Luca Grandi

Luca Grandi is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago's Department of Physics, affiliated with the Enrico Fermi Institute, Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, and the College. His research focuses on dark matter detection using noble liquid technologies, particularly through the XENON1T/NT and DarkSide-50 experiments. He leads the development of next-generation detectors to achieve unprecedented sensitivity, emphasizing ultra-low background environments and advanced data analysis techniques. Grandi's group also conducts critical R&D on noble liquid properties and detector technologies to inform future experiments. His contributions include groundbreaking observations such as the first measurement of solar neutrino signals and the discovery of the longest half-life process observed directly.

Key projects include the XENONnT detector, which aims to quadruple the fiducial mass and reduce backgrounds by an order of magnitude compared to XENON1T. Grandi oversees detector design, data infrastructure, and analysis methodologies. His team collaborates globally, leveraging expertise in particle physics, astrophysics, and engineering. Funding sources include the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy.

Research interests span experimental particle physics, astrophysics, and detector technology innovation. Advising graduate students in detector development and data analysis, Grandi fosters a dynamic environment for early-career researchers. The Grandi Lab is part of the broader UChicago research ecosystem, contributing to the Physical Sciences Division's mission to push frontiers in fundamental science.