Development of novel quantum optomechanical sensing devices in the search for dark matter in the universe.

在多个天文尺度上的观测表明，宇宙中存在一种未知的物质，称为“暗物质”；这是一种迄今为止传统探测技术无法探测到的物质。拟议中的项目包括开发新型量子传感设备，以寻找暗物质波穿过地球的证据。其核心实现技术在于超流氦中机械运动的量子限读。为了最大限度地提高这些新型量子传感设备的灵敏度，我们将在麦吉尔大学研究将光纤腔和超低噪声膜结合起来的可能性，并组装一个原型系统。我们还将研究这些设备在全球地理分布阵列中的潜在最终灵敏度。直接探测到暗物质将彻底改变我们对宇宙的理解。该项目将为量子光力学、物质量子态和粒子物理等学科的基础知识的进步和技术创新的发展做出重大贡献。该提案还将大大扩展和补充位于萨德伯里的世界级地下实验室SNOLab现有的实验研究项目，进一步加强加拿大在寻找暗物质方面的全球领先地位。最后，拟议中的项目还将为粒子物理和量子传感领域的前沿领域的高素质人才提供独特的培训机会，以配合我们知识型经济的研究和工业需求。

Observations across multiple astronomical scales point to the existence of an unknown type of matter in the universe called "dark matter"; a type of matter that has so far eluded conventional detection techniques. The proposed project consists in the development of novel quantum sensing devices to search for evidence of dark matter waves passing through the earth. The core enabling technology consists in the quantum-limited readout of mechanical motion in superfluid helium. To maximize the sensitivity of these novel quantum sensing devices, we will investigate the possibility to combine fiber optical cavities and ultralow-noise membranes and assemble a prototype system at McGill University. We will also study the potential ultimate sensitivity of these devices within a global geographically distributed array. The direct detection of dark matter would completely revolutionize our understanding of the universe. The proposed project will significantly contribute to both the advancement of fundamental knowledge and development of technological innovations in the disciplines of quantum optomechanics, quantum states of matter and particle physics. This proposal will also significantly extend and strongly complement the existing experimental research program at the world-class SNOLab underground laboratory facility in Sudbury, further strengthening Canada's position as a global leader in the search for dark matter. Finally, the proposed project will also provide unique training opportunities for highly qualified personnel in a particularly wide-ranging set of skills and knowledge at the leading-edge of both areas of particle physics and quantum sensing, aligned with the needs of research and industry in our knowledge-based economy.