University of Arizona optics researchers are conducting dark matter research in the dark.

Since its July opening, researchers working in the basement of the $99 million Grand Challenges research building have seen a significant improvement in the accuracy of their experiments. The reduction in noise levels has led to more reliable outcomes, supporting the program’s rank as the No. 2 optics program in the country.

The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is home to over 300 undergraduate and graduate students, with a growing number of transfer students in recent years.

“I’m sure the building is only going to help that,” said Morgan Choi, who is studying how quantum mechanics limits the amount of information that can be extracted from systems.

The new building is certainly a key part of recruitment strategy. With its cutting-edge facilities, this modern space is already offering fresh opportunities for research and recruitment.

The design of the building began with the University of Arizona’s vision for a dedicated space for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, formerly known as the Optical Sciences Center, established in 1964. Today, the college is the leading institution in the U.S. for educating optics students and has a mission to conduct research in “all aspects of the science and application of light.” 

“The university supplemented it [the new building] and said, ‘we want to foster a place where different departments can come together’,” said Choi.

However, external factors, such as potential federal budget cuts under the Trump administration, raise concerns about the college’s future research. The university faces a potential $40.5 million loss in federal health research grants. Discussions are underway regarding possible reductions in funding for scientific research as well, which could impact areas like quantum mechanics. While the new building offers great potential, the optics department’s success also relies on stable federal funding.

An area of focus at the optics lab’s work revolves around dark matter, the substance that constitutes 80% of the universe’s mass but cannot be seen or detected by conventional means. Through innovative techniques, lab researchers aim to uncover the faintest signals of this force.  

“The theme of everything that we do in this lab revolves around precision measurement, and specifically, what we focus on is precision measurement using mechanical motion that we read out with light,” said Atkin Hyatt, one of the optical mechanics researchers.

What unifies optical mechanics researchers is the central exploration of the interactions between light and motion, achieved by reflecting light off specific sensors designed for each experiment.

“Think of it like a tuning fork or a piano,” explains researcher Mitul Dey Chowdhury. “If you hit it at the right frequency, it responds more or less depending on the frequency that you’re at.”

In order to do this, researchers need to work in a delicate environment; even minor disturbances can compromise the data. The constant shaking of the ground interferes with experiments and the requirements for isolating vibrations are extremely strict.

The facility itself was intentionally designed with research in mind, combining architectural innovation with the needs of optical science. The structure is inspired by the idea of a “camera obscura” or “dark room,” which brings light into the space while maintaining full control over its intensity and effect. 

Three shafts of light shine through the building’s six floors, creating dynamic lighting patterns and infusing daylight into the building. Meanwhile, darkroom laboratories are situated on the southern side, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the darkness required for sensitive experiments.

The building’s influence extends beyond the labs and architecture, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration. 

“It’s just nice to have space that’s dedicated for research, and the people we interact with are other researchers,” Choi said, “ It’s good for making relationships.”