CMS Pixel Detector

The pixel detector is the innermost part of the CMS detector. It plays a crucial role in seeding the tracking algorithm as well as determining the precise origin of tracks. The pixel detector operates in an extremely harsh radiation environment, with the innermost layer sitting only 3 centimeters away from the beampipe. To maintain performance after ever changing levels of radiation damage, the pixel detector must be continually calibrated with models of the radiation damage.

I have been involved in various aspects of the offline reconstruction of the pixel detector including:

• Developing novel reconstruction techniques suitable for high levels of radiation damage
• Producing calibrations based on the simulations of the radiation damage using Pixelav
• Testing candidate designs for the pixel detector’s Phase-2 upgrade
• Maintainence and improvement of the pixel reconstruction code within the CMS software framework

From September 2021-22, I served as co-convener of the Pixel Offline calibration and reconstruction sub-group within CMS.

You can read more about the CMS pixel detector here.