Searching for scalar field dark matter with LIGO

TL;DR

This paper reports a direct search for scalar field dark matter using LIGO data, setting new upper limits on its coupling constants across a specific frequency range, thus advancing the experimental constraints on this dark matter candidate.

Contribution

The study introduces new efficient search methods to enhance sensitivity in detecting scalar field dark matter signatures in gravitational wave data.

Findings

Set new upper limits on scalar field dark matter coupling constants.

Improved bounds by several orders of magnitude over previous direct searches.

Focused on a frequency band from 10 Hz to 180 Hz.

Abstract

We report on a direct search for scalar field dark matter using data from LIGO's third observing run. We analyse the coupling of size oscillations of the interferometer's beamsplitter and arm test masses that may be caused by scalar field dark matter. Using new efficient search methods to maximise sensitivity for signatures of such oscillations, we set new upper limits for the coupling constants of scalar field dark matter as a function of its mass, which improve upon bounds from previous direct searches by several orders of magnitude in a frequency band from 10 Hz to 180 Hz.