Special Seminar: Measuring the Universe with Quantum Sensors

Abstract: The LCDM cosmological model of our universe has proven remarkably robust against observations spanning billions of years of cosmic evolution. Yet, there are tantalizing hints of new physics that require measuring ever fainter signals with exquisite systematic control. Simultaneously, rapid progress in recent years has been made towards engineering and manipulating quantum systems for computing, networking, and sensing applications, enabling a fundamentally new handle on building measurement tools to study these big questions. However, the transition from building optimal single quantum devices to large-scale camera systems suitable for particle physics and cosmology is hindered by challenges from device physics to fabrication to production scaling. In this talk, I will discuss my work developing quantum technologies to enable some of the largest cameras targeted at measuring the early universe. I will then highlight new directions for leveraging SLAC's facilities in quantum sensor fabrication, characterization, and integration towards next-generation optical/IR cameras measuring the late universe.