THE TAO AND ZEN OF NEUTRINO: NEUTRONOLESS DOUBLE BETA DECAY, BAYESIAN ANALYSIS AND DEEP LEARNING IN KAMLAND-ZEN

Note: Zoom Meeting ID: 774-883-2895
Speaker: Aobo Li, Boston University, Physics Department

When: August 5, 2020 (Wed), 02:00PM to 04:00PM (add to my calendar)

This event is part of the PhD Final Oral Exams.

Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay(0νββ) is one of the major research interests in neutrino physics. The discovery of 0νββ would answer persistent puzzles in the standard model. KamLAND-ZEN experiment is one of the leading efforts in the search of 0νββ. The data is taken from 745kg of Xe136 isotopes over 224 live-days, and analyzed by a Frequentisit likelihood analysis to set limit on 0νββ lifetime. In addition to the well-established Frequentist approach, we conduct a Bayesian analysis with Markov Chain Monte Carlo(MCMC) algorithm. The Bayesian approach allows us to use modern statistical tools to provide a cross check of the Frequentist analysis; furthermore, we provide the possibility of adding a self-developed machine learning event classification algorithm to increase sensitivity. In this talk, we will present the analysis framework and result of this Bayesian approach, as well as the future possible inclusion of machine learning result for better experimental sensitivity.

Zoom Link: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/7748832895