Welcome to UCL Dark Matter
We are an elite research group working at the forefront of astroparticle physics, with the ultimate goal of discovering the true nature of dark matter. We operate the most sensitive underground experiments in the world, as well as highly innovative, cutting-edge quantum sensors that reach the very edge of quantum noise limits.
Core Research Areas
- LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ): The current world leading search for galactic dark matter in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs).
- XLZD: A next-generation, multi-tonne experiment designed to probe the remainder of viable WIMP parameter space. UCL is leading the Clean Manufacture work package, critical for ultra-low background operations.
- Quantum Sensors: We’re developing ultra-sensitive sensors using opto-mechanically levitated nanospheres and superconducting wires to search for ultra-light dark matter candidates, in collaboration with UCL’s AMOPP group.
- Low-background Facilities: UCL operates the UK's premier radiopurity infrastructure, including underground germanium assay (BUGS) and state-of-the-art ICP-MS labs at Boulby, Rutherford Appleton, and Edinburgh. These support material screening for xenon experiments and beyond.
Why It Matters
Our work directly probes the standard cosmological model—ΛCDM—which predicts that dark matter constitutes roughly 85% of all matter in the universe. Therefore direct observation of galactic WIMPs would profoundly impact our understanding of cosmology, as well as give us tangible evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Read more
Contact Us
For all enquiries, contact:
- Dr. Amy Cottle: LZ analyses and XLZD Clean Manufacture work package
- Prof. Chamkaur Ghag: LZ, XLZD, and Quantum Sensor R&D
- Meet the team
We welcome prospective PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and fellowship applicants with opportunities in:
- Detector development and commissioning
- Background Modelling
- Data analysis
- Simulations
- Statistical inference
- Calibration