Searching for New Physics in the Laboratory and in the Cosmos

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $225,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This award funds the research activities of Professor Harikrishnan Ramani at the University of Delaware. This project seeks to advance our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature by developing innovative methods to detect physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. A major focus is on exploring the possibility that new stable particles --- such as millicharged particles and gluinos --- exist but have eluded detection by conventional experiments. This project repurposes existing detectors, with only minor modifications, to enable the detection of these elusive particles. It also addresses a particularly challenging scenario in which dark matter interacts solely through gravity, rendering it extremely difficult to study in laboratory settings. By employing sensitive electric field sensors, devising novel search strategies at the Large Hadron Collider, and leveraging astrophysical observations of subtle gravitational effects on star clusters, this research opens new pathways for discovering previously inaccessible forms of new physics. The project addresses foundational open questions in particle physics and cosmology, while serving the national interest by strengthening the scientific infrastructure essential for transformative discoveries. A detection of new particles through these methods would mark the first such discovery on American soil in the 21st century. The project also contributes to public education and scientific literacy through outreach effo

Key facts

NSF award ID
2515007
Awardee
University of Delaware (DE)
SAM.gov UEI
T72NHKM259N3
PI
Harikrishnan Ramani
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
NSF and US-Israel Binational Science Fou, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$225,000
Funds obligated
$225,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028