Instrumentation: Enabling Discoveries
The objective of this pillar is to develop cutting-edge instrumentation that will enable discoveries in various scientific fields—from detectors that probe the smallest particles to telescopes that explore the most distant galaxies, from ultra-sensitive sensors that reveal new biological processes to quantum devices that redefine measurement standards. Modern scientific challenges require a new class of instruments that combine sensitivity, intelligence, and scalability. Addressing this challenge demands a pluri-disciplinary approach integrating:
- Detector Research and Development to advance novel sensing and detection technologies;
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to embed intelligence directly into the instrumentation chain from data acquisition to adaptive control and autonomous decision-making; in addition to
- Quantum Technologies to achieve unprecedented accuracy and resolution in sensing, timing, and communication.
Research under this pillar will push the boundaries of measurement and analysis, fostering the acquisition of new technologies that make previously inaccessible phenomena observable or measurable. IRC Discovery will support novel concepts, high risk/high-reward approaches, and cross-disciplinary collaborations that combine expertise in engineering, materials science, computation, and fundamental research. Areas of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Novel detector concepts, sensors, and imaging systems;
- Quantum and cryogenic technologies;
- Ultra-fast or precise timing and control systems;
- Advanced readout and data acquisition systems leveraging AI and edge computing;
- Innovative materials or fabrication methods;
- Innovative test and calibration methods for new generation of sensors; and
- Accelerator magnet technologies.
Select Projects
Novel tools for quantum simulation with quantum atomic gases: control of time-dependent two- and three- body interactions
Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Program
Active dates: January 1, 2026-January 30, 2028
Quantum gases permit to simulate model Hamiltonians and quantum dynamics encountered in different contexts, such as early universe cosmology or condensed-matter physics. A general goal of our proposal is to explore non-equilibrium dynamics in these systems with quantum gases thanks to the fact that cold atoms evolve slowly at millisecond scale. The French and Chicago teams will develop new schemes to realize and apply time-dependent control of atomic interactions. Such features will allow us to engineer a novel class of Hamiltonians, including, for example, three-body interactions. It will allow us to answer fundamental questions in the evolution of complex quantum systems.
Cheng Chin
Department of Physics
James Franck Institute
Enrico Fermi Institute
University of Chicago
Thomas Bourdel
UMR 8501: Laboratoire Charles Fabry
CNRS
Fundamental Research on Ultrahigh Performance Superconducting Radiofrequency Resonant Cavities
Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Program
Active dates: January 1, 2026-January 30, 2028
The particle accelerators play an essential role in the field of fundamental science, ranging from elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, and condensed matter physics, to biological and even medical and industrial applications. The key technology of present and future accelerators is superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) resonant cavities that efficiently accelerate charged particles with a high electric field and extremely low loss, corresponding to astonishingly low surface resistance. In this project, we study SRF cavities experimentally and theoretically to understand their key physics mechanism for ultrahigh performance. This project tackles this important research question for future particle accelerators.
Orlando Quaranta
Physicist at Argonne National Laboratory
UChicago CASE Senior Scientist
Achille Stocchi
UMR 9012: Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis Irène Joliot-Curie
CNRS
Physics and Potential for Quantum Technologies of KTaO3 Two-Dimensional Electron Gases
Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Program
Active dates: July 1, 2025-June 30, 2027
This project aims to investigate the quantum-level physical properties of potassium tantalate, a crystalline substance that demonstrates the ability to generate superconductivity through two-dimensional electron gases that form between thin films of potassium tantalate and an insulator. This superconductivity is interesting because it seems to only be present in thin films and not in bulk potassium tantalate crystals (i.e. shaped crystals at a 3-5cm scale) and is able to be generated at relatively higher temperatures than other similar substances (such as strontium titanate). This substance has the potential to advance our ability to create technologies in spintronics and topological quantum computation.
Chair, Department of Physics
Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College
Fellow, Institute of Molecular Engineering
The University of Chicago
Research Director, Laboratoire Albert Fert (CNRS/Thales/Université Paris Saclay)
CNRS
Powering Future On-Board Quantum Technologies with High Energy Density Solid-State Batteries
Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Program
Active dates: July 1, 2025-June 30, 2027
This project is working to expand on previous partnership between the PIs to create an enhanced formulation for amorphous oxynitride electrolytes and then employ them in the design of a more stable, higher performing microbattery that can meet future demand for powerful, stable, but miniaturized sources of stored energy.
Professor, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
The University of Chicago
Chief Scientist, Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science (ACCESS)
Argonne National Laboratory
Professor, Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel
CNRS-University of Nantes