Speaker: Ritoban Basu Thakur (JPL) - Title: Quantum sensing, Dark Matter Searches & Astrophysics in the Far-IR.
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 UTC
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=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 988 5432 2464

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Special RPM: Industry Career Panel
2026-04-28 15:00 - 17:00
Special Research Progress Meeting
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 3:00- 5:00 pm [Note special start time]
Location: Building 50 Auditorium [In-Person and HYBRID] [Note special location]

Panelists:
Luigi Capodieci [Synopsis]
Katie Copic [Fieldwork]
Tobias Ostermayr [Nvidia]
Nadav Outmezguine [Microsoft AI]
Khilesh Mistry [Block Inc.]
Title: Industry Career Panel
Summary: The Industry Career Panel will consist of panelists that have backgrounds similar to postdocs and graduate students at LBNL and/ or have extensively worked in departments that often employ people with these backgrounds. This event is especially geared towards postdocs and graduate students preparing to apply for jobs in industry. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions about any aspect of the industry job application process.

https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/95679892182?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 956 7989 2182
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Speaker: Rupert Croft (CMU) - Title: Cosmological simulations, AI and the high redshift Universe
2026-04-30 16:00 - 17:00
Research Progress Meeting
Date: April 30, 2026
Time: 4:00- 5:00 pm
Location: Sessler Conference Room- 50A-5132 [In-Person and HYBRID]
Speaker: Rupert Croft (CMU)
Title: Cosmological simulations, AI and the high redshift Universe
Abstract: AI assistance can turn complex astrophysical supercomputer simulations into easily accessible tools. I will introduce applications to cosmology, including hybrid AI-physics codes, and a agentic system that can set up and run a billion particle simulation in seconds. As a use case for this type of modelling, I will explore the Lyman-alpha forest of intergalactic absorption in quasars and how it can both be gravitationally lensed, and also used to make large-scale maps of the intergalactic radiation intensity. I will also present cold dark matter simulation predictions for the mysterious “little red dots” seen by the Webb telescope at high redshift.
https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/98854322464?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 988 5432 2464

Passcode: [REDACTED]
