

Lecture 25
Sep 1, 2020
Course: The Look Elsewhere Effect (LEE) in Statistical Analysis (II)
By Prof. Eilam Gross (Weizmann Institute)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/944370/

Lecture 28
Sep 8, 2020
Course: Developments in African Cyberinfrastructure to support Open Data & Open Science
By Dr. Motshegwa, Tshiamo (University of Botswana)
Dr Anneline Morgan (SADC Science, Technology and Innovation Directorate)
Dr Happy Marumo Sithole (National Integrated Cyber-Infrastructure System, SA)
Dr Mary-Jane Bopape (SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE)
Dr Simon Hodson (CODATA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927263/

Lecture 38
Oct 8, 2020
Course: An embedded systems course at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Dr. Uli Raich (CERN-retired, Guest Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927037/

Lecture 40
Oct 15, 2020
Course: A course on the Internet of things at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Dr. Uli Raich (CERN-retired, Guest Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927040/

MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

In the framework of the ASP, we have dedicated several lectures to medical applications, which make use of techniques, components and methodologies requiring physics background. Mastering medical applications is a direct way to improve our quality of life. Numerous particle accelerators, radio-therapeutic methods or radio-isotopes productions are composing a mosaic of applications that are described in the following lectures:

Lecture 8
Jun 23, 2020
Course: Medical accelerators, radionuclide production and radiation therapy (1)
By Dr. Marco Silari (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926502/

Lecture 9
Jun 25, 2020
Course: Medical accelerators, radionuclide production and radiation therapy (2)
By Dr. Marco Silari (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926503/

Lecture 30
Sep 10, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to medicine
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927020/

Lecture 35
Sep 29, 2020
Course: A variety of physics using radioactive ion beams at ISOLDE and HIE-ISOLDE @ CERN
by Prof. Gerda Neyens, ISOLDE Physics Group Leader and Collaboration spokesperson, CERN
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932722/

Lecture 37
Oct 6, 2020
Course: Solid state physics and biophysics with radioactive probes at ISOLDE—Opportunities and challenges
By Dr. Karl Johnston (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932726/

Lecture 44
Oct 29, 2020
Course: A challenge on the mythic 10 ps frontier for time-of-flight positron emission tomography
Prof. Christian Morel, Aix-Marseille University
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927045/

NEUTRONS

In the framework of the ASP, neutrons are fundamental particles that support the law of physics. For neutrons sources, those probes are highly penetrating, non-destructive, and magnetic structures, hence they provide a unique insight into structure, dynamics and kinetics from the atomic to macroscopic scale. In addition, the evolution of the nanoscience is shaping our modern history, for instance Carbon Nanotubes are ideal nanosystems expanding the benefit of quantum mechanism. The following lectures describe the diversity of the neutron powers:

Lecture 20
Aug 4, 2020
Course: On the tunnelling of wave-matter neutron wavepackets, neutron trapping & neutron lifetime
by Prof. Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS & UNISA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926980/

Lecture 21
Aug 11, 2020
Course: Quantum mechanics driven phenomena at the nanoscale
by Prof. Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS & UNISA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926997/

Lecture 24
Aug 18, 2020
Course: Tunability of the physical properties at the nanoscale of oxides
By Prof. Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS & UNISA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926999/

Lecture 27
Sep 3, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to culture heritage
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927019/

Lecture 56
Dec 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 6)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972793/

Lecture 57
Jan 12, 2021
Course: Neutrons: A Natural Tool for Researchers"
By Andrew Jackson (ESS)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/978444/

Lecture 58
Jan 19, 2021
Course: Neutron scattering as a tool to understand quantum magnetism: Magnetism and the European Spallation Source.
By Dr Pascale Deen (ESS)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/982903/

Lecture 59
Jan 26, 2021
Course: Non-destructive testing with neutrons: Engineering materials and components revealed
By Dr. Robin Woracek (ESS)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/983212/

Lecture 60
Feb 2, 2021
Course: Neutrons and fundamental Physics
By Dr. Valentina Santoro (ESS)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/983217/

SCATTERING

In the framework of the ASP, we also describe the scattering effect, which will be used in synchrotron light sources or neutron sources to study condensed matter physics, materials science, biology and medicine. The following lectures describe this phenomena:

Lecture 21
Aug 11, 2020
Course: Quantum mechanics driven phenomena at the nanoscale
by Prof. Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS & UNISA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926997/

Lecture 31
Sept 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 1)
By Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932699/

Lecture 33
Sep 22, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 2)
by Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932701/

Lecture 54
Dec 3, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 4)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972788

Lecture 55
Dec 8, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part5)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972792

SPECTROSCOPY

In the framework of the ASP, the spectroscopy is described as a fundamental exploratory tool used in synchrotron light sources or neutron sources to study the fields of physics and chemistry. Spectroscopy is a powerful technique to unravel our understanding of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. The following lectures describe those phenomena:

Lecture 31
Sept 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 1)
By Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932699/

Lecture 33
Sep 22, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 2)
by Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932701/

