World’s Coldest Quantum Detectors to Search for the Most Sensitive Dark Matter

Scientists from Lancaster University, the University of Oxford, and Royal Holloway, University of London are spearheading a revolutionary project to solve one of the most profound mysteries in science: dark matter.

Historical Context: Dark matter, which makes up about 80% of the universe’s matter, has puzzled scientists since its gravitational effects were first observed in the 1930s by Fritz Zwicky. Despite its significant influence on the cosmos, dark matter remains invisible and undetectable by conventional means. The quest to directly detect dark matter has been ongoing for decades, with numerous experiments yielding indirect evidence but no definitive proof.

Current Research: Leveraging advanced quantum technologies, researchers aim to develop the most sensitive dark matter detectors ever created. This initiative could potentially lead to a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the universe’s hidden mass.

Key Researchers:

• Dr. Michael Thompson, Professor Edward Laird, Dr. Dmitry Zmeev, Dr. Samuli Autti (Lancaster University)
• Professor Jocelyn Monroe (University of Oxford)
• Professor Andrew Casey (Royal Holloway, University of London)

Research Goals:

• Utilize quantum technologies at ultra-low temperatures to build highly sensitive detectors.
• Directly observe dark matter in laboratory settings.

Dark Matter Candidates:

1. New Particles with Weak Interactions:

   • These particles have not been observed yet and could be detected through collisions with ordinary matter.
   • Existing searches focus on particles weighing between five and 1,000 times more than a hydrogen atom, but lighter candidates might have been overlooked.

2. Axions:

   • Extremely lightweight particles, over a billion times lighter than a hydrogen atom.
   • Detection involves observing electrical signals produced when axions decay in a magnetic field.

Experiments:

1. Quantum Enhanced Superfluid Technologies for Dark Matter and Cosmology (QUEST-DMC):

   • Aims to detect dark matter collisions using superfluid helium-3 and superconducting quantum amplifiers.
   • Targets dark matter candidates weighing between 0.01 and a few hydrogen atoms.

2. Quantum Sensors for the Hidden Sector (QSHS):

   • Developing a new type of quantum amplifier to detect axion signals.

Public Engagement: At an upcoming exhibition, the team will present hands-on exhibits to demonstrate the principles of dark matter detection. Activities include:

• A gyroscope-in-a-box to illustrate undetectable angular momentum.
• Transparent glass marbles in liquid to show how unseen masses can be detected.
• A light-up dilution refrigerator to demonstrate ultra-low temperature achievements.
• A model dark matter particle collision detector.
• Simulated axion detector for visitors to hunt for dark matter.
• Construction of a parametric amplifier using a pendulum.

Summary:

• Historical Context: Dark matter’s gravitational effects observed since the 1930s.
• Research Team: Scientists from Lancaster, Oxford, and Royal Holloway.
• Objective: Develop the most sensitive dark matter detectors using quantum technologies.
• Dark Matter Candidates: New particles with weak interactions and axions.
• Experiments: QUEST-DMC and QSHS focusing on different detection methods.
• Public Engagement: Interactive exhibits to explain dark matter detection principles.

This research represents a significant step forward in the quest to understand the universe’s hidden mass and could potentially lead to one of the most important scientific discoveries of our time.