Search for fast-oscillating fundamental constants with space missions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential for space missions equipped with advanced quantum sensors to detect local dark matter overdensities near solar system objects by searching for rapid oscillations in fundamental constants.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of detecting dark matter halos around solar system bodies using high-frequency oscillation searches with quantum sensors, a novel approach in dark matter detection.

Findings

Dark matter halos can form around solar system objects.

Quantum sensors can potentially detect oscillations caused by dark matter.

Space missions could identify local dark matter overdensities.

Abstract

While it is possible to estimate the dark matter density at the Sun distance from the galactic center, this does not give information on actual dark matter density in the Solar system. There can be considerable local enhancement of dark matter density in the vicinity of gravitating centers, including the Sun, the Earth, as well as other planets in the solar system. Generic mechanisms for the formation of such halos were recently elucidated. In this work, we studies the possible halo dark matter overdensities and corresponding dark matter masses allowed for various objects in the solar system. We explore spacecraft missions to detect such halos with instruments such as quantum clocks, atomic and molecular spectrometers designed to search for fast (tens of hertz to gigahertz) oscillations of fundamental constants, highly sensitive comagnetometers, and other quantum sensors and sensor networks.