Our research group focuses on using advanced computational methods to explore cosmic mysteries, specifically the nature of dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up most of the universe's mass. We develop tools that bridge computer science and physics, a unique approach known as translational computer science. This approach allows us to create new computational techniques while working on critical questions about the universe.
Our team is a founding member of the XENON Collaboration, a group of researchers from around the world using detectors located deep underground in Italy to search for dark matter. These detectors are some of the most sensitive ever made and have helped rule out many theories about dark matter. We use a special type of detector called a liquid xenon time-projection chamber, which allows us to detect faint signals from particles passing through Earth.
From 2018 to 2022, we used the XENON1T detector, which was the most sensitive instrument for searching for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), the leading candidate for dark matter. Since then, we’ve upgraded to a new experiment called XENONnT, which continues to push the boundaries of what we know about the universe. Our findings not only deepen our understanding of dark matter but have also led to discoveries in other areas of physics, such as rare particle interactions and neutrinos.
Unlike other groups working on dark matter, our approach emphasizes cutting-edge computational techniques. Most groups focus on developing hardware (e.g., detectors and sensors), but we invest heavily in using new machine learning and data science methods to solve problems in physics. For example, we have used domain-informed neural networks to make our detectors smarter and more efficient in understanding particle interactions. Our focus on software and algorithms has enabled us to develop new ways to improve the sensitivity of our experiments and enhance the speed of data analysis.
We also play a key role in building a community of researchers working at the intersection of data science and particle physics. Through initiatives like DIDACTS (Data-Intensive Discovery Accelerated by Computational Techniques for Science), we bring together experts from multiple disciplines to address data challenges across scientific fields. In addition, our DANCE network connects researchers globally to share computational advances for tackling big questions about dark matter and neutrinos.
Looking ahead, our group is contributing to the future of dark matter detection through projects like DARWIN and XLZD, which aim to be the most sensitive detectors yet, potentially helping us finally discover what dark matter really is.
We are also pioneering novel approaches for using quantum sensors to search for dark matter, addressing fundamental questions about what it means to perform such a measurement, including related statistical, computational, and modeling challenges. One such project is Windchime, which aims to detect heavy dark matter (such as WIMPzillas) using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMs). This technology would allow us to observe dark matter gravitationally, providing a novel detection method for extremely massive particles.
Another frontier project is Polonaise, which focuses on using magnetic levitation to search for ultra-light vector dark matter. Polonaise leverages advances in quantum technology and metrology to achieve previously unreachable sensitivity, making it possible to explore a range of dark matter candidates that have never before been testable.
Our work combines frontier experiments with cutting-edge computational techniques to explore one of the greatest mysteries in physics: what is dark matter, and why does it exist? By pushing the boundaries of both data science and experimental physics, we hope to uncover new physics that will help us better understand our universe.
- October 2024: We observed for the first time Solar neutrinos bouncing off a nucleus in XENONnT! (arXiv:2410.17137)!
- September 2024: New paper submitted to PRL searching for ultralight dark matter using magnetic levitation for the POLONAISE experiment (arXiv:2409.03814) based on Dr Amaral's work connecting dark matter theory to quantum sensing systems (JCAP 06 (2024) 050)!
We specialize in the following physics areas:
- Dark matter direct detection: We are a founding member of the XENON experiments that is one of the leading experiments to measure WIMP dark matter terrestrially. (XENON100/XENON1T/XENONnT)
- Neutrinos and weak interactions: We research neutrinos through processes such as neutrinoless double-beta decay, where observing this process gains insight into why the Universe is made of predominantly matter. (DUNE / XLZD / Darwin)
- Quantum sensing for dark matter: We are pioneering efforts to understand how novel quantum sensing devices can be used to probe dark matter terrestrially. (Windchime / POLONAISE)
Prof. Christopher Tunnell, Associate Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Computer Science and group leader. Publications 2018-present
Dr. Juehang Qin, Physics Postdoctoral Research
2023–present
Dr. Dorian Praia-do-amaral, Physics Postdoctoral Researcher
2022–present
Prof. Aaron Higuera, Assistant Research Professor of Physics and Astronomy
2020–present
Dr. Yossi Mosbacher, Research Software Engineer (bridge job) 2023–2024
Dr. Peter Gaemers, Physics Postdoctoral Research (bridge job)
2023
Dr. Christina Peters, Computer Science Postdoctoral Researcher
2020–2023
Prof. Petr Chaguine, Associate Research Professor of Physics and Astronomy
2018–2021
Dr. Junji Naganoma, Physics Postdoctoral Researcher
2018–2020
Ivy Li
2020–present
Luis Sanchez
2019–present
Shixiao Liang
2019–present
Sophia Andaloro, MSc
2019–2022
Bo Zheng, MCS
2020
Xiongfeng Song, MCS
2020
We have had undergraduates from Physics and Astronomy (P&A) and Computer Science (CS) in the group.
Sanya Arora [P&A]
2022–present
Eric Cai [P&A]
2022–present
Rebecca Zadeck [P&A]
2022–2024
Alex Upton [P&A]
2023–2024
Emily Huynh [CS]
2023
Xinze Feng [P&A]
2023
Zoe Bilodeau [CS, Skidmore]
2022–2023
Jason Lee [CS]
2022–2023
Kexin Shen [P&A]
2022–2023
Prathik Boyella [P&A]
2022
Charles Dyall [P&A]
2021
Ayush Sachdeva [P&A]
2021
Chloe Liebenthal [P&A]
2020–2021
Yvette Martinez [CS]
2020–2022
Mirella Vassilev [P&A, Thesis]
2020–2021
Alejandro Oranday [P&A, Thesis]
2019–2021
Diep Hoang [CS]
2020–2021
Yiyang 'Skylar' Xu [CS]
2020
Yingfan Chen [CS]
2020
Shuaicheng 'Sam' Li [ECE]
2020
- Location: Herman Brown Hall 238, Department of Physics and Astronomy, 6100 Main St, Rice University, Houston, TX
- Email: [email protected]