Dr. Jeter Hall

Jeter completed his PhD at the University of Utah, searching for gamma rays created by dark matter annihilation. He then took a postdoctoral position at Fermilab where he worked on the CDMS-II, SuperCDMS, and COUPP collaborations. These experiments were all underground dark matter detectors. He specifically focused on electronics for SuperCDMS and proving the detectors could operate with higher voltages, resulting in lower thresholds. On COUPP and eventually PICO, he focused on acoustic analysis of bubble chamber events and the deployment of the first 2-litre bubble chamber at SNOLAB.

As Director of Research at SNOLAB, Jeter works with the research scientists and project managers to make sure the current research program is achieving the goals of the research community. He also works with the entire team to ensure future research directions at the lab will continue the tradition of world class research.

What is something in your career you are especially proud of?

“While I was a postdoc working on SuperCDMS, I had an idea to amplify the detector signals. When I implemented this idea (with shaking hands at the bottom of a mine in Minnesota) the amplification worked, but the detectors behaved in a way that I did not expect. It was really fun being the only one in the world to know both that this technique worked, and the unique behaviours of germanium at 40 mK. That’s one of my favourite things in science, to be the only person in the world who knows something about technology or nature. Of course, we go out and publish as quickly as we can, but it’s a fun feeling while it lasts.”

Why did you choose physics?

“I’d known I wanted to be a scientist since I was a small child. After taking my first physics class in grade eight, I knew I wanted to be a physicist. Physics just clicked for me. I did cheat on physics a bit, flirting with a good number of chemistry classes in university, but I learned that I definitely preferred physics (because there was too much dishwashing in chemistry!).”

What is something about you that might surprise people?

“I enjoy woodworking. I have finished the hull on a 17 ½ foot cedar strip canoe. I now just need to find time for the finishing work.”

Contact details

jeter.hall@snolab.ca
(705) 692-7000