معرفی
David Woodward is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Physics at Pennsylvania State University, currently based at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota. His research focuses on Particle Astrophysics and Direct Dark Matter Searches, particularly through the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment. Woodward holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Sheffield (2013–2017), followed by postdoctoral research at Penn State before his current faculty role.
His work centers on advancing detector technologies for dark matter detection, including liquid xenon time projection chambers. He contributes to the LZ experiment's calibration systems, background mitigation strategies, and data analysis frameworks. Woodward also explores neutrino physics and novel particle interactions, such as millicharged particles and covariant dark matter models.
Key projects include the HydroX initiative (light dark matter search) and XLZD (next-generation observatory). His research emphasizes precision measurements, such as nuclear recoil calibration and scintillation quenching studies, to enhance detector sensitivity. Woodward collaborates internationally on detector design, data acquisition systems (FADR), and material purity protocols critical for ultra-low background experiments.
Publications span over a decade, with recent emphasis on LZ's first science run results, including WIMP limits, scalar WIMP-pion couplings, and constraints on cosmic-ray-boosted dark matter. His contributions bridge experimental particle physics with astrophysical implications, shaping the future of direct detection methods.
