There is strong astrophysical evidence that most of the universe’s matter is unknown, and identifying it remains one of the greatest challenges in modern physics. A key obstacle is naturally occurring radon gas, which can mimic dark matter (DM) signals and must be controlled.

Liquid-noble-gas DM detectors have been the leading approach, but their sensitivity is now approaching a discovery limit set by irreducible neutrino backgrounds. Gas-based time projection chambers offer a way forward, as their directional sensitivity can separate DM signals from neutrino backgrounds. Radon mitigation strategies, however, have largely been designed for liquid-noble-gas detectors, leaving gas-based approaches underdeveloped. This project will address that gap by developing radon control methods for directional DM experiments.

This project is part of the CYGNUS international consortium, which is building multi-site directional detectors worldwide. The Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, the only such facility in the Southern Hemisphere, will host Australia’s contribution, CYGNUS-OZ. ANU leads the Australian program through detector development and the state-of-the-art DREAMR Radon Facility. 

A number of radon projects are available for students, including:

• Radon-capturing materials – testing advanced materials to selectively remove radon while preserving detector gas mixtures
• Radon emanation studies – measuring radon from materials under realistic detector conditions
• Modelling radon behaviour – simulating emanation processes to shape mitigation strategies 

Students will gain hands-on training in detector physics, gas systems, and low-background techniques, while contributing to Australia’s role in the international CYGNUS consortium. They will also have opportunities to work with DURRIDGE, the world leader in radon instrumentation, gaining valuable industry experience.

This project suits students motivated by experimental, hands-on hardware research. No specific background is required. Students from engineering or chemistry with an interest in gas systems or advanced inorganic materials are also encouraged to apply.