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Scientists Boost Dark Matter Detection with Quantum Breakthrough

A groundbreaking quantum technique could revolutionize dark matter detection. Scientists have found a way to significantly reduce noise and boost sensitivity.

In this picture we can see buildings, trees, lights, water and some objects and in the background...
In this picture we can see buildings, trees, lights, water and some objects and in the background it is dark.

Scientists Boost Dark Matter Detection with Quantum Breakthrough

Scientists from Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo have made a significant breakthrough in dark matter detection. They've developed a novel method that harnesses the collective excited state of multiple quantum sensors to substantially suppress background noise and enhance measurement sensitivity.

The method, led by Shion Chen, projects the sensors' state onto a specific collective excitation called the W state. In this state, only one sensor is excited at a time, reducing background noise by a factor equal to the number of sensors used. This approach surpasses existing methods and avoids the need for complex entangled states.

The research team acknowledges a limitation: while background noise can be significantly reduced, it cannot be suppressed indefinitely due to excessive excitation noise diminishing the signal. They argue that quantum metrology techniques and quantum error correction are necessary to achieve the required sensitivity for detecting dark matter. Scientists are exploring various sensor designs like superconducting qubits and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to push the boundaries of sensitivity.

This breakthrough in dark matter detection has opened new avenues for exploration. Researchers are now investigating quantum cyclotrons for detecting dark photons and optically trapped Rydberg atom tweezer arrays for detecting wave dark matter. The future of dark matter research looks promising with this substantial improvement in measurement sensitivity.

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