Unveiling the Universe: In 4 New Studies, NIST Explores Novel Ways to Hunt Dark Matter
Scientists have been searching for dark matter with no success for more than 30 years. JQI and other NIST researchers are now exploring new ways to search for the invisible particles. In one study, a prototype for a much larger experiment, researchers have used state-of-the-art superconducting detectors to hunt for dark matter. The study has already placed new limits on the possible mass of one type of hypothesized dark matter. Another NIST team has proposed that trapped electrons, commonly used to measure properties of ordinary particles, could also serve as highly sensitive detectors of hypothetical dark matter particles if they carry charge.
Sau Named UMD Co-Director of JQI
JQI Fellow Jay Sau has been appointed the newest UMD Co-Director of JQI. He assumed the role on January 1, 2022.
Wellstood named new UMD Co-Director of JQI
Physics professor and JQI Fellow Fred Wellstood has been appointed the newest UMD Co-Director of JQI. He assumed the role on March 1."Fred has played a major role in the JQI since its founding," says Gretchen Campbell, the current NIST Co-Director of JQI. "Most recently, his tireless efforts helped to design and ultimately build the new Physical Sciences Center at Maryland that many JQI labs now call home. I look forward to working with him to carefully steward JQI’s future."Wellstood came to UMD in 1991 as an Assistant Professor of Physics after earning his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Upon arriving, he joined the Center for Superconductivity Research, now known as the Center for Nanophysics and Advanced Materials, and began a fruitful research career studying experimental superconductivity with an eye toward the applications of superconducting quantum interference devices. He was Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education in the Department of Physics from 1999 to 2004 and helped add two new concentration tracks for physics majors at UMD—meteorology and physics education. Since then he has been intimately involved in revamping undergraduate lab offerings. Wellstood is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and holds nearly a dozen patents.He takes over from JQI Fellow Steve Rolston, who recently became Chair of the Department of Physics. Campbell applauds Rolston's five years of service as Co-Director of JQI. "JQI grew tremendously under Steve’s leadership," she says, "and his guidance helped enhance our leading role in basic quantum physics research. As Chair of the Department of Physics, he can continue to champion the efforts of JQI and the Department as a whole."