Using Quantum Sensors to Search for Dark Matter - Livestream

Astronomical observations (such as galaxy rotation speeds and gravitational lensing) are the primary evidence for the existence of Dark Matter (DM). DM makes up ~80% of all matter in the universe, is effectively invisible to the electromagnetic force, and interacts at the very least via the gravitational force. Theorists have speculated alternate interaction avenues such as through the weak force, based on the relic abundance of DM in the universe and Super-Symmetry. This laid the foundation for the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) to be the primary DM candidate for decades; however, as new measurements at the LHC continue to show no evidence of Super-Symmetry new hypothesis of lighter DM are gaining prominence.

o explore these new hypothesis, R&D efforts have started to look at ultra- high resolution/single-charge sensitive sensors capable of achieving quantum level  sensitivity. In this talk I will discuss the current technology being used by the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS) experiment. There will be emphasis on the R&D efforts into the SuperCDMS HVeV single-charge sensitive devices looking for low mass DM in the form of Dark Photon and Electron Recoil Dark Matter interactions. Finally, I will introduce the Beryllium Electron capture in Superconducting Tunnel junctions (“BeEST”) experiment searching for sterile neutrinos on the keV scale.

Speaker: Dr. Francisco Ponce, Pacific Northwest National Lab