Quantum sensor networks as exotic field telescopes for multi-messenger astronomy (and classical) marginal problem

Speaker: Conner Dailey
Affiliation: University of Waterloo

Abstract

Multi-messenger astronomy, the coordinated observation of different classes of signals that originate from the same astrophysical event, provides a wealth of information about astrophysical processes. Many of the open questions of modern physics suggest the existence of exotic fields with light quanta (masses << 1 eV). Quantum sensor networks could be used to search for astrophysical signals that are predicted by theories beyond the standard model.

We show that networks of precision quantum sensors that, by design, are insensitive to conventional standard model physics signals can be a powerful tool for multi-messenger astronomy. These include global networks of atomic magnetometers and atomic clocks.

Considering the case in which high-energy astrophysical events produce intense bursts of exotic low-mass fields (ELFs), we propose a novel model for the potential detection of ELF signals. We find that such precision quantum sensor networks can function as ELF telescopes to detect signals from sources that generate ELF bursts of sufficient intensity.

Nat. Astron. (2020), arXiv:2002.04352