First Search for Ultralight Dark Matter Using a Magnetically Levitated Particle

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Quantum Sensing

Background:

• Dark matter remains a significant mystery in physics.
• Ultralight dark matter candidates require novel detection strategies.
• Quantum sensing offers unprecedented force sensitivity for particle detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first search for ultralight dark matter using a magnetically levitated particle.
• To establish limits on dark matter interactions with baryon-lepton number (B-L).
• To introduce and validate the POLONAISE experiment for future dark matter searches.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a submillimeter permanent magnet levitated in a superconducting trap.
• Achieving a force sensitivity of 0.2 fN/√Hz.
• Searching for signals of ultralight dark matter interacting with the levitated mass.

Main Results:

• No evidence for ultralight dark matter signal was found.
• Derived stringent limits on dark matter coupled to B-L in the mass range (1.10360-1.10485)×10⁻¹³ eV/c².
• Set a limit on the coupling strength: g_{B-L}≲2.98×10⁻²¹.

Conclusions:

• The experiment demonstrates the potential of magnetically levitated particles as a novel quantum sensor for dark matter.
• The POLONAISE experiment, with planned upgrades, will provide leading sensitivity across a wide mass range.
• This work opens a new avenue for exploring ultralight dark matter candidates.