Using atomic clocks to detect local dark matter halos

TL;DR

This paper explores how atomic clocks can detect local dark matter halos, especially bosonic types, by measuring frequency differences between Earth-based and space-based clocks, offering a novel detection method.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach using atomic clocks to probe bosonic dark matter halos around Earth and Sun, focusing on Higgs and photon portal interactions.

Findings

Current optical atomic clocks can potentially detect Earth's dark matter halos.

Parameter space for detectable halos is identified based on clock frequency differences.

The method provides a new way to search for local dark matter structures.

Abstract

It is possible that bosonic dark matter forms halos around the Sun or the Earth. We discuss the possibility of probing such halos with atomic clocks. Focusing on either a Higgs portal or photon portal interaction between the dark matter and the Standard Model, we search the possible parameter space for which a clock on Earth and a clock in space would have a discernible frequency difference. Bosonic dark matter halos surrounding the Earth can potentially be probed with current optical atomic clocks.