Proposed Projects and Publications
Key Projects Advancing Low-Background Research at Mines
Colorado School of Mines continues to lead in low-background research and quantum technology through several transformative projects at the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE). These initiatives address critical scientific and engineering challenges, each designed to harness the unique capabilities of CURIE’s facilities.
National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Project
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Project focuses on developing Site 2 within CURIE for superconducting sensor and quantum device benchmarking.
Project Scope:
This targeted project focuses on building out and equipping Site 2 within CURIE. The site will be optimized for benchmarking superconducting sensors and characterizing quantum devices in a controlled, low-background environment.
Project Capabilities:
Site 2 will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including cryogenic equipment, like dilution refrigerators and advanced shielding, to eliminate noise sources such as gamma radiation and muons.
Project Impact:
By enabling precise characterization of superconducting technologies, the project supports breakthroughs in quantum computing, secure communications and other quantum-enabled applications.
This project plays a foundational role in advancing CURIE’s capacity to support next-generation quantum research. Superconducting sensors and quantum devices are pivotal for improving computational efficiency and signal fidelity, and this initiative establishes Mines as a leader in quantum benchmarking.
National Science Foundation Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure Proposal
The National Science Foundation (NSF) mid-scale research infrastructure proposal establishes an open-access user facility for ultra-low background characterization.
Project Scope:
Proposing a larger-scale facility that offers researchers and industry an open-access platform for ultra-low background characterization of highly sensitive devices across various domains, including quantum computing, particle physics and environmental sensing.
Project Features:
The facility will combine CURIE’s low-background environment with flexible lab spaces, high-end equipment and collaborative infrastructure to accommodate diverse experimental needs.
Project Applications:
This project will serve as a critical testing ground for devices requiring extremely low noise and interference, such as quantum amplifiers, cryogenic detectors and next-generation particle sensors.
The open-access model fosters collaboration and accelerates innovation by providing researchers worldwide with tools and facilities to conduct cutting-edge experiments. This aligns with Mines’ mission to drive interdisciplinary research and strengthen partnerships with academia and industry.
Physical Review D Preprint on Cosmic Ray Muon Shielding
The Physical Review D Preprint on Cosmic Ray Muon Shielding quantifies CURIE’s cosmic ray muon shielding capabilities.
Publication:
A preprint of a study submitted to Physical Review D highlights CURIE’s effectiveness in mitigating cosmic ray muon flux—a significant, unmitigable background for surface experiments.
Findings:
CURIE provides a 700-fold reduction in muon flux compared to sea level, equivalent to a depth of approximately 0.4 km water equivalent (km.w.e.). This shielding enables high-sensitivity experiments not feasible in surface labs.
Relevance:
The study validates CURIE’s suitability for low-background experiments, especially for rare-event searches and quantum sensor development.
This research underscores the importance of CURIE as a cost-effective, accessible alternative to deep underground facilities. The findings enhance CURIE’s reputation as a critical site for advancing experimental physics and validating theoretical models.