Joseph Formaggio

Joseph Formaggio is a Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), renowned for his groundbreaking work in neutrino physics and its intersections with quantum mechanics, cosmology, and quantum computing. He leads major experiments such as KATRIN and Project 8, which aim to directly measure the mass of neutrinos through tritium beta decay, a technique proposed by Enrico Fermi in the 1930s. His research extends to developing advanced detector technologies, including cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy and cryogenic bolometers, to study rare particle interactions and push the boundaries of quantum sensing.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics from Yale University
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics from Columbia University

Formaggio’s recent collaborative work with MIT-CQE Director William Oliver revealed that low-level environmental radiation, including cosmic rays and trace elements in concrete, induces decoherence in qubits—a critical challenge for quantum computing. This discovery, published in Nature Physics, highlights the need for radiation shielding in future quantum systems. His group also contributes to the Ricochet experiment, focusing on coherent neutrino scattering using nuclear reactors.

Research Trends & Fields: Formaggio’s publications and projects bridge particle physics with quantum technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. His work on neutrino mass and qubit stability underscores his expertise in tackling fundamental questions through experimental techniques.

Labs & Collaborations: He is actively involved in the KATRIN and Project 8 experiments, the Ricochet experiment, and the Laboratory for Nuclear Science at MIT. His research group develops novel cryogenic and quantum sensor technologies to detect weakly interacting particles.