Dr Danielle Pizzey

Chief Experimental Officer in Quantum Light and Matter

What do you do?

Born and bred in Gateshead, I began my academic journey at Joseph Swan Technology College—named after the light bulb inventor! Always intrigued by how things worked, I dreamt of becoming an inventor like Swan. A physics summer school at Durham hooked me, leading to a Master's degree and a final year project that ignited my passion for quantum phenomena. After a PhD in Durham's Quantum Light & Matter group, I transitioned from postdoctoral researcher to Chief Experimental Officer, turning ideas into reality and fulfilling my childhood dream.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I create advanced atomic filters used for precise sensing. These filters are made from glass containers filled with specific atoms. When placed in a magnetic field and combined with unique optical elements, they become highly accurate light filters. The type of atoms inside determines the specific light wavelengths they allow through, making them far more precise than regular filters.

These atomic filters are not only accurate but also versatile. They can detect magnetic fields from far away, even in extreme and difficult-to-reach places. Imagine measuring magnetic fields in the intense heat of a volcano, the dangerous depths of a nuclear reactor, or the vast expanse of outer space. Our atomic filters provide reliable data from these challenging environments, pushing the limits of what can be measured and sensed.

What do you love about this topic?

I’m captivated by how light interacts with atoms, revealing their environment through spectroscopy. This field, pioneered by Kirchoff and Bunsen (of Bunsen burner fame), famously using coloured flames from salts, unveiled the Sun’s composition.

Their work paved the way for atomic quantum physics in the 20th century. Starting with solar spectroscopy over a century ago, my research now develops practical atom-based tools to monitor solar activity.

These tools forecast extreme space weather, crucial for protecting Earth's technology infrastructure. From the colourful flames to cutting-edge atomic filters, my work continues this legacy, safeguarding our planet from the Sun's powerful effects.

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

We harness this atom-based technology to measure the Sun's magnetic field from a staggering 93 million miles away. The Sun, a massive sphere of electrically charged gas, generates a powerful magnetic field that flips every 11 years, swapping its poles.

This solar activity can ignite stunning auroras or disrupt radio communications and electricity grids on Earth. By closely monitoring the Sun’s magnetic field, we can forecast space weather and mitigate the risks of potential catastrophes from solar eruptions, protecting our planet's vital technological infrastructure.