Speaker: Ritoban Basu Thakur (JPL) – Title: Quantum sensing, Dark Matter Searches & Astrophysics in the Far-IR.
April 23 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Research Progress Meeting
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 4:00- 5:00 pm
Location: Sessler Conference Room- 50A-5132 [In-Person and HYBRID]
Speaker: Ritoban Basu Thakur (JPL)
Title: Quantum sensing, Dark Matter Searches & Astrophysics in the Far-IR.
Abstract: Advances in superconducting kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) are opening new windows in both astrophysics and fundamental physics. This talk presents two connected applications at the frontier of photon sensitivity. (i) For PRIMA, the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, we have developed single-photon-sensitive KID arrays operating at 25 μm. This first photon-counting array demonstrated in the 3–18 THz band, will enable background-limited imaging and spectroscopy for a cryogenic space telescope targeting galaxy evolution, planet formation, and cosmic dust. (ii) QUALIPHIDE (QUAntum LImited PHotons In the Dark Experiment) applies these photon-counting MKIDs to search for hidden photon dark matter beyond the standard quantum limit, which will also empower broadband experiments such as BREAD. Basu Thakur’s group is also developing nonlinear kinetic inductance devices for advanced quantum sensing, promising a new generation of THz detectors that will serve both next-decade astrophysics observatories and unexplored dark matter phase space.
https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/98854322464?pwd=K2tKUm1VZjRlV1J5RHE3cXdHQzRxdz09
Meeting ID: 988 5432 2464
Passcode: 142239