Fermilab Advances Dark Matter Sensor Tech
A Fermilab-led team has made advances in developing ultra-sensitive quantum sensors to hunt for dark matter. The new superconducting microwire single photon detectors (SMSPDs) can resolve tiny energy shifts from high-energy particles. This technological leap could enable physicists to probe for dark matter interactions that have eluded traditional detectors.
The global market for quantum sensors is projected to grow from over $450 million in 2025 to more than $1.8 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of over 13%. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for high-precision sensing in various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and military and defense. North America currently holds the largest market share for quantum sensors. Fermilab's research has a significant economic impact, contributing $1.9 billion in total economic output in FY2023, a 19% increase from the previous year. In fiscal year 2022, the lab's operations supported over 7,200 jobs across the United States and added nearly $1.3 billion to Illinois' economic output. These figures highlight the substantial return on investment in fundamental scientific research. The development of advanced quantum sensors is a collaborative effort. The Fermilab-led study on superconducting microwire single-photon detectors involves partnerships with Caltech, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the University of Geneva. This latest research was conducted at CERN's test beam facility, demonstrating the international nature of modern particle physics research. Beyond dark matter research, this sensor technology has potential applications in other fields. Superconducting single-photon detectors are already used in quantum optics, quantum communication, and have potential uses in medical imaging, materials analysis, and security inspections. The ability to detect single photons with high efficiency and precision is a sought-after capability in many high-tech industries. Fermilab has a dedicated Office of Partnerships and Technology Transfer to move innovations from the lab to the private sector. The lab actively seeks commercial partners to license technologies developed through its research. This creates opportunities for businesses to leverage cutting-edge scientific advancements for new products and services. One such collaborative initiative is the Quandarum project, a five-year effort to develop a novel quantum sensor platform for high-energy physics. This project brings together Fermilab with industry partner Diraq and several universities to integrate silicon spin qubit technology with advanced cryogenic electronics. The technological advancements at Fermilab also spur regional economic activity through procurement. In fiscal year 2022, Fermilab awarded $286 million in new procurement contracts, with a significant portion going to businesses in Illinois. Major projects like the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility are expected to generate hundreds of millions in economic output and create thousands of jobs in the coming years.
