CERN Interview Q
CERN Interview Q
It is my strong conviction that my diverse skill set and my in-depth knowledge, positions me
as an ideal candidate for the Technical Studentship at CERN. I am here not only to contribute
my expertise but also to immerse myself in this unparalleled research environment that
perfectly aligns with my personal aspirations and career goals. Thank you.
I was interested in material sciences since I understood the importance of materials in the
advancement and development. I completed bachelors in metallurgical engineering and currently
pursuing Master’s in economics, which I hope to use my expertise and to present them the most
efficient and economical for the effective use of world.
I experienced the Working of Blast furnace with and without the usage of pulverised coal injection
and the disadvantages of using coke in the process of making of steel.
In the realm of practical experience, I have gained firsthand insights into blast furnace
operations, both with and without pulverized coal injection. This exposure illuminated the
drawbacks associated with coke utilization in the steel production process, underscoring the
importance of exploring more sustainable alternatives.
On a research front, I have actively engaged in the intricate process of generating copper thin
films through DC Magnetron Sputtering. This endeavor has provided me with a hands-on
understanding of the complexities inherent in material deposition techniques.
2. Can you describe a challenging research project you've worked on and how you
overcame any obstacles or difficulties?
Certainly. One of the challenging research projects I undertook was centered around the
synthesis of copper thin films using DC Magnetron Sputtering. This project was particularly
intricate due to its multi-faceted nature, involving both experimental intricacies and analytical
complexities.
One significant obstacle I encountered was in its optimization. Achieving the desired film
thickness, uniformity, and crystal structure required a delicate balance of factors such as
power density, deposition time, and gas pressure. Initially, the films exhibited inconsistency
in thickness and undesirable grain growth, which was a setback in achieving the desired
properties.
To address this, I conducted a series of controlled experiments, systematically varying the
process parameters while meticulously documenting the outcomes. This data-driven approach
allowed me to identify the optimal conditions that yielded the desired film characteristics.
Collaborating with peers and seeking guidance from experienced researchers further enriched
my understanding of the intricacies involved.
Moreover, analyzing the films' crystal structure and morphology posed another challenge.
The X-ray diffraction patterns were complex, and accurately interpreting them required an in-
depth understanding of crystallography. I encountered difficulties in distinguishing between
various crystallographic phases.
Overcoming these obstacles not only enhanced my technical skills but also reinforced my
determination to tackle complex research challenges head-on. This experience highlighted the
importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging available resources to
navigate through intricate research endeavours.
3. How familiar are you with CERN's research areas and projects? What attracts you to
work at CERN specifically?
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) employs nine experiments with detectors to scrutinize
particles stemming from accelerator collisions. International scientist collaborations oversee
these distinct experiments, each defined by its detectors. Leading experiments, ATLAS and
CMS, deploy versatile detectors to explore extensive physics realms, ensuring cross-
validation of novel findings. ALICE and LHCb adopt tailored detectors for focused
investigations. These four detectors occupy subterranean chambers along the LHC ring.
Smaller LHC experiments like TOTEM and LHCf target "forward particles," examining
particles that skim past instead of head-on collisions. TOTEM's detectors flank the CMS
interaction point, while LHCf's two detectors rest 140 meters on either side of the ATLAS
collision point. MoEDAL-MAPP investigates magnetic monopoles near LHCb. FASER and
SND@LHC, the newest experiments, positioned near the ATLAS collision point, pursue
light particles and neutrino studies.
invented the World Wide Web (WWW) in 1989, while working at CERN. The web was originally
conceived and developed to meet the demand for automated information-sharing between
scientists in universities and institutes around the world.
beneficial to society at large. They fall broadly into applications in medicine and biomedical
technologies, aerospace applications, and safety, environment, industry 4.0 and emerging
technologies.
specialized gas detector is used extensively in high energy physics and has been adopted in
medical imaging, biotechnology, material analysis, radiation therapy dosimetry, radiation
detection monitoring and even astrophysics.
next generation of pixel cameras. They hope to now be able to commercialize the technology for use
in X-ray imaging, electron microscopy to particle track reconstruction.
CERN's collSpotting software was developed to help visual and navigate complex data sets and be
applied in the future for four main fields outside of CERN.
These include:
1. Pharmaceuticals;
2. IT networks analytics;
3. Neurology, and;
CERN to develop one of their chips for use in nuclear and space environmentsspecially designed
radiation-tolerant
I would like use to all the exclusively available equipments and experimental ideas and equip
them economically to drive the global progress and innovation and their usage to the world.
5. What techniques or tools have you used in your research, and how would they be
applicable to the work at CERN?
These techniques and tools hold significant applicability to the work at CERN. The utilization
of Origin and Illustrator showcases my proficiency in data analysis and visualization, which
are essential for interpreting complex experimental results. The experience with FE-
SEM(Field emission scanning electron microscopy), optical microscopy, and profilometry
equipment demonstrates my ability to analyze material structures and surface properties,
skills that are valuable for characterizing detector components and experimental setups. My
familiarity with hardness testing and ultrasonic machines signifies expertise in material
property assessment, vital for ensuring the durability and reliability of equipment used at
CERN.
13. What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see CERN contributing to
your professional growth?