Dark Matter Searches using Quantum Enhanced Superfluid Technologies

The nature of dark matter is one of the biggest problems facing fundamental physics today. Despite several decades of experimental effort no detection has been made and the possibilities for conventional dark matter models are decreasing. In order to explore new theoretically motivated models new approaches are needed. This proposal will develop a unique programme utilising quantum technology to search for low mass dark matter, as part of the QUEST-DMC project.

The QUEST-DMC project combines a macroscopic quantum system, superfluid helium-3, with state-of-the art quantum technologies. The target will be instrumented with quantum devices, giving high sensitivity to dark matter interactions. Quantum sensor development will be carried out in a new collaboration between the Ultra-Low Temperature and Astroparticle groups at Royal Holloway, University of London. Different types of quantum sensors will be produced, benchmarked and optimised in order to determine their suitability for a dark matter search. Directional detection of dark matter may also be achieved by altering the quantum state of the superfluid helium-3. This allows a test of the galactic origin of a possible dark matter signal.