Quantum metrology algorithms for dark matter searches with clocks
Muhammad H. Zaheer, Naleli Jubert Matjelo, David B. Hume +2 more
Quantum algorithms such as dynamical decoupling can be used to improve the sensitivity of a quantum sensor to a signal while suppressing sensitivity to noise. Atomic clocks are among the most sensitive quantum sensors, with recent improvements in clock technology allowing for unprecedented precision and accuracy. These clocks are highly sensitive to variations in fundamental constants, making them ideal probes for local ultralight scalar dark matter. Further improvements to the sensitivity are expected in proposed nuclear clocks based on a nuclear transition in the thorium-229 isotope. We investigate the use of various quantum metrology algorithms in the search for dark matter using quantum clocks. We propose a broadband dynamical decoupling algorithm and compare it with quantum metrology protocols that have been previously proposed and demonstrated, namely, differential spectroscopy and narrowband dynamical decoupling. We conduct numerical simulations of scalar dark matter searches with realistic noise sources and accounting for dark matter decoherence. Finally, we propose an alternative thorium nuclear transition excitation method that bypasses the technical challenges associated with vacuum ultraviolet lasers.
arXiv:2302.12956•Physical Review A•Jan 2, 2025•8 citations