Arnaud Chapon's homepage


CV

Experience

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from 2015: Nuclear measurements expert
Responsible of laboratory for maintenance and radiation protection

CERAP (Conseils et Etudes en RAdioProtection), Cherbourg (France)

I am in charge of the building of a laboratory welcoming an accelerator of electrons. Electrons beam produces X-rays using a conversion target, which are employed to calibrate radiation survey meters using a methodology I developped. I am involved in the qualification of the beam, the quality of the process and the development of further applications.

New applications include irradiation of electronic components for space and aeronautical industry, radiobiology experiments, sterilization of medical devices... Both a direct electrons beam and X-rays are available up to 3.5 MV in voltage and 1 mA in current.

Furthermore, the laboratory includes a liquid scintillation counter for measuremnts of liquids and swipe assays.

2014-2015: Research assistant

Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire de Caen, Caen (France)
CERAP (Conseils et Etudes en RAdioProtection), Cherbourg (France)

I was in charge of optimisation and metrological validation of radioprotection and nuclear measurement protocols applied by CERAP. My focus areas were liquid scintillation and gamma spectrometry but I was also involved in sizing and homogeneity control of biological protections. I was developing a common simulation tool (based on Geant4) for radioprotection and nuclear measurements and contributed to other R&D projects initiated by CERAP.

  • radioprotection and nuclear measurements:
  • radiation protection;
  • gamma spectroscopy;
  • liquid scintillation counting (LSC);
  • beta and gamma counters;
  • R&D activities:
  • common simulation tool (based on Geant4) for radioprotection and nuclear measurements;
  • system of distant radiation mapping based on individual counters of workers;
  • development of simulation and analysis tools:
  • python, C++, Geant4;
  • mercurad, genie2000/isocs, pascalys;

2012-2013: Postdoctoral position

Centre de Physique des Particules de Marseille, Marseille (France)

I awas involved in the optoelectronic characterization of infrared 2Kx2K pixelated detectors which will be a part of the EUCLID space mission of dark energy mapping (2020), which is optimized for two independent primary cosmological probes: BAO and WL. I was also in charge of the development of simulation and analysis tools for the experiment.

  • environment of the detectors:
  • mounting of a cleanroom;
  • pumping and cryogenic systems;
  • control and reduction of heat sources (blackbody radiation);
  • optoelectronic performances of the detectors:
  • mounting of an elecronic chain;
  • data acquisition and monitoring;
  • development of simulation and analysis tools:
  • C++;
  • python;
  • php, html, css, xml;
  • configuration of a SVN server.

2008–2011: PhD thesis

Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire de Caen, Caen (France)

I was involved in the analysis of the double-beta decay process of 100Mo to 0+ excited state of 100Ru using the full Nemo3 data (2003-2011). I took also an important part in the development of simulation and analysis tools for the BiPo R&D project and in the prototype detector commissioning.

  • experimental research on the neutrino mass and nature:
  • identification and measurement of extremely low-backgrounds;
  • experience in an underground environment (Modane, 4800 mwe);
  • use of statistical tests;
  • development of simulation and analysis tools:
  • C++, STL, Geant4, Boost;
  • python;
  • file management for the analysis of large and complex datasets:
  • data acquisition and monitoring;
  • use of central computing facility and batch processing.

2008–2011: Teaching activities

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen (France)

I had many teaching activities (∼200 hours) from BSc to MSc degrees at the University of Caen Lower Normandy: general physics, nuclear physics, C++ programming...

More details here.

Previous trainings

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen (France)
Laboratoire de Physique Corpusculaire de Caen, Caen (France)
Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds (GANIL), Caen (France)

  • 2008: Msc training "Analyse des données du détecteur prototype BiPo1"
    BiPo is a detector dedicated to measurement in 208Tl and 214Bi contaminations of thin foils. This training was an introduction to the PhD that I followed from the next year.

    pdf

  • 2007: Msc training "Tests de détecteurs à électrons"
    It comes to localization Si detectors used to detect the electron emitted in the decay of 6He for measuring the β-ν angular correlation coefficient, predicted to be -1/3 by the Standard Model (in the case of the V-A theory, in a pure GT transition).

    pdf

  • 2004: Janus training "Transport des ions dans le spectromètre VAMOS"
    A not mandatory training I attended at GANIL about the VAMOS (VAriable MOde Spectrometer) spectrometer.

    pdf

PhD thesis

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  • Title
    Double-beta decay measurement of 100Mo to the excited 0+ state of 100Ru in the Nemo3 experiment;
    R&D program for SuperNEMO: development of a BiPo detector to measure ultra low contaminations in the source foils.

  • Supervisor
    Dr François Mauger

  • Abstract
    The Nemo3 detector was designed for the study of double beta decay and in particular the search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ). The quantity of 100Mo in the detector (7 kg) allows also a competitive measurement of the two-neutrino double beta decay (2νββ) of 100Mo to the excited 01+ state of 100Ru (eeNγ channel). Monte-Carlo simulations of the effect and of all the possible sources of background have been studied in order to determine their contributions to the full Nemo3 experimental data (2003–2011). These one have then been analysed: the 2νββ decay half-life has been measured, and a limit on the 0νββ decay has been obtained.
    Moreover, the SuperNEMO experiment aims to reach a sensitivity up to 1026 years on the half-life of neutrinoless double beta decay. The SuperNEMO detector radioactivity has to be as low as possible. Especially radiopurity levels of 2 μBq.kg−1 in 208Tl and 10 μBq.kg−1 in 214Bi are required for the source foils. The gamma-spectrometry can not measure such low contamination levels. Hence, a BiPo dedicated detector has been developed to measure 208Tl and 214Bi contaminations, identifing the Bi → Po → Pb β−α chains. A proof of principle has been performed and the detector background has been measured. Assuming these values, a full BiPo detector of 3.6m2 can achieve the required sensitivities for the SuperNEMO source foils within six months of measurement.

pdf

Education

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  • PhD degree
    2008–2011, University of Caen Lower Normandy, Caen (France), speciality: Theoretical physics and particle physics, with highest honors.

  • Msc degree
    2006-2008, University of Caen Lower Normandy, Caen (France), speciality: Physics of matter and radiations, rank: 1st /16.

  • Bsc degree
    2003-2006, University of Caen Lower Normandy, Caen (France), speciality: Fundamental and applied physics.

Other responsibilities

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  • Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA);

  • First-aider;


  • Scientific vulgarisation and diffusion: in schools, hospitals, or during events opened to the general public. Vistit dedicated page here;

  • Founding president of 4L TROP free, a non-profit IT organization which enabled the schooling of children Southern Morocco;

  • Webmaster of the Juris'Voxa website.

List of publications and public presentations

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Have a look on the list of my scientific publications here.


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