Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics projects

The Quantum Sensing for the Hidden Sector project, led by the University of Sheffield, aims to search for very low mass dark matter, and particularly axions or axion-like particles, using quantum electronics to improve the sensitivity of detection. An axion is a hypothetical elementary particle postulated theoretically in 1977. They are of interest as a possible component of cold dark matter. The discovery of axions would answer many questions about dark matter and other particle physics mysteries.

The project will adapt NPL’s SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device)-based SLUG (Superconducting Low-inductance Undulatory Galvanometer) amplifier for axion detection. It brings together a world-class team to establish a unique capability in hidden sector physics. The work will be highly internationally significant, and attract considerable professional interest from around the globe, and will launch the UK into a new area of fundamental science.

The Networked Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics (QSNET) project, led by the Midland Ultracold Atoms Research Centre, is building a network of atomic and molecular clocks to achieve unprecedented sensitivity in testing variations of the fine structure constant, α, and the electron-to-proton mass ratio, μ. These measurements will help refine a wide range of fundamental physics theories beyond the Standard Model, including theories on dark matter.

NPL will be use the data from three clocks, based on Sr, Yb+ and Cs, to achieve sensitivity beyond the current state-of-the-art in detecting changes in the proton-to-electron mass ratio. We will continue to make advances to improve this sensitivity further.