Instrumentation Development for Cosmic Microwave Background, Dark Matter, and Dark Ages experiments at LBNL
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Precision measurement of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) have been a spectacular success. Measurement of CMB spectrum that beautifully matched to a black body spectrum confirmed the big bang model of the universe. Measurement of small temperature fluctuations within CMB allowed us to learn about geometry of universe, existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and much more. Great successes lead to fascinating questions with deep implications for physics. Why is the spatial curvature of universe flat? Why do non-causally connected regions emit radiation with black body temperatures differing by only 0.01%? The Inflation theory provides an elegant explanation for these questions by hypothesizing that the universe underwent an era of rapid expansion in its first instants.
Scientists from around the world are working together to build experiments to look for a signature from the era of rapid expansion in CMB. There is opportunities at Aritoki Suzuki's group at LBNL to participate in development of next generation instrumentation for current and future CMB experiments. Our group specializes in development of superconducting millimeter wave detectors, readout electronics and millimeter wave optics.
Role: 1) Development of cryogenic test setup - student will learn how to design, assemble and use cryogenic apparatus. Cryogenics is a key technology for many fields in physics.
2) Design of superconducting detectors to meet requirement of next generation experiment - Student will explore different detector designs to optimize its performance using 3D EM simulator. Once promising design is identified, we will fabricate proto-type detector. We will then characterize and compare its performance to a simulation. Student will learn microwave engineering, basics of super conductivity and micro-fabrication.
3) Participate in design and test of readout electronics - Student will design high frequency (1 MHz ~ 100 MHz) superconducting electronics for next generation readout. Student will learn how to design, build and test high frequency electronics in cryogenic environment.
Qualifications: Sophomore to senior class level is a requirement.
Student should want to pursue a physics, engineering physics, or engineering major.
Desirable if student has taken Physics 7B and Physics 110 (A/B), but not required.
Hands on experience with tools are also desirable.
Hours: to be negotiated
Off-Campus Research Site: LBNL, building 50 (Physics Division)
Related website: https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/asuzuki/home
Mathematical and Physical Sciences