Quantum Sensors Propel Dark Matter Search

Scientists use quantum properties to boost detection sensitivity for elusive dark matter particles.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Researchers have utilized quantum properties like squeezing and entanglement to enhance the sensitivity of distributed sensor networks in the search for dark matter. By leveraging these quantum resources, the team has demonstrated proof-of-principle improvements in detection capabilities that could aid the ongoing hunt for the mysterious particles that make up most of the universe's mass.

Why it matters

The discovery of dark matter would be a major breakthrough in physics, helping explain the fundamental composition of the universe. However, detecting these infinitesimal particles requires extremely sensitive instruments. Quantum-enhanced sensing approaches like those demonstrated in this research could provide the necessary boost in measurement precision to finally uncover the nature of dark matter.

The details

The researchers used two distributed sensors and leveraged quantum squeezing, which reduces noise below the classical limit, as well as quantum entanglement between optical beams to improve the collective detection sensitivity. This allowed them to measure tiny mechanical movements that could indicate the presence of dark matter. The team is specifically targeting ultralight dark matter candidates that interact with an array of sensors as a collective wave.

  • The research team published their findings in February 2026.

The players

Marvinney

A researcher involved in the study.

Marino

A researcher involved in the study.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

The U.S. Department of Energy laboratory that managed the research project.

Department of Energy (DOE)

The U.S. government agency that provided funding for the research through its Office of High Energy Physics and QuantISED program.

Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

A research institute in Daejeon, South Korea that contributed to the study.

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What they’re saying

“We wouldn't be able to reach the sensitivity limits required to detect dark matter classically. We need a quantum advantage, so we're using these two resources to improve our sensor, demonstrating proof-of-principle improvements.”

— Marvinney (Mirage News)

“Ultralight mass dark matter is like a wave, and if you have a lot of sensors, they will interact collectively with this dark matter wave and see the same signal, in the sense that they are all measuring the same signal, and the readout is an average measurement of all the sensors. When we have conditions like these, we're looking at approaches where we can leverage quantum resources such as entanglement to make more accurate measurements.”

— Marino (Mirage News)

“The two-mode squeezed state that we use in our experiments is comprised of two entangled optical beams. The entanglement, or quantum correlations, between them lead to squeezing, or reduced noise, when joint measurements are made. We can leverage the squeezing property to reduce the noise floor of the measurement - and make it more sensitive - by probing optomechanical sensors with the two-mode, squeezed states.”

— Marino (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers are continuing to develop the techniques required to search for ultralight mass dark matter through a fifth force interaction with an array of optomechanical sensors, as outlined in the 2022 Snowmass Windchime white paper.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates how quantum-enhanced sensing approaches can significantly improve the sensitivity of instruments used in the search for elusive dark matter particles, a discovery that could revolutionize our understanding of the universe's fundamental composition.