Building blocks of matter, experiment, simulation, and mathematical methods

(selected examples)

Project “Ice Cube”

The world’s largest particle detector consists of one cubic kilometre of ice, interspersed with highly sensitive light sensors. Weighing several gigatonnes, this instrument intercepts incoming neutrinos from the universe. These messengers from outer space are then used as a basis for inferences about distant galaxies. Among other things, the experiments conducted using the so-called Ice Cube are designed to shed light on sources of cosmic radiation in conjunction with ultra high energies and to solve the riddle of dark matter. The University of Wuppertal is supporting these endeavours by contributions to operations, phenomenology, data analysis and interpretation and to future extensions of the experiment.

Faculty 4, department of physics.

Project “PhotoPAQ”

Project “PhotoPAQ” (Demonstration of Photocatalytic Remediation Processes on Air Quality) is primarily concerned with the effectiveness of so-called photo-catalytic surfaces in reducing airborne pollutants, especially exhaust gasses from motor vehicles. This involves, for examples, adding titanium dioxide to road surfaces, painted wall surfaces in traffic tunnels or roof coverings on busy roads, which absorb pollutants with the aid of sunlight. When exposed to ultraviolet light radiation, titanium dioxide is able to accelerate chemical reactions and can, therefore, be used as a catalyst and to ensure that the air is kept clean.

Faculty 4, department of chemistry.

Project “Applied Statistics”

Advances in mensuration technology have meant that ever increasing data volumes are available for use in modern industry, whilst the data collection costs are sinking continuously. Thus, the problem is not so much the availability of data pertaining to production quality or process parameters, but rather it is about linking the data and using computer aided statistics for contextual analysis. Therefore, the objective of this project, which has been scheduled as a seminar, is for a team of students to analyse existing bulk data provided by regional businesses using state-of-the-art statistical processes, then to refine and format it before returning it to the participating companies for further exploitation.

Faculty 4, department of mathematics.