简介
I conduct my research at the interface of technology development, performance analysis and systems engineering. This is exactly where my strength lies: the unique combination of (systems) engineering and the understanding of the underlying fundamental physics. My main research interest is in novel technology and creative new methods for detecting radiation for the application in fundamental physics and astronomy. I feel privileged to have conducted research at a broad range of exciting research institutes and made use at facilities at e.g. CERN (particle physics), ESA-ESTEC (space engineering), ESRF and PTB (synchrotron facilities).
Next to my research activities I very much enjoy guidance and education of young students. Besides the importance of education in general, passing on my experience in physics and instrumentation in particular, education is vital to make the long running Big Science experiments future proof.
Recent research achievements
Acoustic neutrino detection
At TNO, I lead the development effort for fiber optic hydrophones, with a primary focus on observing acoustic neutrinos. This development is pivotal for establishing a vast sensor network, leveraging the advantages of fiber optic sensing. The hydrophones, being passive sensors requiring no electricity offshore, offer a practical solution for implementing large-scale networks. We have conducted in-depth system studies at TNO to explore the feasibility of fiber hydrophone networks. Our team has designed and characterized multiple generations of hydrophone transducers within our laboratories, which include an anechoic basin,dedicated to underwater acoustics. In collaboration with iXBlue (now Exail), we have pioneered the development of specialized optic fibers
tailored for hydrophone use, including short fibers with distributed feedback lasers and grating structure fibers as short as 14 mm, representing the cutting edge in this technology. Additionally, we have engineered an advanced interrogator featuring a 3-arms Michelson interferometer specifically designed to work seamlessly with fiber lasers. The interrogator's performance is the state of the art, ensuring accurate and
reliable data collection. The outcomes of our work have been shared and well-received at numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars, reflecting the significance of our contributions to the field of underwater acoustics.
Our ongoing efforts aim to elevate the technology readiness level of deep-sea fiber laser hydrophones from TRL 4 to 6 in the coming year. This effort will be carried out at TNO, at which I am presently affiliated, and which has the required facilities, such as an anechoic basin dedicated to underwater acoustics. Within the proposed project, we anticipate further advancement to TRL 8-9. This effort will be carried out at Nikhef,
embedded in the neutrino physics department.
Cherenkov neutrino telescope: KM3NeT
The next generation of deep-sea neutrino telescopes, such as the KM3NeT experiment, marks a significant advancement in scientific exploration. Currently in the construction phase, KM3NeT utilizes the detection of Cherenkov photons. Within this project I fulfill the position of systems engineer. In collaboration with KM3NeT's technical manager, I played a pivotal role in establishing the Project Office, which led to a comprehensive reorganization of KM3NeT's daily technical management. Thanks to the combination of my expertise in system engineering and knowledge of fundamental physics I connect to all members of this large collaboration.
My approach emphasizes the efficacy of phase gating engineering and as a system engineer I have implemented key engineering practices within the KM3NeT project, including requirement analysis, systematic documentation management, thorough risk analysis, handling non-conformity reports, and orchestrating external review boards. Collaborating closely with the technical manager, I have coordinated 'product readiness reviews' (PRR) for nearly all subsystems such as the power system and the acoustic
positioning system. Additionally, I actively participated in sea campaigns for the deployment of detector units (DU) at both the KM3NeT-ORCA and KM3NeT-ARCA sites. Currently, 16 detector units (‘strings’) have been deployed at the ORCA site, and 28 at the ARCA site. Furthermore, I contributed significantly as a co-applicant to a successful proposal ('National Roadmap for Large-scale Research Infrastructure', 12.7M€), which facilitated the completion of phase 1 of the ORCA site of the KM3NeT detector. I serve as the TNO representative on the KM3NeT’s Institute Board and I am an active member of the Steering Committee. At the Nikhef KM3NeT integration site, I hold the role of Local
Quality Supervisor (LQS). In this capacity, I am responsible for upholding the quality standards of integrated components, including optical modules (DOMs), detector units (DUs), and penetrator connectors.
