At the International Center for Quantum-field Measurement Systems for Studies of the Universe and Particles (WPI-QUP), we are advancing the development of Transition Edge Sensors (TES) to detect faint electromagnetic waves and unknown particles such as dark matter. As part of a joint research project between the Tohoku University Research Center for Neutrino Science (RCNS) and QUP Light Dark Matter Group, one of the dilution refrigerators used to create and maintain mili-Kelvin cryogenic environment was relocated in November 2024 from KEK Tsukuba to the underground experimental facility in Kamioka Mine, Gifu Prefecture.

One of QUP's research projects, the "Low Temperature Detectors - QUP-Kamioka-DM Project," aims to capture traces of dark matter particles by leveraging their extremely rare interactions with matter, such as atomic nuclei. Using an underground facility for the experiment helps shield the detector from the large amounts of cosmic rays and environmental backgrounds, significantly enhancing the sensitivity of dark matter search.

The relocated equipment is now installed in the experimental space of Tohoku University's Kamioka Extremely Rare-phenomena and Neutrino-research Laboratory (commonly known as KERNEL). This represents a key research collaboration between QUP and RCNS.

Dr. Suerfu Burkhant, an assistant professor and deputy principal investigator at QUP who led the relocation effort, commented on the significance of the move: “Currently, there are only a few experiments utilizing both ultra-low background and ultra-low temperature environments. The relocation of the dilution refrigerator at Kamioka underground lab will create many unique opportunities in dark matter detection and searches for other rare phenomena where sensitivity and background control are both important.”

（Related links）
Tohoku University Research Center for Neutrino Science（RCNS）
https://www.awa.tohoku.ac.jp/rcns/INDEX_TOP_eng.html

Kamioka Extremely Rare-phenomena and NEutrino-research Laboratory
https://www.awa.tohoku.ac.jp/rcns/RESEARCH_OUTLINE.html

QUP News｜Dilution refrigerators are now in place for the QUP development of ultra-sensitive sensors!
https://www2.kek.jp/qup/en/news/detail20230424.html