Josep Maria Batllori Berenguer

1 August 2022

Photo: Batllori Berenguer

Josep Maria Batllori Berenguer was born in Vilajuïga, a small village located in the north of Catalunya, Spain. In 2020, he finished his Master’s Degree at the Polytechnic University of Catalunya (UPC) within the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). Since 2021, he is a PhD student in Astroparticle Physics group of Professor Dieter Horns at the Institute of Experimental Physics.

What is the topic of your research?

My project consists of studying the modified propagation of an electromagnetic wave under the influence of a strong external magnetic field through its coupling to axion-like particles (ALPs), independent of the presence of dark matter. My proposal is then to develop a fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for the direct detection of ALPs that couple to two photons via the Primakoff process. With that aim, the existence of photon-ALPs oscillations can be detected by measuring changes in phase andamplitude.

What fascinates you about your research focus?

The axion is one of the great hopes of particle physics: this elementary particle could be the key for explaining the mysterious composition of Dark Matter. In recent years, volatile elementary particles have increasingly become the focus of research. New ideas and promising experiments constantly emerge for their detection at a wide range of cosmic scales. I believe our work has great potential and is going in the right direction.

What do you like about the cluster Quantum Universe?

The regular Quantum Universe meetings represent the perfect opportunity to get informed about the research topics of other researchers in our cluster. It also provides you the opportunity to present the updated status of your study and get feedback from other colleagues that investigate similar topics. The last Quantum Universe Day was also quite special because it was the first time I was able to attend and interact with the others in person.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am always fond of learning new languages. In addition, I really enjoy bouldering or canoeing down the Alster canals to spend some alone time and disconnect from daily life.