Mechanical quantum sensing in the search for dark matter

Numerous astrophysical and cosmological observations are best explained by the existence of dark matter, a mass density which interacts only very weakly with visible, baryonic matter. Searching for the extremely weak signals produced by this dark matter strongly motivate the development of new, ultra-sensitive detector technologies. Paradigmatic advances in the control and readout of massive mechanical systems, in both the classical and quantum regimes, have enabled unprecedented levels of sensitivity. In this white paper, we outline recent ideas in the potential use of a range of solid-state mechanical sensing technologies to aid in the search for dark matter in a number of energy scales and with a variety of coupling mechanisms.

Automated summary

This passage discusses the concept of dark matter and its significance in astrophysical and cosmological research, as well as the motivation for developing new detector technologies to search for dark matter. It also mentions advances in the control and readout of mechanical systems, and the potential use of solid-state mechanical sensing technologies to aid in the search for dark matter at different energy scales.