Search for an Ultralight Scalar Dark Matter Candidate with the AURIGA Detector.

A search for a new scalar field, called moduli, has been performed using the cryogenic resonant-mass AURIGA detector. Predicted by string theory, moduli may provide a significant contribution to the dark matter (DM) component of our Universe. If this is the case, the interaction of ordinary matter with the local DM moduli, forming the Galaxy halo, will cause an oscillation of solid bodies with a frequency corresponding to the mass of moduli. In the sensitive band of AURIGA, some 100 Hz at around 1 kHz, the expected signal, with Q=△f/f∼10^{6}, is a narrow peak, △f∼1 mHz. Here the detector strain sensitivity is h_{s}∼2×10^{-21} Hz^{-1/2}, within a factor of 2. These numbers translate to upper limits at 95% C.L. on the moduli coupling to ordinary matter (d_{e}+d_{m_{e}})≲10^{-5} around masses m_{ϕ}=3.6×10^{-12} eV, for the standard DM halo model with ρ_{DM}=0.3 GeV/cm^{3}.

Testing Quantum Gravity Induced Nonlocality via Optomechanical Quantum Oscillators.

Several quantum gravity scenarios lead to physics below the Planck scale characterized by nonlocal, Lorentz invariant equations of motion. We show that such nonlocal effective field theories lead to a modified Schrödinger evolution in the nonrelativistic limit. In particular, the nonlocal evolution of optomechanical quantum oscillators is characterized by a spontaneous periodic squeezing that cannot be generated by environmental effects. We discuss constraints on the nonlocality obtained by past experiments, and show how future experiments (already under construction) will either see such effects or otherwise cast severe bounds on the nonlocality scale (well beyond the current limits set by the Large Hadron Collider). This paves the way for table top, high precision experiments on massive quantum objects as a promising new avenue for testing some quantum gravity phenomenology.

Compensation of the laser parameter fluctuations in large ring-laser gyros: a Kalman filter approach.

He-Ne ring-laser gyroscopes are, at present, the most precise devices for absolute angular velocity measurements. Limitations to their performance come from the nonlinear dynamics of the laser. Following Lamb semiclassical theory, we find a set of critical parameters affecting the time stability of the system. We propose a method for estimating the long-term drift of the laser parameters and for filtering out the laser dynamics effects from the rotation measurement. The parameter estimation procedure, based on the perturbative solutions of the laser dynamics, allows us to apply Kalman filter theory for the estimation of the angular velocity. Results of a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation and results of a preliminary analysis on experimental data from the ring-laser prototype G-Pisa are shown and discussed.

A haloscope amplification chain based on a traveling wave parametric amplifier.

In this paper, we will describe the characterization of an RF amplification chain based on a traveling wave parametric amplifier. The detection chain is meant to be used for dark matter axion searches, and thus, it is coupled to a high Q microwave resonant cavity. A system noise temperature Tsys = (3.3 ± 0.1) K is measured at a frequency of 10.77 GHz, using a novel calibration scheme, allowing for measurement of Tsys exactly at the cavity output port.

Axion dark matter detection by laser induced fluorescence in rare-earth doped materials.

We present a detection scheme to search for QCD axion dark matter, that is based on a direct interaction between axions and electrons explicitly predicted by DFSZ axion models. The local axion dark matter field shall drive transitions between Zeeman-split atomic levels separated by the axion rest mass energy m a c 2. Axion-related excitations are then detected with an upconversion scheme involving a pump laser that converts the absorbed axion energy (~hundreds of µeV) to visible or infrared photons, where single photon detection is an established technique. The proposed scheme involves rare-earth ions doped into solid-state crystalline materials, and the optical transitions take place between energy levels of 4f N electron configuration. Beyond discussing theoretical aspects and requirements to achieve a cosmologically relevant sensitivity, especially in terms of spectroscopic material properties, we experimentally investigate backgrounds due to the pump laser at temperatures in the range 1.9 - 4.2 K. Our results rule out excitation of the upper Zeeman component of the ground state by laser-related heating effects, and are of some help in optimizing activated material parameters to suppress the multiphonon-assisted Stokes fluorescence.

Deep underground rotation measurements: GINGERino ring laser gyroscope in Gran Sasso.

GINGERino is a large frame laser gyroscope investigating the ground motion in the most inner part of the underground international laboratory of the Gran Sasso, in central Italy. It consists of a square ring laser with a 3.6 m side. Several days of continuous measurements have been collected, with the apparatus running unattended. The power spectral density in the seismic bandwidth is at the level of 10-10 (rad/s)/Hz. A maximum resolution of 30 prad/s is obtained with an integration time of few hundred seconds. The ring laser routinely detects seismic rotations induced by both regional earthquakes and teleseisms. A broadband seismic station is installed on the same structure of the gyroscope. First analysis of the correlation between the rotational and the translational signal is presented.