X-RAY

In the framework of the ASP, X-ray is described as a high-energy electromagnetic radiation used in synchrotron light sources to study condensed matter physics, materials science, biology, as well as for medical application like PET or cultural heritage investigation. X-rays are the main probe to our deep understanding of matter. The following lectures describe the use of X-ray:

Lecture 27
Sep 3, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to culture heritage
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927019/

Lecture 31
Sept 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 1)
By Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932699/

Lecture 33
Sep 22, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 2)
by Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932701/

MATERIAL PHYSICS

In the framework of the ASP, material physics is described through the use of synchrotron light source and neutron sources. The physical properties of materials can be studied by beams of particle or by chemistry processes. The following lectures describe the tools and how materials physics can be studied:

Lecture 5
Jun 4, 2020
Course: Ab-initio simulations of an electrochemical interface / The African School on Electronic Structure Methods and Applications (ASESMA)
By Dr. Nicola Seriani (ICTP)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/920479/

Lecture 24
Aug 18, 2020
Course: Tunability of the physical properties at the nanoscale of oxides
By Prof. Malik Maaza (iThemba LABS & UNISA)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926999/

Lecture 27
Sep 3, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to culture heritage
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927019/

Lecture 31
Sept 15, 2020
Course: Synchrotron based methods for materials characterization (part 1)
By Dr. Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932699/

Lecture 37
Oct 6, 2020
Course: Solid state physics and biophysics with radioactive probes at ISOLDE—Opportunities and challenges
By Dr. Karl Johnston (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932726/

Lecuture 53
Dec 1, 2020
Course: Synchrotron and neutron based diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (Part 3)
By Prof. Andrew Harrison (Diamond Light Source Ltd)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/972786/

RADIATION PHYSICS

In the framework of the ASP, we have dedicated several lectures to radiation physics and described ionization radiation applied to the medical field, to isotopes production and to dosimetry. The following lectures describe the field of radiation physics:

Lecture 6
June 11, 2020
Course: Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry (1)
By Dr. Marco Silari (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926495/

Lecture 7
June 18, 2020
Course: Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry (2)
By Dr. Marco Silari (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926500/

Lecture 43
Oct 27, 2020
Course: The United States Department of Energy Continues to Play a Key Role in Isotope Production by Making Significant Upgrades to its Facilities and Expanding its Collaborations
Prof. by Cathy Cutler, Brookhaven National Laboratory
https://indico.cern.ch/event/966884/

Lecture 45
Nov 3, 2020
Course: Nuclear energy in the mix—Can it power Africa Sustainably? (1)
By Prof. Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/943789/

NUCLEAR PHYSICS

In the framework of the ASP, we have dedicated several lectures to nuclear physics to enhance the fundamental physics interpretations. Fundamental and nuclear physics describe and explain the world around us. From heavy ion physics to applications of nuclear physics to the medicine and energetics, the following lectures describe the field of nuclear physics:

Lecture 12
Jul 7, 2020
Course: Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics (1)
By Dr. Rachid Nouicer (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/929551/

Lecture 13
Jul 14, 2020
Course: Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics (2)
By Dr. Rachid Nouicer (BNL)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/929553/

Lecture 14
Jul 9, 2020
Course: LHC Analysis — QCD, Standard Model, Forward Physics
By Prof. Mario Campanelli, University College London
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926956/

Lecture 15
Jul 16, 2020
Course: Search for long-lived particles at the LHC and beyond
By Prof. Mario Campanelli, University College London
https://indico.cern.ch/event/926957/

Lecture 16
Jul 21
Course: The Long Journey to the Higgs Boson and Beyond: History of ATLAS and the LHC (1)
By Dr. Peter Jenni (Albert Ludwigs Universitaet Freiburg (DE)) https://indico.cern.ch/event/927095/

Lecture 30
Sep 10, 2020
Course: Applications of nuclear physics technologies to medicine
By Prof. Fernando Ferroni (INFN-GSSI)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927020/

Lecture 37
Oct 6, 2020
Course: Solid state physics and biophysics with radioactive probes at ISOLDE—Opportunities and challenges
By Dr. Karl Johnston (CERN)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/932726/

Lecture 45
Nov 3, 2020
Course: Nuclear energy in the mix—Can it power Africa Sustainably? (1)
By Prof. Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/943789/

Lecture 47
Nov 7, 2020
Course: Nuclear energy in the mix—Can it power Africa Sustainably? (2)
By Prof. Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/943790/

PHYSICS EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

In the framework of the ASP, we are discussing the pedagogical methods and the tools that help communicating and engaging the younger community to the physics education at every levels. We also encourage and provide mentorship program and empower learners and students to be the future generation to carry knowledge. The following lectures capture these topics:

Lecture 4
May 28, 2020
Course: What are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
By Jonathan R. Ellis
https://indico.cern.ch/event/915405/

Lecture 22
Aug 6, 2020
Course: Physics Education: Bringing Contemporary Physics into teaching with simple materials
By Dr. Kenneth Cecire (University of Notre Dame)
https://indico.cern.ch/event/927004/

Lecture 48
Nov 12, 2020
Course: The ASP Mentorship Program
By Dr Ketevi Adikle Assamagan (Brookhaven National Laboratory (US))
https://indico.cern.ch/event/938244/