School of Physics Spring Colloquium Series-Dr. Tim Kovachy

Speaker: Dr. Tim Kovachy

Host: Colin Parker

Title: New Tools for Dark Matter and Gravitational Wave Detection: Long-Baseline Atom Interferometers and Cryogenic Comparisons of Optical Resonators

Abstract: The search for dark matter and for new sources of gravitational waves offers potentially revolutionary opportunities to learn about the fundamental properties of the Universe. Strong astrophysical evidence indicates that dark matter makes up most of the matter in the Universe, yet its nature remains a great mystery. The detection of gravitational waves in currently unexplored frequency ranges could provide unique insights into astrophysics and cosmology. In this colloquium, I will discuss two emerging techniques for probing dark matter and gravitational waves. The first method, long-baseline atom interferometry, involves the coherent splitting of the wavefunctions of atoms over large distances and the subsequent observation of interference of the recombined wave packets. I will introduce MAGIS-100, a 100-meter-tall atom interferometer currently under construction at Fermilab. The second method involves precise optical comparisons of the lengths of cryogenic, vibration-isolated optical resonators.

Bio: Tim Kovachy is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy and a member of the Center for Fundamental Physics at Northwestern University. He did his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, before moving to Stanford University for his PhD and postdoctoral work. His research interests focus on using precise, low energy instruments such as atom interferometers to probe fundamental physics. Notable awards include a Packard Fellowship and a NIST Precision Measurement Grant Award.