[W196] Sreemanti Chakraborti: Quantum Sensing of Axion-Like Dark Matter: Insights and Open Questions

[Latin American Webinars on Physics]

Dear colleagues,

We invite you to our next webinar on Wednesday, March 18, 15:00 UTC. Our guest will be Sreemanti Chakraborti (IPPP, Durham University), who will talk about “Quantum Sensing of Axion-Like Dark Matter: Insights and Open Questions“.

The abstract can be found below.
Join us via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/UolKiG79ZIU?si=XJytSlF4DgFO_2nk

https://lawphysics.wordpress.com/2026/03/16/w196-sreemanti-chakraborti-quantum-sensing-of-axion-like-dark-matter-insights-and-open-questions/

Wednesday, March 18, 15:00 UTC

Abstract:

Axion-like particles (ALPs) remain among the most motivated candidates for ultralight dark matter, where their coherent field behaviour can induce small but measurable shifts in fundamental constants. Starting from gluon and photon couplings at the ultraviolet scale and proceeding through the standard axion EFT framework, I will discuss how precision quantum sensors, such as atomic clocks, gravitational wave detectors, resonant microwave cavities, and upcoming platforms like nuclear clocks and atom interferometers, can probe these signatures with exceptional sensitivity, particularly in regions corresponding to large axion decay constants. While linear ALP couplings are restricted by their pseudoscalar nature, quadratic interactions behave effectively as scalar dark matter, motivating distinct experimental strategies. I will present the current and projected reach of these sensing platforms and place them in context with complementary astrophysical and cosmological probes, including Lyman-alpha and Big Bang nucleosynthesis limits. Finally, I will comment on how the nonlinear behaviour of ultralight fields in dense terrestrial environments may influence sensor responses.

Best!