The LUX is born from the union of three laboratories of the Paris Observatory (LUTH, part of LERMA and part of GEPI). Here is the (temporary) link to the old websites:
LUX
Laboratory for the study of the Universe and eXtreme phenomena
New laboratory, new website
The birth of LUX
News
Presentation
The LUX addresses a wide range of topics in astrophysics, focusing on the study of extreme phenomena and processes on (extra)galactic scales. All methodologies of modern astrophysics are employed: theory, simulations, observations, instrumentation, and laboratory astrophysics. The laboratory’s hundred members are distributed across three sites: the Meudon and Paris campuses of the Paris Observatory and the Jussieu campus of Sorbonne University. The unit’s three supervising bodies are the Paris Observatory, CNRS, and Sorbonne University. LUX is organized around three scientific teams and one instrumental team.
The Cosmology and Galaxies team focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies, as well as the influence of dark matter and dark energy on the evolution of the Universe. These studies are conducted using intensive numerical simulations, analytical models, and observations with the major instruments of the scientific community. The team participates in projects such as ALMA, CTA, IRAM, Euclid, JWST, SKA, VLT/MOONS, and ELT/MOSAIC.
The Relativistic Astrophysics team combines observation, theory, modeling, and simulation to study compact objects (neutron stars, black holes) and gravitational theories (general relativity and alternatives). It models extreme phenomena (jets, gamma-ray bursts, gravitational waves) and analyzes data from state-of-the-art instruments (SVOM, HESS, LIGO-Virgo) while contributing to the development of future instruments (CTA, LISA). This connection between theory, data, and simulation enables a deeper understanding of the Universe’s extreme processes.
The Interstellar Medium and Plasmas team studies the dynamics and chemistry of astrophysical fluids and plasmas, as well as molecular and atomic dynamics, with applications to star formation and galaxy evolution. Research activities leverage observations from major telescopes in the field (IRAM, ALMA, ESO, CFHT, JWST), theoretical calculations, numerical simulations, advanced data analysis, and laboratory experiments such as UV spectroscopy and high-power lasers (LULI2000, Apollon, Gekko XII, Omega, Vulcan).
The Superconducting Detectors and Instrumentation team is dedicated to research and development of instrumentation, working on next-generation ultra-sensitive detectors. The group employs various 2D and 3D electromagnetic design software and operates a microfabrication cleanroom dedicated to superconducting devices, along with a cryogenic characterization laboratory.
Featured projects
Neutrons Star
Neutron stars are extremely dense, compact, and magnetized objects. Tiny on an astrophysical scale, with a diameter of just 25 km, they exhibit a wide range of phenomena produced by their extreme magnetospheres. A rapidly rotating neutron star emitting a radio beam akin to a cosmic lighthouse is called a pulsar, the first discovery of which dates back to 1967. Magnetars, with magnetic fields even more extreme than those of pulsars ( 10^11 teslas), have been linked to gamma-ray bursts (SGRs), and more recently, neutron stars are suspected to be responsible for fast radio bursts (FRBs).
We model the magnetosphere to understand the complex mechanisms behind the observed emissions. The aim is not only to reproduce observations but also to unravel the fundamental physics at play in these highly exotic environments that cannot be experimentally replicated. We also model interactions with potential orbital companions to test, among other things, gravitational theory using the pulsar timing technique. More recently, we are leveraging this expertise to seek explanations for the mystery of FRBs.
ASTHROS
The ASTHROS experiment is a 2.5-meter diameter radio telescope operating in heterodyne spectro mode at 110-120 microns and around 260 microns. The experiment will be carried into the stratosphere by a balloon, where it will remain for 3 to 4 weeks, launching from the McMurdo base in Antarctica. Numerous observations are planned, primarily mapping hot (8000K) and ionized regions through N+ spectral lines to better characterize these areas, as well as the spectral lines of H2D+, D2H+, and HD in star-forming regions, with a particular focus on HD in a protoplanetary disk and in the giant planets of the solar system (depending on visibility).
SageManifolds
The SageManifolds project (https://sagemanifolds.obspm.fr), primarily developed at LUX, extends the SageMath software to include differential geometry and tensor calculus. This provides highly useful tools for general relativity calculations conducted by LUX researchers. More broadly, SageManifolds tools are used by mathematicians and theoretical physicists.
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Organization
The LUX addresses a wide range of topics in astrophysics, focusing on the study of extreme phenomena and processes on (extra)galactic scales. All methodologies of modern astrophysics are employed: theory, simulations, observations, instrumentation, and laboratory astrophysics.
Contact
Site de Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 MEUDON
FRANCE
Tel. +33 1 45 07 75 30
Site de Paris
61, av. de l’Observatoire
75014 PARIS
FRANCE
Tel. +33 1 40 51 22 21
