Research at Precision Measurements at Extreme Conditions
Our research focuses on precision measurements based on spin precession to probe fundamental symmetries and search for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
A major motivation originates from our long-standing work on electric dipole moment (EDM) searches, which test possible sources of CP violation relevant to the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.
Building on this foundation, we extended our expertise to ultra-low-field magnetic shielding and sensing and biomagnetic applications and explored related approaches in dark-matter detection, including dedicated storage-ring experiments.
In parallel, we contribute to neutrino experiments, applying our experience in precision field control and sensor development to large-scale detector environments.
Together, these efforts span a broad spectrum of precision physics — from quantum-based sensors to interdisciplinary measurements in one of the most magnetically quiet environments worldwide.
Fundamental Physics
We perform spin-precession experiments to test fundamental symmetries and search for new particles.
This includes electric dipole moment (EDM) searches with neutrons and noble gases, as well as dark-matter investigations using precision magnetometry and storage-ring experiments.
These table-top setups reach sensitivity levels comparable to or beyond high-energy collider experiments.
Subprojects:
- Spin Clock Experiments and Electric Dipole Moments
- Search for Ultralight Dark Matter
- Electrostatic Storage Ring
Key People: Dr. Florian Kuchler, Luca Kaess, Peisen Zhao, Adil Muggo, Philipp Wunderl
We contribute to international neutrino experiments focused on detector development, with a special focus on innovative scintillation detectors, but also data analysis.
We are supporting projects such as JUNO, ANNIE, EOS, and Liquid Scintillator R&D, which investigate neutrino properties and interactions across different energy ranges.
Subprojects:
Key People: Dr. Hans Steiger
Applied Physics
We develop highly drift-stable and sensitive optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) based on cesium and sodium vapor cells.
Our work covers magnetometer architectures, optical readout techniques, and in-house vapor-cell fabrication for custom sensor geometries.
These developments enable precision measurements in both fundamental physics, air surveys and biomagnetic applications.
Subprojects:
Key People: Maximilian Huber, Philipp Wunderl, Dr. Florian Kuchler
We advance magnetocardiography through the integration of OPMs and ultra-low-field shielding.
Our research includes signal modeling, inverse field reconstruction, and the development of active and passive magnetic shielding for fetal and adult MCG.
The goal is to record cardiac and motion-related magnetic signals with unprecedented sensitivity and enable widespread use of the technology..
Subprojects:
Key People: Lena Wunderl, Philipp Wunderl
Ultralow Magnetic Field Recerence Facility
Our magnetically shielded room provides one of the most magnetically quiet environments worldwide.
It is central to our ultra-low-field research, enabling measurements at the femtotesla level.
We are improving magnetic shielding, demagnetization, shielding of measurement electronics, and the generation of applied homogeneous and stable fields to enable a unique measurement environment for fundamental physics and applications like biomagnetism.
Subprojects:
Key People: Dr. Florian Kuchler, Maximilian Huber, Philipp Wunderl
If you want to learn more about our research, you can browse our publications. If you are interested in getting involved, here are some current topics for you to take a look at. You can also reach out to the people on our team.