The search for dark matter has led to innovative detection strategies, especially for lower-mass candidates that interact weakly. A collaboration has proposed a novel quantum detector leveraging superfluid helium and optomechanics. This approach offers a promising path to dark matter detection in the keV mass range.
Due to the extremely weak signals produced, traditional detection methods struggle with low-mass dark matter. The EQUS team’s proposal utilizes superfluid helium, where dark matter collisions would induce mechanical vibrations called phonons. These phonons, representing quantized vibrations within the superfluid, are too faint to be detected directly using current technology.
The researchers developed an “amplification” system based on optomechanics to overcome this challenge. This system, named the Optomechanical Dark-matter Instrument (ODIN), transduces the low-energy phonons into detectable photons. Confining the superfluid helium within an optomechanical cavity converts the tiny mechanical vibrations into an optical signal. This conversion process effectively amplifies the signal, making it measurable with standard photodetectors.
This method offers significant advantages. It provides access to a lower dark matter mass range (keV) than existing experiments. Furthermore, it marks the first instance of applying optomechanics to detect individual particles and rare scattering events, broadening the scope of optomechanical applications beyond weak field sensing. Using well-established technology, ODIN promises a significant advancement in understanding dark matter and highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in fundamental physics research.
Related Content: Neuronal Stimulation With A Sunflower Pollen Bio-Dart