Quantum metrology algorithms for dark matter searches with clocks

Published

June 7, 2024

Author(s)

Muhammad Zaheer, Naleli Matjelo, David Hume, Marianna Safronova, David Leibrandt

Abstract

Quantum metrology involves improving the sensitivity of a quantum sensor to a signal while circumventing sensitivity to noise using algorithms from quantum information science. Atomic clocks are among the most sensitive quantum sensors, with recent improvements in clock technology allowing for unprecedented accuracy. These clocks are highly sensitive to variations in fundamental constants making them ideal probes for local ultralight scalar dark matter. A further improvement in sensitivity is expected in nuclear clocks proposed to be based on the thorium 229m isomer. We investigate the use of different quantum metrology algorithms in the search for dark matter using quantum clocks. We propose a new broadband algorithm and compare it with quantum metrology protocols that have been previously proposed and demonstrated, namely zero dead time differential spectroscopy and narrowband dynamical decoupling. We further develop numerical simulations of clock measurements of scalar dark matter with realistic noise sources and accounting for dark matter decoherence.

Citation

(potentially a different journal, still TBD)

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

quantum metrology, optical clock, nuclear clock, thorium

Citation

Zaheer, M. , Matjelo, N. , Hume, D. , Safronova, M. and Leibrandt, D. (2024), Quantum metrology algorithms for dark matter searches with clocks, (potentially a different journal, still TBD) (Accessed May 1, 2026)

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