New technologies for detecting dark matter
Almost all the energy that is stored in our universe exists as dark matter. Yet despite its abundance, we know surprisingly little about it. “Dark matter appears to interact mainly through the force of gravity and is likely composed of elementary particles that have yet to be identified,” says Marcin Kuźniak, group leader at AstroCeNT/NCAC PAS. However, this is really just a hypothesis. What dark matter actually is and how it is generated remains one of the great unsolved problems of physics. But the curtain that has shrouded the mystery that is dark matter is starting to be pulled back, thanks in part to initiatives such as the EU-funded DarkWave project. The project is developing new technologies that will enable the next generation of detectors used to observe the universe. “With the right technologies, these very large detectors, which are typically located in underground laboratories, could allow us to directly detect dark matter,” adds Kuźniak, who coordinated the project.
New technologies make detectors more sensitive
During the project, researchers from five institutions developed a comprehensive portfolio of dark matter detecting technologies. These include new wavelength shifter (WLS) materials and photosensors, along with new seismic and infrasound sensors that can be used to monitor the background noise levels around the detector. Researchers also created algorithms for signal processing and analysis that can be used to extract information from the data collected by the detectors. Furthermore, the project provided scientists with the opportunity to purchase the materials they needed to conduct experiments, research and tests. “All these technologies and support help make detectors more sensitive than ever before,” notes Kuźniak.
Taking dark matter finding detectors to the next level
These technologies have already had a direct impact on the quest to understand the nature of dark matter. For example, the under-construction DarkSide-20k detector is benefiting from novel fluorescent and reflective materials that were developed by the project. These materials will significantly improve the light collection sensitivity of the detector while dramatically simplifying its construction. The project also helped establish two cryogenic test stands in Warsaw where these types of materials, along with ultra-modern arrays of photosensors, are now tested in representative conditions prior to being installed in a detector. In addition, DarkWave brought together the dark matter and gravitational wave communities. For instance, new networks of seismic and infrasound sensors for monitoring backgrounds at the Virgo gravitational wave observatory were developed and tested during the project. They were also used to map the seismic and infrasound environment at the DarkSide-20k underground experiment site.
Helping young scientists get hands-on experience
Beyond the technology, the project focused on supporting young scientists, particularly PhD students. With the project’s support, these researchers were able to participate in various measurement campaigns at CERN and Virgo, amongst others. “The mobility granted by DarkWave became a catalyst for knowledge accumulation and experience gathering, making it one of the project's most substantial and important outcomes,” remarks Yuliya Hoika, EU project coordination specialist at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center. These researchers, along with the entire project team, are now poised to continue to advance the knowledge, networking and innovative ideas fostered by DarkWave. This includes looking at new Horizon Europe funding opportunities and exploring the potential to commercialise some of the solutions developed during the project.
Keywords
DarkWave, dark matter, detectors, invisible universe, universe, gravity, physics, wavelength shifter, photosensors, seismic, infrasound sensors, algorithms, DarkSide-20k detector, gravitational wave