Solving Big Problems with Tiny Experiments – Quantum Sensors for Astrophysics Applications

Scientists are using several methods to determine the nature of dark matter, indirect searches, laboratory experiments, and direct searches. Indirect and direct detection search for dark matter particles. Laboratory experiments use colliders to generate dark matter particles. Although there have not been any conclusive detections, the search has led to constraints on the particles which may constitute dark matter. With the discovery of dark matter’s gravitational effect, computer modeling has been used for theory modeling. For many years the classical computer process which uses binary bits 0 or 1 to perform functions and tasks was the programming used by scientists.

There may be a more efficient computer process to help with the complexity involved in modeling dark matter. A quantum computer uses the binary bits with quantum superposition where the quantum bits are both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to efficiently run complex calculations quicker than the classical computer binary model. The benefit of performing more complex functions quicker also may benefit using quantum computers to model dark matter and cosmology models to apply constraints scientists are finding in their search for what may make up dark matter particles.

Another benefit to quantum computers can be used in the direct detection of dark matter. For the quantum computer bit to operate at the quantum level they must be in controlled environments protected from outside interference. This is a similar requirement to dark matter detectors which are also heavily shielded. The similarity allows quantum computers to also be dark matter detectors, as dark matter would be the only matter interacting with the quantum chip. If dark matter passes through the shielding, the interference will cause computing errors to illustrate the interaction of dark matter with the quantum computer.

Our presentation for the June meeting will give a brief introduction to the concept of dark matter, how we go about trying to detect it, and why. From there the presentation will discuss how scientists are trying to leverage national investment into quantum computing to tackle fundamental science questions, like the mystery of dark matter. Even in a tiny quantum chip, it might be possible to search for new classes of dark matter particles that are a million times smaller than a proton.

 Our presenter for the June general meeting is Dr. Daniel Baxter. Dan has worked in the field of dark matter for almost 15 years across multiple different types of experiments, searching for different types of dark matter particles. He is a proud Chicagoan since moving here in 2013 to obtain his PhD at Northwestern University. His most recent research as an Associate Scientist at Fermilab takes his expertise in a new and exciting direction by studying the intersection of low energy particle physics and quantum computing.