Search for QCD axion dark matter with transmon qubits and quantum circuit

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method to detect QCD axion dark matter using superconducting transmon qubits as quantum sensors, leveraging quantum circuit techniques and cavity resonance to improve sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a new experimental approach employing transmon qubits and quantum circuits for direct axion dark matter detection, including theoretical modeling and signal enhancement strategies.

Findings

Theoretical estimation of axion-induced qubit excitation rates.

Potential to reach QCD axion parameter space with quantum sensor enhancements.

Discussion of cavity resonance and entanglement to amplify detection signals.

Abstract

We propose a direct axion dark matter (DM) search using superconducting transmon qubits as quantum sensors. With an external magnetic field applied, axion DM generates an oscillating electric field which causes the excitation of the qubit; such an excitation can be regarded as a signal of the axion DM. We provide a theoretical consideration of the excitation process of the qubits taking into account the effects of the shielding cavity surrounding the qubits and estimate the signal rate for the axion DM detection. We also discuss the enhancement of the DM signal by using cavity resonance and entangled quantum sensors realized by a quantum circuit. Combining these two effects, we can reach the parameter region suggested by QCD axion models.