Sample interview questions: How do you approach the analysis and interpretation of experimental data in atomic physics?
Sample answer:
- Data Collection:
- Ensure the experimental setup is properly calibrated and optimized for accurate data acquisition.
- Collect raw data from experiments, such as spectra, scattering patterns, or reaction cross-sections.
-
Record all relevant experimental parameters, including temperature, pressure, beam energy, and detector settings.
-
Data Cleaning and Preprocessing:
- Perform initial data cleaning to remove outliers, noise, and artifacts.
- Apply appropriate mathematical transformations, such as background subtraction, normalization, or smoothing, to enhance data quality.
-
Convert raw data into a format suitable for further analysis, such as text files, spreadsheets, or specialized software packages.
-
Exploratory Data Analysis:
- Generate plots and visualizations to explore the general trends, patterns, and features in the data.
- Identify any anomalous or unexpected behavior that may require further investigation.
-
Perform basic statistical analysis, such as calculating mean, median, standard deviation, and fitting simple models to the data.
-
Model Selection and Fitting:
- Choose appropriate theoretical models or equations that describe the underlying physics of the experiment.
- Fit the models to the experimental data using appropriate fitting algorithms, such as least squares or maximum likelihood methods.
-
Evaluate the goodness of fit using statistical measures, such as R-squared, chi-squared, or Akaike information criterion.
-
Error Anal… Read full answer