Development of novel quantum optomechanical sensing devices in the search for dark matter in the universe.

开发新型量子光机械传感装置来寻找宇宙中的暗物质。

• 批准号: 580941-2022
• 负责人: Vachon, BrigitteBMC
• 金额: $ 1.82万
• 依托单位: McGill University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Alliance Grants
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762388
• 关键词: Development; novel; quantum; optomechanical; sensing

Observations across multiple astronomical scales point to the existence of an unknown type of matter in the universe called "dark matter"; a type of matter that has so far eluded conventional detection techniques. The proposed project consists in the development of novel quantum sensing devices to search for evidence of dark matter waves passing through the earth. The core enabling technology consists in the quantum-limited readout of mechanical motion in superfluid helium. To maximize the sensitivity of these novel quantum sensing devices, we will investigate the possibility to combine fiber optical cavities and ultralow-noise membranes and assemble a prototype system at McGill University. We will also study the potential ultimate sensitivity of these devices within a global geographically distributed array. The direct detection of dark matter would completely revolutionize our understanding of the universe. The proposed project will significantly contribute to both the advancement of fundamental knowledge and development of technological innovations in the disciplines of quantum optomechanics, quantum states of matter and particle physics. This proposal will also significantly extend and strongly complement the existing experimental research program at the world-class SNOLab underground laboratory facility in Sudbury, further strengthening Canada's position as a global leader in the search for dark matter. Finally, the proposed project will also provide unique training opportunities for highly qualified personnel in a particularly wide-ranging set of skills and knowledge at the leading-edge of both areas of particle physics and quantum sensing, aligned with the needs of research and industry in our knowledge-based economy.

跨多个天文量表的观察表明，宇宙中存在未知类型的物质，称为“暗物质”。到目前为止，一种已经避开常规检测技术的物质。所提出的项目在于开发新颖的量子传感设备，以寻找穿过地球的暗物波浪的证据。核心启用技术在于超富氦中机械运动的量子限制读数。为了最大程度地提高这些新型量子传感设备的敏感性，我们将调查将光纤腔和超高噪声膜结合并在麦吉尔大学组装原型系统的可能性。我们还将研究这些设备在全球分布的阵列中的潜在最终灵敏度。直接发现暗物质将完全彻底改变我们对宇宙的理解。拟议的项目将显着促进基本知识的发展和技术创新的发展，在量子光学机械，物质和粒子物理学的学科中。 该提案还将在萨德伯里（Sudbury）的世界一流的Snolab地下实验室设施中大大扩展并强烈补充现有的实验研究计划，从而进一步加强了加拿大在寻找暗物质中成为全球领导者的地位。最后，拟议的项目还将为高素质的人员提供独特的培训机会，在粒子物理学和量子传感的两个领域的领先地位，与我们的基于知识的经济中的研究和行业的需求保持一致。