Muon detection

This project explored the fundamental physics of muon decay using a plastic scintillator and photometer detection system. Our team collected more than 63,000 muon events and applied statistical modeling in Python and MATLAB to analyze decay curves, calculate the Fermi coupling constant, and determine the local muon flux.
The results closely matched theoretical predictions, with a measured mean decay time of 2.208 ± 0.02 μs and a calculated coupling constant of 1.73 × 10⁻⁵ GeV⁻². The muon flux was found to be 0.476 muons/cm²/min, consistent with the expected atmospheric trend.
Beyond confirming theoretical physics, this project required integrating detector hardware with computational analysis, refining data through noise discrimination, and coordinating efforts across a research team to maintain long-term data collection. The work demonstrated not only accuracy in experimental design but also adaptability in applying advanced software tools to real-world particle physics measurements.