Search for composite dark matter with optically levitated sensors

TitleSearch for composite dark matter with optically levitated sensors
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsMonteiro, F, Afek, G, Carney, D, Krnjaic, G, Wang, J, Moore, DC
JournalPhys. Rev. Lett.
Volume125
Issue181102
Date Published11/2/2020
Abstract

Results are reported from a search for a class of composite dark matter models with feeble, long-range interactions with normal matter. We search for impulses arising from passing dark matter particles by monitoring the mechanical motion of an optically levitated nanogram mass over the course of several days. Assuming such particles constitute the dominant component of dark matter, this search places upper limits on their interaction with neutrons of αn≤1.2×10−7 at 95\% confidence for dark matter masses between 1--10 TeV and mediator masses mφ≤0.1 eV. Due to the large enhancement of the cross-section for dark matter to coherently scatter from a nanogram mass (∼1029 times that for a single neutron) and the ability to detect momentum transfers as small as ∼200 MeV/c, these results provide sensitivity to certain classes of composite dark matter models that substantially exceeds existing searches, including those employing kg-scale or ton-scale targets. Extensions of these techniques can enable directionally-sensitive searches for a broad class of previously inaccessible heavy dark matter candidates. 

URLhttps://arxiv.org/abs/2007.12067
DOI10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.181102