Quantum Technologies for Axion Dark Matter Search

Introduction

The unresolved nature of the Dark Matter permeating our Universe is one of the most pressing questions of modern science. It is connected to our very understanding of reality at the most fundamental level.

The Axion Dark Matter Paradigm

The axion DM paradigm has recently emerged as one of the most compelling hypotheses to solve this question: Dark Matter would be composed of very light and very feebly interacting axions. This paradigm is strongly motivated by theory and predicts a clear signal in terrestrial experiments called axion haloscopes.

Current Experimental Status

Pioneering experiments have reached enough sensitivity to test some realistic axion models in limited mass ranges, so far without a positive signal. However, there is still a large viable axion parameter space to be explored. The methods used to date will be inefficient to perform such a challenging task.

Proposed Solution

Here, our DarkQuantum consortium proposes a new way of addressing this gap using quantum sensing technologies and hybrid quantum systems. Specifically, we will combine quantum technologies and well-established particle physics environments at CERN or DESY devoted to the detection of axions in the galactic halo.

Challenges and Expertise

Building quantum-enhanced setups in particle physics environments is extremely challenging and needs expertise from very different fields of physics. Our consortium brings together experts from:

1. Quantum circuits
2. Very-low temperature cryogenics
3. Quantum measurements
4. Particle physics

Project Goals

To build two quantum-enhanced haloscopes with unprecedented sensitivity and mass scanning range. The novel sensing strategies of the DarkQuantum project could lead to the experimental detection of axions for the first time. Such a fundamental discovery in connection with the long-standing DM problem would lead to a breakthrough in Physics.