Open Positions

Experimental Commissioning of the ADAMOS RF Chain
A full experimental performance characterization involving Q-factor measurements, coupling optimization, and noise-floor analysis of the ADAMOS amplifier chain. Tasks include testing gain/losses of directional couplers and amplifiers and quantifying resonant frequency stability against mechanical vibrations and thermal drifts. This work ensures the ADAMOS hardware is optimized for high-precision, high-frequency axion detection.

Automation of Control and Calibration of Infrastructure
Design of a multi-level Python (or C)-based framework to control laboratory instrumentation, including VNAs, signal generators, and mechanical switches. Development of continuous calibration routines is required for daily modulation searches, with a focus on reducing experimental dead time while increasing the data-taking and calibration efficiency. This system will provide the essential infrastructure for reliable, unattended cavity dark matter searches.

Data Processing, Analysis, and Simulations for Dark Matter Searches
Design and implementation of high-performance C-based algorithms for time domain and frequency domain signal analysis in ADAMOS. Monte Carlo simulations and controlled signal injection will be used to validate sensitivity and distinguish potential dark matter signals from environmental noise. This project will support the core scientific objectives of the ADAMOS experiment.

Locking and Stabilization of a High-Finesse Fabry-Pérot Cavity
Develop and implement a stabilization system for a vacuum-enclosed Fabry-Pérot resonator integrated into a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The project involves designing PID control loops to drive piezo-mounted mirrors and translation stages, ensuring the cavity remains on resonance during long-duration runs. The cavity finesse and linewidth as well as the noise performance will also be characterized under vacuum and magnetic field to optimize the circulating optical power and sensitivity to axion-induced photon conversion.

Interferometric Phase-Locking and Polarization Modulation

Design and align a free-space Mach–Zehnder interferometer operated at a fixed wavelength with active phase-locking at the dark fringe. The project focuses on implementing a Pockels cell-based polarization modulation scheme to isolate the axion-sensitive optical field from instrumental noise. Tasks include developing of signal demodulation routines and verifying system performance through interference contrast, polarization drifts and modulation depth.

Optical Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis for the WINTER Experiment
Develop a comprehensive model of the WINTER interferometer using optical simulation tools to characterize the influence of individual components on the overall signal. You will implement the full experimental chain including the high finesse cavity, modulators, and beam splitters to evaluate contrast, loss mechanisms, and noise budgets. This framework will be used to optimize the prototype setup and project experimental reach for future high field magnet integrations.

Design and Calibration of a Microwave Cavity for Dark Photon Searches

Design, manufacture, and calibrate a high-Q copper microwave cavity tuned to the fixed resonant frequency of the graphene bolometer ($\sim 8.7$ GHz). The project involves integrating the cavity into an existing Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) environment and performing dark photon search measurements. Tasks include characterizing the cavity's electromagnetic modes and optimizing the coupling to the bolometer to maximize detection efficiency.

Automated Control and Readout System for Graphene-based Bolometer

Develop a Python-based framework for the automated characterization and readout of the Graphene Josephson Junction (GJJ) bolometer. The project focuses on implementing routines for measuring IV curves, extracting the Noise Equivalent Power (NEP), and performing quasi-reflectometry to track the bolometer's resonant frequency. You will integrate these routines into a unified control system to ensure stable, long-duration dark matter search runs at mK temperatures.

Implementation of Low-Noise Cryogenic Readout

Design and test the cryogenic microwave circuitry required to interface the GJJ-bolometer with low-noise amplification stages. This project involves the selection and characterisation of cryogenic attenuators, circulators, and HEMT amplifiers as well an optimisation of their thermal anchoring to minimise the system noise temperature ($T_{\text{sys}}$) following also a full characterisation of the thermal load on the ADR. Gain and noise-figure measurements will be performed at ~100 mK to ensure the readout electronics do not limit the NEP of the graphene sensor.

Experimental Development of a High-Pressure Tuning Chamber
Design and construct a pressurisation system using CO2 or Methane to control the effective refractive index of the HC-PCF, enabling systematic axion mass scanning from about 10–150 meV. The project will also focus on achieving the required pressure stability and implementing reliable free-space-to-fiber alignment through the gas-cell interfaces. This hardware will enable the transition from the fixed-mass prototype to a continuous, wide-band axion/ALP search.

Characterization of Fiber Mode Index via Pulsed Lasers
Perform time-of-flight measurements with a pulsed laser to determine the group index and effective phase index ($n{\text{eff}}$) of the hollow-core fiber. The fiber dispersion will be carefully characterised to accurately correlate group delay measurements with the phase-matching condition required for axion-photon conversion. This experimental calibration is essential for defining the precise mass-scale of the WISPFI experiment.

Numerical Simulations and Sensitivity Projections for WISPFI
Develop COMSOL simulations and numerical models to characterize the HC-PCF effective mode index under varying environmental tuning parameters. The project includes designing a calibration strategy using dichroic elements to emulate axion-induced amplitude changes. These computational tools are used to project experimental sensitivity and mass-range coverage under different magnetic fields, wavelengths, and noise levels.

Automation and Dual-Wavelength Control for Signal Modulation
Develop automated systems to stabilize the Mach–Zehnder interferometer while integrating an optical switch alternating between two laser wavelengths (e.g. 1535 nm and 1570 nm) . This configuration enables a synchronous axion signal modulation at 100 kHz to isolate potential axion-induced effects from background noise without relying on magnetic field switching. Tasks include designing feedback routines for amplitude balancing and implementing mechanical fiber alignment to ensure long-term stability and high-sensitivity searches.

Design and Cryogenic Characterization of a High-Q Tunable Capacitor
Develop a cryogenic-compatible tunable capacitor for resonant LC measurements, focusing on a mechanical tuning mechanism optimized for 4K operation. Tasks include RF characterization to achieve $Q \approx 10^4$ at 1–25 MHz, loss and stability analysis, and validation of tuning reproducibility. This hardware upgrade is essential for matching the LC resonance frequency to the target axion mass during upcoming physics runs.

Design and Characterisation of a Pickup Loop System for the 14 T Magnet
Simulations and sensitivity calculations will be performed to optimize the geometry of a large-volume pickup loop for operation in a 14 T warm-bore solenoid magnet. The optimized design will be implemented and experimentally characterized in terms of inductive coupling and frequency response. This work is essential for maximizing the experimental sensitivity by exploiting the increased magnetic volume and field strength of the 14 T superconducting magnet.

Real-Time Signal Processing for Transient DM Events
Implement C-based algorithms for the real-time detection of transient dark matter events through simultaneous time- and frequency-domain analysis. The pipeline will integrate automated veto channel calibration and Monte Carlo simulations to distinguish potential astrophysical signals from terrestrial EMI/EMC noise. This framework provides the essential software infrastructure for identifying non-conventional dark matter signatures.