Professor Helen O'Keeffe FHEA
Professor of Particle PhysicsResearch Overview
My research focuses on particle physics, in particular measuring properties of the neutrino. I collaborate with the Tokai to Kamioka (T2K) and Hyper-Kamiokande experiments. Within these experiments, my research interests include the analysis and categorisation of (anti)neutrino-nucleon interactions and development of Data Acquisition methods for next-generation experiments.
In addition to my research, I co-organise the annual “Particle Physics Masterclass” at 快播视频, attended by approximately 180 local sixth form students.
Current Research
T2K: Located in Japan, T2K is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment that searches for the appearance of electron neutrinos in a muon neutrino beam. To date, the T2K experiment has produced world-leading measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters and the first suggestion of CP-violation in the neutrino sector. Within T2K I am a convener of the overall near detector analysis programme, convener of a near detector selection group and a Senior Data Acquisition/Electronics expert. My research focuses on measurements of neutrino-nucleon interactions that produce neutral pions and also using measurements of muon neutrino interactions to determine the parent hadrons that produce the neutrino beam. I also am actively involved with the operation and maintenance of the near detector Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems and electronics.
Hyper-Kamiokande: Hyper-Kamiokande is a proposed mega scale water Cherenkov detector that will act as the far detector for a “next-generation” long baseline neutrino experiment that will use an upgraded beam produced by the J-PARC facility in Japan. The experiment will investigate CP violation in the neutrino sector by observation of oscillations of neutrino and antineutrino beams. The Hyper-Kamiokande experiment will study proton decays, atmospheric neutrinos, and neutrinos from astrophysical origins. Within the Hyper-Kamiokande collaboration, I am a member of the data acquisition group and have led aspects of the trigger development.
Current Teaching
PHYS131 Physics Skills
PHYS412 Experimental Methods in Particle Physics
MPhys project supervisor
PhD Supervision Interests
I am always interested in discussing potential PhD projects with applicants. Please see the list of thesis topics at the following webpage http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/research/particle-and-accelerator-physics/experimental-particle-physics/
Selected Publications
T2K Collaboration, Brailsford, D., Dealtry, T., Finch, A.J., Knox, A., Kormos, L.L., Lawe, M., Nowak, J., O'Keeffe, H.M., Ratoff, P.N., Walsh, J.G. 15/04/2020 In: Nature. 580, p. 339-344. 6 p.
Journal article
T2K Collaboration 14/04/2017 In: Physical review letters. 118, 15, 9 p.
Journal article
Hyper-Kamiokande Collaboration, Dealtry, T., Doyle, T.A., Finch, A., Kormos, L.L., James, M.L., Lawe, M., O'Keeffe, H.M. 20/07/2021 In: The Astrophysical Journal. 916, 1, 17 p.
Journal article
SNO+ Collaboration 1/02/2019 In: Physical Review D. 99, 3, 13 p.
Journal article
All Publications
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01/04/2026 → 31/03/2028
Research
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01/10/2025 → 30/09/2027
Research
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01/10/2022 → 30/04/2026
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01/10/2022 → 30/09/2026
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01/10/2021 → 30/09/2022
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01/10/2020 → 30/09/2021
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01/10/2019 → 30/09/2023
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01/10/2019 → 30/09/2020
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01/10/2018 → 31/03/2020
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01/01/2017 → 31/10/2017
Research
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01/10/2015 → 31/03/2020
Research
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01/10/2015 → 31/03/2016
Research
Oral presentation
Examination
Examination
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Examination
Member of Advisory Panel
Membership of committee
Membership of committee
Membership of committee
Membership of committee
Oral presentation
Member of Advisory Panel
Membership of committee
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
School Engagement
School Engagement
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
Membership of committee
Membership of committee
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Membership of committee
Membership of committee
School Engagement
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Experimental Particle Physics
- Experimental Particle Physics