Ultralight dark matter detection with mechanical quantum sensors

Abstract

We consider the use of quantum-limited mechanical force sensors to detect ultralight (sub-meV) dark matter candidates which are weakly coupled to the standard model. We show that mechanical sensors with masses around or below the milligram scale, operating around the standard quantum limit, would enable novel searches for dark matter with natural frequencies around the kHz scale. This would complement existing strategies based on torsion balances, atom interferometers, and atomic clock systems.

Comments: 13 pages + appendices, many figures. v2: journal version, includes expanded comments on seismic/gravity gradient noise