JQI Seminar: Dave DeMille
Description
Title: Quantum sensing of the quantum vacuum to detect new fundamental particles
Abstract: The field of particle physics is in a peculiar state. The standard model of particle theory successfully describes every fundamental particle and force observed in laboratories, yet it fails to explain properties of the universe such as the existence of dark matter, and the large preponderance of matter over antimatter. Huge experiments, of increasing scale and cost, continue to search for new particles and forces that might explain these phenomena. However, these frontiers also can be explored in certain smaller, laboratory-scale “tabletop” experiments. Here, new particles cannot be directly created, but their very existence allows them to appear in “virtual” states that can affect the properties of ordinary matter. In this talk I will describe some precision measurement techniques from atomic and molecular physics that can detect tiny signals due to new particles or forces—and, perhaps, be the first to discover new particles beyond the standard model.
Abstract: The field of particle physics is in a peculiar state. The standard model of particle theory successfully describes every fundamental particle and force observed in laboratories, yet it fails to explain properties of the universe such as the existence of dark matter, and the large preponderance of matter over antimatter. Huge experiments, of increasing scale and cost, continue to search for new particles and forces that might explain these phenomena. However, these frontiers also can be explored in certain smaller, laboratory-scale “tabletop” experiments. Here, new particles cannot be directly created, but their very existence allows them to appear in “virtual” states that can affect the properties of ordinary matter. In this talk I will describe some precision measurement techniques from atomic and molecular physics that can detect tiny signals due to new particles or forces—and, perhaps, be the first to discover new particles beyond the standard model.
*You will need to bring your cell phone, so you can sign in using the QR code outside of ATL 2400. You will need to submit your first and last name, email, and affiliation on the form by 11:15am to be able to get lunch after the seminar. Lunch is first come, first served.*
At 4pm, there will be a tea in ATL 2117 for our speaker and students/postdocs - this is a chance to ask questions directly to our speaker. Refreshments will be served.