Particle Physics Seminar: Quantum Magnetometry in Search of Dark Matter

Abstract:

When bosonic Dark Matter (DM) has an ultra-light mass, it acts as a classical, coherent field. In many cases, and specifically for many models of axion-like-particles, this field has a magnetic-like effect on spins, and can therefore be measured by spin-based quantum magnetometers. In this seminar, I will explain the workings of quantum magnetometers, focusing on comagnetometers, which simultaneously utilize several species of atoms to achieve a variety of benefits. I will discuss my work on the self compensating comagnetometer, and spotlight my recent proposal for a new sensor called the RoW comag. I will also discuss my work as one of the founding members of the Noble and Alkali Spin Detectors for Ultralight Coherent darK matter (NASDUCK) collaboration, which was formed a few years ago to measure DM with magnetometers. I will also touch upon my current involvement in multiple other spin-based magnetometry experiments. I will finish with an ambitious magnetometry method I am working on, which uses what is normally seen as irreducible quantum noise, as a signal instead. This new metrological strategy may unlock new directions for spin-based searches, allowing sensitivity to highly motivated DM models.
 

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Michael Geller