Constraints on Scalar Field Dark Matter from Colocated Michelson Interferometers

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics and Particle Physics
• Cosmology

Background:

• Low-mass scalar field dark matter could cause observable oscillations in fundamental constants.
• These oscillations may affect the physical properties of materials, such as their size and refractive index.
• Laser interferometers are sensitive instruments capable of detecting minute changes in optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential existence of scalar field dark matter candidates within a specific mass range.
• To constrain the coupling parameters of these dark matter candidates.
• To utilize data from the Fermilab Holometer for dark matter detection.

Main Methods:

• Employed cross-correlated data from the twin interferometers of the Fermilab Holometer.
• Analyzed data for signatures of oscillations induced by scalar field dark matter.
• Focused on the mass range from 1.6×10^{-12} eV to 1.0×10^{-7} eV.

Main Results:

• Established new upper limits on the coupling parameters for scalar field dark matter.
• Achieved improvements of up to three orders of magnitude compared to previous direct search limits.
• Constrained specific parameter space for potential dark matter candidates.

Conclusions:

• The Fermilab Holometer data provides stringent constraints on scalar field dark matter models.
• This research advances the search for dark matter by improving sensitivity and expanding the mass range probed.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of dark matter properties and interactions.