DrTheresa Fruth

Cosmological and astrophysical observations have shown that 85% of the matter in the universe is made of dark matter. While there are many theories of what dark matter could be, its nature remains unknown until today. My research focus is the search for dark matter with underground particle physics experiments. I am an expert in liquid xenon time-projection chamber technology, especially in photomulitplie tubes for light signal readout, analysis and simulation techniques. 

Liquid Xenon Dark Matter Searches

LZ is a dark matter direct detection search currently operating at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota (US). At the heart of the experiment is a dual-phase liquid xenon time projection chamber, surrounded by a xenon skin veto and an outer detector containing liquid scintillator. Photomultiplier tubes on top and bottom of the detector are sensitive to faint light flashes emitted when a dark matter particle would interact with a xenon atom. The detector is located 1 mile underground and has been constructed from low-radioactivity materials, as background radiation could mimic the dark matter signal. It is the world-leading experiment in the search for dark matter particles heavier than a proton and will continue to take data until 2028.

Beyond LZ I am part of the XLZD collaboration. XLZD will be the ultimate liquid xenon experiment for dark matter and neutrino physics. It is currently in its pre-design phase.

SABRE South

SABRE South is a dark matter direct detection search which will be constructed in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) in Victoria (Australia). The detection medium are sodium-iodide crystals. A dark matter particle interaction in these crystals would cause a faint flash of light, which is detected with photomultiplier tubes. As the rate of dark matter interactions is expected to vary throughout the year, SABRE will be looking for an annual modulation signal. To distinguish a potential dark matter signal from seasonal effects, its partner experiment, SABRE North, will be located in the northern hemisphere.

Local laboratory and R&D

Together with my colleague Dr Laura Manenti, I lead a local Particle Physics Lab at the University of Sydney in which we develop novel particle detectors and test sensors for next generation dark matter searches.

Themes

Dark Matter, Astroparticle Physics, Particle Physics

Theresa's research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths - Understanding the Universe, Earth and Space Exploration and Technologies.