To promote the innovative development of the State Key Laboratory of Dark Matter Physics, the laboratory (hereinafter referred to as "the Lab") is now calling for proposals for 2025 lab-directed Internal research projects. The initiative encourages and supports Lab-affiliated researchers in conducting cutting-edge scientific research and key technological research & development, with a focus on areas such as interactions between dark matter and atoms/neutrinos/electromagnetic fields, and large-scale behavior of dark matter.
Application Requirements
1. Applicants should independently select topics based on the guidelines, clearly define research backgrounds and needs, and propose research objectives, content, methodology, technical indicators, and evaluation criteria.
2. Applicants should generally hold a Ph.D. or senior professional technical title. Applicants should have a thorough understanding of domestic and international research developments in the relevant field and be capable of leading the proposed research project.
3. The 2025 internal research projects are open to Lab-affiliated members. The funding amount for theoretical research is generally no more than 200,000 CNY per project, and for experimental research no more than 300,000 CNY per project, with a research period of 18 months. The application should be truthful, with a detailed budget.
4. Research outputs generated from the funded internal research projects shall belong to the Lab. All publications and results must include the acknowledgment of "Supported by the State Key Laboratory of Dark Matter Physics."
Submission Guidelines
1. Applicants shall fill in the application form according to the template (click the attachment to download the template), and send the electronic version of the application (the Word version and the signed and stamped PDF scan) by email to dm-phys-lab@sjtu.edu.cn before June 20, 2025. Meanwhile, the signed and stamped hard copy of the application shall be submitted to the Management Office of the Lab (double-sided printing, in triplicate). Late submissions will not be accepted.
2. Upon receipt of application materials, the Lab will organize and conduct the review process. Approved projects will be formally established and funded.
Contact Information of Management Office
Address: Room S527, 1 Lisuo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Contact：Dr. Zhang, 18217325905
Attachment: Form-for-internal-project.docx
Internal research project guidelines
1-1 Various dark matter could interact with xenon nucleus in the PandaX detector. When the momentum transfer is high, inelastic nuclear excitation will happen. A general theoretical treatment is needed, which can take a generic type of interaction, use nuclear calculation to give a specific prediction of the cascade signal.
1-2 Unique and theoretically motivated models (other than the usual suspects: WIMPs/axion/sterile nu) that can produce unique signatures in the experiment. The search strategy and the phenomenology (e.g. signature/rate/spectrum) should be predicted, and closely communicated with the experimentalists. Focus on testable theories that can be performed by TDLI experimenters.
1-3 An updated state-of-arts evaluation of the galactic halo dynamics and local mass/velocity distribution, including rich substructures and Large Magellanic Cloud, as the input for the direct detection. Also need the line-of-sight DM density/velocity profile for indirect detection.
1-4 DM indirect detection with low-energy cosmic-ray antinuclei: theoretical calculations of antinucleus production via the dark matter annihilation/decay and astrophysical process are needed, with an emphasis on uncertainties from the hadronization and coalescence process. It would be ideal to also produce a model of cosmic-ray galactic propagation and solar modulation for low energy anti-matter.
2-1 A comprehensive evaluation of beta decay backgrounds in liquid xenon detectors and other rare-event search experiments is essential. Precise understanding of background counts and spectral shapes proves critical for enhancing sensitivity in dark matter searches and neutrino-less double beta decay experiments. Particular attention should be given to the beta decay spectra of Kr-85, Ar-39, Pb-212/Bi-212, and Pb-214/Bi-214, as well as cosmogentically activated Xe-137. We call for a detailed calculation of those beta decay spectrum shapes, taking in account of radiative corrections, atomic exchange effects, atomic screening effects, and etc.
2-2 Theoretical discussions of using neutrino data, including DBD spectrum (using TDLI flagship detectors or TDLI experimenters collaborate on), to access various aspects of dark matter and neutrino interactions or relations. For example, calculation of matrix elements of novel double beta decay schemes, especially schemes related to dark matter.
2-3 Perform sensitivity study for TRIDENT on DM annihilation and decay signals in Galactic Centre. Extend with analysis on exotic DM structures (spikes and Ultracompact mini-halos). Support this with theoretically well-motivated models and complementarity with PandaX.
2-4 Examine multi-messenger approach of Ultra-High-Energy (UHE) cosmic rays and neutrinos, with focus on interactions with dark sector in dense environments, from AGN to Earth.
2-5 Explore potentials of DarkSHINE precise measurements of electron-nucleon bremsstrahlung processes to probe beyond standard model effects. In particular for the studies of signals modelling/generation and DarkSHINE simulation for Sterile neutrino pairs produced via dipole moment interactions.
3-1 Theoretical Research: Explore the interaction between a laser with a specific spatial mode and plasma, and investigate axion generation through beam-beam collisions or the interaction between the laser beam and plasma wakefields. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, identify a scheme that can significantly boost the conversion efficiency from laser energy to axions. Compare this scheme with existing international light-shining-through-wall experimental setups, focusing on aspects such as the detectable axion energy range, the axion-photon coupling factor, and the required laser and plasma conditions. Provide a design blueprint for future experimental validation.
3-2 Experimental Research on Plasma Channel and Laser Guiding: For the axion generation scheme via ultra-intense laser-plasma wakefield interaction, experimentally study the formation of a meter-scale plasma channel, the guiding of the ultra-intense laser, and wakefield excitation techniques. Determine the formation conditions for the meter-scale plasma channel, construct a light guidance device on the laboratory astrophysics platform of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, and conduct experimental research on light guidance. Analyze the factors influencing petawatt laser guiding and guiding quality, including the spatial mode evolution of the guided laser and energy transmittance.
3-3 Experimental Research on Single-Photon Detection: For the same axion generation scheme, explore single-photon detection using the light-shining-through-wall method. Build a secondary magnet group with a meter-scale length and a Tesla-level magnetic field strength in a vacuum environment with extremely low background photon noise on the laboratory astrophysics research platform of the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute. This magnet group will be used for axion-photon conversion. Additionally, provide a design scheme for single-photon detection.
4-1 Development of 1D Spectral Extraction Software for the JUST Spectrograph. For the JUST spectrograph, develop 1D spectral extraction software with full-chain processing capabilities, including background subtraction, flat-field correction, wavelength calibration, spectrum extraction, stitching, and sky background subtraction.
4-2 Research on Dark Matter Distribution in Galaxy Clusters. Construct a galaxy cluster sample using data from photometric/spectroscopic surveys, CMB surveys, X-ray observations, etc. Measure the mass distribution of galaxy clusters by combining weak gravitational lensing, dynamical effects, and other methods.
4-3 Reconstruction of the initial matter distrubtion within 7 billion light years using DESI Spectroscopic Survey. Using the DESI spectroscopic survey galaxy sample (z < 0.5), reconstruct the initial conditions of cosmic (ordinary and dark matter) mass distribution within 7 billion light-years. This will be used for future numerical simulations as the initial condition to reproduce the distribution and evolution of cosmic matter over this scale.