Scientists are using advanced quantum technologies to build highly sensitive dark matter detectors.
Scientists from Lancaster University, the University of Oxford, and Royal Holloway, University of London are building the most sensitive dark matter detectors to date.
There is indirect observational evidence of the typical dark matter density in the galaxy, but the mass of the constituent particles and their possible interactions with ordinary atoms are unknown.
To achieve this, the detector is made of superfluid helium-3, cooled into a macroscopic quantum state, and instrumented with superconducting quantum amplifiers.
The Quantum Sensors for the Hidden Sector (QSHS) team is developing a new class of quantum amplifier that is perfectly suited to search for an axion signal.
These exhibits include a gyroscope-in-a-box that moves in surprising ways due to the unseen angular momentum, glass marbles that are transparent in liquid, and a light-up dilution refrigerator.
Visitors can search for dark matter with a model axion detector by scanning the frequency of a radio receiver, and they can also create their own parametric amplifier using a pendulum.
We urge visitors of all ages to come along with an open mind, curiosity, and enthusiasm and celebrate incredible scientific achievements that are benefiting us all.