Diraq and Fermilab Partner on DOE-Funded Quantum Sensor Project to Probe Dark Matter

Insider Brief:

• Diraq and Fermilab have been awarded the DOE’s Quandarum project under the QuantISED program, supporting the development of quantum sensors to investigate dark matter and fundamental physics.

• The collaboration will integrate Diraq’s silicon spin qubits with Fermilab’s cryogenic “skipper” ADC circuits to create an ultrasensitive quantum sensor capable of detecting electromagnetic signatures potentially linked to axions.

• Diraq’s spin qubit technology is well-suited for this research, as it is highly sensitive to subtle electromagnetic field changes, enabling exploration beyond the standard model of particle physics.

• The project includes contributions from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Chicago, and Manchester University, with Diraq providing technical and theoretical support for two initial quantum sensor prototypes.

• Image Credit: DIraq

PRESS RELEASE — Researchers at Diraq announced today that their collaboration with Fermilab, America’s leading particle physics and accelerator laboratory, has been successfully awarded the Quandarum project by the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science. The project will support research designed to search for dark matter — and ultimately understand how the Universe works at its most fundamental level.

This new initiative is part of a DOE program known as Quantum Information Science Enabled Discovery (QuantISED), which focuses on exploring innovative approaches in quantum sensor technology for fundamental science discovery.

The collaboration aims to develop an ultraprecise quantum sensor to study high-energy physics and potentially enable the detection of axions, hypothetical particles that some scientists believe make up dark matter.

Quantum sensors can provide a powerful platform for testing theories around dark matter. They hold the potential to exploit quantum interactions to increase sensitivity and explore the limits of what scientists understand about high-energy physics.

The research will focus on creating a system based on the integration of two specialised technologies – Diraq’s patented silicon spin qubits will be combined on a chip with Fermilab’s cryogenic “skipper” analog-to-digital converter circuits used for readout in dark-matter detectors.

Diraq’s spin qubits are ideal for this endeavour because they are extremely sensitive to minute changes in electromagnetic fields — like those presumed to be generated by axions. The spin qubits will form an ultrasensitive quantum sensor that can probe theories that extend beyond the standard model of particle physics.

Fermilab will lead the Quandarum project, working alongside Diraq to advance the development of innovative solutions for scientific discovery. The project team also includes the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Chicago, and Manchester University.

Diraq CEO and Founder Andrew Dzurak notes: “Diraq is a natural project partner for Fermilab in the Quandarum project due to our expertise in silicon spin-based qubits.”

He continues “This collaboration represents an opportunity to leverage our patented spin qubit chip technology in an exciting new field, advancing our spin readout capabilities while enabling the improved detection of subatomic particles”.

He explains further “We will be delivering technical and theory support for the design and fabrication of the project’s initial two quantum sensor prototypes, which will also enhance our solution-driven approach to the development of revolutionary quantum computing”.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Fermilab and partner Universities to advance the development of innovative solutions for scientific discovery that have profound implications for understanding the nature of our universe.”

SOURCE: Diraq