Quantum detectors could 'see' dark matter velocity with new method

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Chuo University have proposed a novel method to detect light dark matter particles by employing a network of distributed quantum sensors. Unlike traditional detectors that rely on observing particle collisions or recoil tracks, this approach leverages quantum measurement protocols across spatially extended detectors to extract information about the velocity and arrival direction of dark matter. This method is applicable to any dark matter detector capable of quantum data acquisition, making it a versatile tool for probing sub-GeV dark matter candidates, which behave more like waves than particles. The new strategy addresses limitations of current detection techniques that struggle to measure the velocity of light dark matter due to their reliance on discrete excitation modes. By treating data from multiple quantum sensors collectively, the researchers can infer dark matter’s movement without needing spatially extended signals. Analytical assessments suggest that this quantum sensor array offers higher sensitivity than classical methods and does not depend on specific particle interactions or detector geometries. The team envisions refining this technique further to map dark matter distributions, potentially opening