Difference between revisions of "Poisson Statistics"

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== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
  
This experiment can be done by one student in one session. Taking sets of background data without a source is the most time consuming part, taking around an hour.
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This experiment can be done by one student in one session.  
 +
Taking sets of background data without a source is the most time consuming part, taking around an hour.

Latest revision as of 14:43, 23 March 2021

Poisson Statistics

Experiment Instructions (pdf)

Background

The Poisson distribution can characterize random events that occur at a well-defined average rate. It is widely used in atomic and sub-atomic physics. The Poisson distribution is effective in a variety of statistical applications. The most common involve event probabilities, but several assumptions must hold true: i) the rate at which random events occur does not change for the duration of the measurement; ii) the occurrence of one event does not change the likelihood of another event; iii) events occur at a slow enough rate that they can be individually distinguished.

In this experiment, Poisson statistics will be used to analyze random radioactive decay events that occur in a defined time interval. A decay occurs an integer k number of times in the interval, including possibly not at all (k = 0). The average number of events expected in a defined time interval is λ, known as the event rate. Given λ, the probability of observing k events in the time interval is:



Background Reading

The Poisson Distribution

UCS30 Setup


History

Jan 2020 - Experiment set up and verified by Martin Hoeferkamp

Feb 2020 - Software migrated to Windows 10

Feb 2020 - Weak signal observed by group performing lab

Feb 2020 - Major failure of high-voltage source on UCS30 spectrometer, serial number 505, should be sent for repair: Equipment

Feb 25, 2020 - Experiment performed with alternate UCS30 with no issues

March 2021 - Experiment migrated to new computer with UNM Colleges login, no issues found


Notes

This experiment can be done by one student in one session. Taking sets of background data without a source is the most time consuming part, taking around an hour.