Mechanical Quantum Sensing in the Search for Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of advanced mechanical quantum sensors, leveraging recent technological progress, to detect elusive dark matter signals across various energy scales and interaction types.

Contribution

It proposes new applications of solid-state mechanical sensing technologies for dark matter detection, integrating recent quantum control advancements.

Findings

Mechanical sensors achieve unprecedented sensitivity levels.

Potential detection of dark matter signals across multiple energy scales.

Integration of quantum control techniques enhances detection capabilities.

Abstract

Numerous astrophysical and cosmological observations are best explained by the existence of dark matter, a mass density which interacts only very weakly with visible, baryonic matter. Searching for the extremely weak signals produced by this dark matter strongly motivate the development of new, ultra-sensitive detector technologies. Paradigmatic advances in the control and readout of massive mechanical systems, in both the classical and quantum regimes, have enabled unprecedented levels of sensitivity. In this white paper, we outline recent ideas in the potential use of a range of solid-state mechanical sensing technologies to aid in the search for dark matter in a number of energy scales and with a variety of coupling mechanisms.