Closing in on Dark Matter with Superfluids and Quantum Technology

Astrophysical observations require the existence of dark matter (DM) to explain how visible objects like stars move in response to the gravitational pull of DM concentrations like galactic halos. DM is our best evidence for the existence of particles beyond the standard model of physics; the eventual discovery of their nature will be of profound importance.

While there are some well-motivated DM candidates, intensive searches for them are as yet unsuccessful, and there is high interest in the community in also exploring for more general DM candidates.

The central idea of this proposal is that dramatic improvements in the sensitivity of such searches are possible through wide-ranging theoretical efforts to help develop new experimental strategies based on emerging technologies. To realise this vision, I propose an innovative program divided into 3 work packages (WPs), each designed to attack specific blind spots in our searches for general DM candidates.

These WPs are closely connected to each other, as the theoretical developments in all three areas significantly enhance the experimental capabilities of low threshold DM detection or are enabled by new data generated in new quantum simulator setups. As these WPs are developed, there is a high potential for spin-offs that benefit society.

WP1: As a member of the QUEST collaboration, I will focus on improving the sensitivity of the superfluid Helium based QUEST experiment to light DM, by a precision calculation of DM accumulation in the Earth's crust, refining my earlier work [1,5,6].

WP2: I will focus on creating a computational pipeline to automatically screen for organic molecules, that will serve as a new target in cheap, scalable detectors for light DM with low interaction area. The developed pipeline will be a versatile tool for general molecule classification, that can find broader applications in protein-molecule binding optimization and drug discovery.

WP3 will make use of the second research area of the QUEST experiment, which simulates an early universe phase transition as a quantum analogue system, and allows me to use my code [2,3] to predict the GW signals in heavy DM scenarios [4,9,12]. As I demonstrated in [11], those scenarios feature DM-bound states, and using my search strategy [8,10,11], combining gamma-ray experiments and GW detectors will ultimately test this challenging DM mass range.

Overall, I am well positioned to carry out this ambitious, interdisciplinary project. In my career, I worked on topics ranging from physics to applied chemistry. In organizing workshops, seminars, and leading international projects, I demonstrated leadership skills.

Finally, in developing and patenting (see CV) a new production method for an antibacterial composition, I gained substantial experience working with industry. This experience will enable me to strengthen collaborations with the industry and make the computational tools developed in WP2 available for broader use.

My goals strongly align with UoL strategic research directions and ensure robust host-institution support for my programme. I will interact with strong local experts Prof. Coleman (MAGIS), Dr. Schaich (lattice gauge theory), Prof. Andreopoulos (Genie code), Dr. Burdin (XENON), and Prof. Greenshaw (CTA), which will be very advantageous for the investigation of DM accumulation effects, and complementary searches.

To carry out the work and provide outstanding opportunities for my students and postdocs, I will take advantage of my strong international collaboration network. I will collaborate with Dr. Blanco (Princeton) who has relevant detector design experience, Dr. Leane (Stanford), Prof. Slatyer (MIT), Prof. Beacom (OSU), and Prof. Linden (Stockholm University) who are leading experts on astrophysical, and precision tests of DM.

Note: Reference numbers as in CV.