Professor Helen O'Keeffe FHEA
Professor of Particle PhysicsMy 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 Lancaster, attended by approximately 180 local sixth form students.
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.
<糖心Vlog>Current TeachingPHYS131 Physics Skills
PHYS412 Experimental Methods in Particle Physics
MPhys project supervisor
<糖心Vlog>PhD Supervision InterestsI 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
Research
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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
Research
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01/10/2019 → 30/09/2020
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01/10/2018 → 31/03/2020
Research
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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