The Quantum Endeavor to Uncover Dark Matter’s Enigmatic Axion Particle

The DarkQuantum alliance, which consists of international academic bodies, is harnessing quantum science to explore the enigmas of dark matter, particularly the elusive particle known as the axion.

Researchers from Aalto University aim to delve into the dark matter conundrum by employing a quantum sensor of unparalleled sensitivity.

Dark matter, an unseen form of matter in the universe, manifests its existence through the gravitational influence it exerts on galaxies. Despite this indirect evidence, it remains undetected and its underlying properties are yet to be understood.

For years, physicists have speculated on the makeup of dark matter, which is estimated to be five times more prevalent than visible matter. The axion particle has recently gained prominence as a leading contender in explaining dark matter’s composition.

DarkQuantum Alliance’s Pursuit of Axion Particles

Aalto University scientists are embarking on a half-dozen-year initiative to collect proof for the existence of axions. They are participating in the newly-formed DarkQuantum collaboration, which also includes researchers from the University of Zaragoza—coordinators of the endeavor—as well as scholars from the French National Centre for Scientific Research, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and other affiliate institutions.

The novel alliance is pioneering the use of state-of-the-art quantum technologies to create detectors with unparalleled sensitivity. On October 26, the European Research Council granted DarkQuantum €12.9 million, of which approximately €2 million is allocated for Aalto University Senior Lecturer Sorin Paraoanu and his research group on Superconducting Qubits and Circuit QED (KVANTTI).

Technological Aspects and the Role of Aalto University

Aalto researchers will deploy quantum advancements to construct one of the most sensitive detectors ever conceived. Credit: Mikko Raskinen/Aalto University

“As we investigate the uncharted territory of dark matter, axions, if they exist, would revolutionize our understanding of elementary particles,” remarks Paraoanu. “This discovery would be as momentous as the detection of the Higgs boson in the early part of the last decade. Unlike the Higgs, however, we lack a clear starting point in our search for axions.”

Igor Garcia Irastorza, a professor at the University of Zaragoza and leader of the DarkQuantum alliance, adds, “The nature of dark matter remains one of the most profound enigmas in contemporary science. If axions constitute dark matter, this project could finally detect them.”

In contrast to earlier attempts to identify axions, this ambitious effort will leverage quantum mechanics to enhance experiment repeatability and filter out extraneous noise. This is where Paraoanu and his team play a critical role.

Geographical and Technical Details of the Project

Deep below the mountainous border between Spain and France lies the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. Here, a high-frequency sensor constructed by DarkQuantum researchers will be placed. A secondary low-frequency sensor will be stationed at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg.

Paraoanu’s KVANTTI team will be chiefly tasked with the development and fine-tuning of the high-frequency sensor, in addition to generating the necessary algorithms and software. Known as a haloscope, this sensor aims to examine the galactic halo in search of axions.

Positioning the sensor underground serves to mitigate cosmic radiation interference and may also allow the researchers to explore noise-reducing methods applicable to quantum computing.

“Our high-frequency sensor will exhibit sensitivity levels 10-100 times greater than earlier versions and will operate within a range of a few microelectron volts. It will employ superconducting qubits, similar to those in quantum computers, albeit in a different capacity as detectors,” Paraoanu explains.

In prior attempts, linear amplifiers were used, which often introduced noise and compromised the integrity of the particles. The upcoming sensor will employ quantum nondemolition measurements, allowing for repeated experimentation with the same particles.

“Theoretically, in an ultra-cold setting, a magnetic field could cause axions to disintegrate into photons. If photons are detected, it would confirm the existence of axions,” states Paraoanu.

Grant and Institutional Collaborators

The European Research Council’s Synergy Grant is highly prestigious. Paraoanu and his team are only the second group at Aalto University to receive such an award; the first was granted to Professor Risto Ilmoniemi for his ongoing ConnectToBrain project.

The project is divided into two phases: a four-year development and scaling phase, which encompasses the construction and tuning of the haloscopes, and a two-year data collection phase. Several research positions are expected to be open in the near future for this endeavor.

Other participating bodies mentioned in the Synergy Grant are the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of the Sciences, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the Spanish National Research Council.

The work by Paraoanu and the KVANTTI group will be conducted using OtaNano equipment, Finland’s national research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies. Paraoanu’s research will specifically take place at the Low Temperature Laboratory, founded by Finnish physicist Olli V. Lounasmaa. He is also affiliated with InstituteQ and the new Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dark Matter and Axion Particle Research

More about Dark Matter and Axion Particle Research

• Dark Matter: An Overview
• Axion Particles: A Comprehensive Review
• Quantum Technologies in Scientific Research
• Aalto University Research Projects
• European Research Council Funding Programs
• Overview of the Canfranc Underground Laboratory
• Introduction to Quantum Nondemolition Measurements
• The Higgs Boson Discovery: Significance and Impact
• Max Planck Society for the Advancement of the Sciences
• The German Electron Synchrotron (DESY): An In-depth Look