Matea has been part of the muon group where she has been developing bespoke data analysis software for the MuX instrument. MuX can map the elemental composition, isotopes, and oxidation states of atoms at different depths in a sample, and it can do this without damaging them. This makes it well suited to many areas of science including engineering, advanced manufacturing, energy materials, and studying historical artefacts.
The Elemental Visualisation and Analysis (EVA) software that Matea is working on was first created by muon group leader Adrian Hillier in 2022. His vision was of a software to automate the detection of elements in muonic X-ray spectra, allowing users to understand the results of their experiments faster and more easily. So far, Matea has implemented some of the most frequently run simulations of MuX, as well as peak fitting features and a built-in periodic table listing each element’s characteristic energies.
Matea has hugely enjoyed working on this project, as she’s always been interested in programming. She nearly chose to study computer science at university, but opted for physics in order to broaden her skillset. This year, she’s been able to apply both disciplines, and she plans on pursuing a career in computational physics.
Matea has really enjoyed her year at ISIS, and says, “I’d absolutely recommend the placement to someone who’s interested.”
After the experience of her placement at ISIS, Matea wants to study for a PhD in muon imaging. She’s learned much knowledge and developed so many skills this year that a research group from the University of Oxford have offered her a PhD position without requiring a master’s degree. This is a brilliant opportunity, and it’s been very encouraging for Matea. She says, “it’s boosted my confidence a lot that I’ve chosen the right path for me.”
Additionally, the Matea’s placement year has given her the opportunity to travel to Japan for the FUME negative muon workshop. As ISIS is one of just 4 facilities globally which provide pulsed negative muons, Matea says “it was great to feel a sense of community withing quite a niche field.”
Matea also presented at the ISIS Science Day in January. “I’m really glad that I was brave enough to do it as I didn’t think they’d actually select me to do a talk,” she says. “I wouldn’t describe myself as the type of person who would enjoy presenting my work, but when I gave my presentation I felt genuinely excited, and I was really happy to have been given that opportunity”. Now she’s writing a paper about the EVA software, which will be Matea’s first published paper.
“I’ve really enjoyed my placement. I’ve learned a ridiculous amount in muon physics, nuclear physics, and software development. It’s been really great to be put into a research environment as a fly-on-the-wall to see what that’s like, especially as I’ve always been interested in academia.”
She adds; “I really like the culture at ISIS, it’s always encouraging me to do well, and I enjoy being around other people who are interested in the same work as I am. Even though I had to move away from university for a year, I’ve gained a lot from my placement because of all the opportunities I’ve been given.”
