Experiments in Neutrinos & Dark Matter
Research
The Maruyama group is exploring several topics in nuclear and particle astrophysics. The experiments range from studying properties of neutrinos to a search for dark matter. We are searching for annual modulation signature from dark matter with the DM-Ice experiment, currently running a 17 kg version at the South Pole, with a 250 kg experiment currently being designed. We are also using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to study fundamental properties of neutrinos using nearby supernovae. With CUORE, we are looking for a process called neutrinoless double beta decay. If such a process is observed, it would mean that neutrinos are their own antiparticles, and may hold the clue to why we live in a Universe of matter, and not antimatter. The experiment is located in the Gran Sasso National Underground Laboratory in Italy.
Our group offers research opportunities for graduate, undergraduate, and summer students. The Maruyama group is part of UW's research in experimental neutrino and astroparticle physics.
Recent news
- 2012-02 .. Prof. Maruyama receives the NSF CAREER Award!
- 2012-01 .. DM-Ice is mentioned in "The Why Files" article.
- 2011-07 .. An article describing IceCube's sensitivity for detection of low energy neutrinos (~10 MeV), "IceCube Sensitivity for Low-Energy Neutrinos from Nearby Supernovae," was posted on the arXiv. Look for it in Astroparticle Physics journal soon!
- 2011-06 .. A paper describing the DM-Ice concept, "A Search for the Dark Matter Annual Modulation in South Pole Ice," was posted on the arXiv. Look for it in Astroparticle Physics journal soon!
- 2011-04 .. Antonia Hubbard has received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Congratulations!
- 2011-04 .. Walter Pettus has received a DOE SSGF Graduate Fellowship. Congratulations!
- 2011-03 .. Stable operation of DM-Ice-17 has began.
- 2010-12 .. Both detectors of DM-Ice-17 has been deployed in the Antarctic Ice! Look for data trickling in over the satellite once the ice in the hole has frozen in.
- 2010-11-08 .. DM-Ice-17 detectors have been shipped to the South Pole.
- 2010-08 .. DM-Ice-17 has been approved by the NSF to be co-deployed with IceCube.
