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Ultralight Dark Matter Detection and Characterization with LISA

Objective

Despite compelling astrophysical and cosmological evidence for dark matter, its nature remains unknown. Ultralight dark matter (ULDM) is a well-motivated candidate, producing distinctive signatures that can be probed with gravitational wave (GW) interferometers. Spin-0, spin-1, and spin-2 ULDM couple differently to Standard Model particles, inducing measurable effects in GW detectors, but distinguishing between ULDM spins, and between ULDM and continuous astrophysical GWs, is challenging due to signal similarities. This project will exploit LISA’s low-frequency band and orbital configuration to detect ULDM in a frequency band unexplored by ground-based detectors and discriminate signal types through their characteristic polarization content. By combining theoretical modeling of ULDM signals with dedicated search strategies, we will develop the first end-to-end LISA pipeline capable of both detecting ULDM and constraining signal type. The project will be carried out in CEICO-FZU (host) and L2IT-CNRS (secondment), with strong expertise in ULDM and LISA science respectively. We will establish waveform templates and signal characteristics in both time and frequency domains, develop a semi-coherent search and a fully coherent search for ULDM in LISA, and will forecast how effectively polarization measurements can distinguish between spin-0, spin-1, and spin-2 ULDM, and continuous astrophysical GWs. This approach will deliver the highest sensitivity to ULDM across LISA’s frequency range, surpassing existing experimental limits by orders of magnitude, while providing a robust framework to differentiate candidate signals. The outcome will advance both fundamental dark matter searches and GW data analysis, establishing LISA as a powerful probe of the dark sector.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

FYZIKALNI USTAV AV CR, VVI
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 191 918,16
Address
NA SLOVANCE 1999/2
182 00 PRAHA 8
Czechia

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Region
Česko Praha Hlavní město Praha
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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Partners (1)

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