Works on quantum-limited sensing for astroparticle physics. Directions: (1) Pierre Auger Observatory — UHE cosmic ray composition and spectrum via radio and fluorescence detection; (2) liquid argon dark matter detectors; (3) co-PI DARPA QuSeN (2025) — quantum sensing of neutrinos using phonon-coupled SC qubit sensors with Cleland and Chou. KICP member.
Pyle designs cryogenic athermal-phonon and TES-based quantum sensors for the SuperCDMS experiment, pushing detector thresholds down toward single-phonon / meV-scale energy resolution to search for sub-GeV dark matter. The group is actively recruiting postdocs.
Stubbs was the inaugural project scientist for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory/LSST and works on precision photometric calibration (e.g. tunable collimated beam projectors) for its 3200-megapixel wide-field survey camera, alongside dark-matter/dark-energy searches and tests of gravitation. Included as a borderline, not-preferred astronomy-instrumentation case: the camera/calibration technology is complex and cutting-edge but is CCD-based rather than a quantum sensor per se.
Sumner is a founding figure of the UK dark-matter direct-detection programme (ZEPLIN series, now LZ), working on liquid-xenon TPC design, radiopurity and background control for rare-event searches.
Tan leads the Superconducting Quantum Detectors group, holding ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants. Two main research pillars: (1) Quantum-limited SIS mixer development — pushing THz SIS heterodyne receivers above the Nb gap (~700 GHz) using NbTiN/NbN films for next-generation ALMA wideband sensitivity upgrade (Band 9) and large-format focal-plane mixer arrays for JCMT/SMA; (2) Superconducting parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) — fabricating kinetic-inductance and Josephson-junction TWPAs achieving near-quantum-limited broadband noise performance from microwave to THz, with applications to dark matter/axion searches (ABRACADABRA/prototype cavity haloscope), quantum computing qubit readout, and CMB-grade receivers. Group is transitioning TWPA fabrication in-house using Beecroft Building cleanroom. ERC Consolidator Grant awarded 2024.
Wittweg works on the XENONnT liquid-xenon dark matter experiment, focusing on detector calibration, low-background techniques and rare-event/dark-matter analyses; recently joined Imperial and is establishing a new noble-liquid detector research programme.