Direct Detection of Dark Matter

My primary research focus is the direct detection of dark matter, specifically Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), which are among the most promising candidates to explain the missing mass in the Universe. Despite compelling astrophysical evidence for dark matter, its fundamental nature remains elusive. I work on the development, operation, and data analysis of ultra-sensitive, low-background detectors—such as those used in the XENONnT experiment—that are located deep underground to shield from cosmic rays and other backgrounds.

These experiments aim to detect the rare interactions between WIMPs and atomic nuclei, which would manifest as tiny energy deposits in the detector medium. My contributions include calibration, background modeling, and the design of new analysis techniques to maximize sensitivity to WIMP signals. A confirmed detection would revolutionize our understanding of the Universe, providing direct evidence for the particle nature of dark matter and opening a new window into physics beyond the Standard Model.

Study of Neutrino Properties

Another central aspect of my research is the study of neutrino properties through the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. This extremely rare process, if observed, would demonstrate that neutrinos are Majorana particles (their own antiparticles) and provide crucial information about the absolute neutrino mass scale. I am involved in the R&D and data analysis for next-generation experiments (such as DARWIN/XLZD), which are designed to achieve unprecedented sensitivity to this decay.

My work includes developing background suppression strategies, optimizing detector design, and improving statistical analysis methods to distinguish potential signals from background noise. Discovering neutrinoless double beta decay would not only answer fundamental questions about the origin of mass and the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe, but also have profound implications for particle physics and cosmology.