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  • Open Access

Search for Dark Matter Scattering from Optically Levitated Nanoparticles

Yu-Han Tseng1,*, T.W. Penny1, Benjamin Siegel1, Jiaxiang Wang1, and David C. Moore1,2

  • 1Wright Laboratory, Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
  • 2Yale Quantum Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA

  • *Contact author: yuhan.tseng@yale.edu
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PRX Quantum 6, 040367 – Published 18 December, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/j76m-gcp1

Abstract

The development of levitated optomechanics has enabled precise force sensors that operate in the quantum measurement regime, opening up unique opportunities to search for new physics whose weak interactions may have evaded existing sensors. We demonstrate the detection of impulsive forces acting on optically levitated nanoparticles, where the dominant noise source is provided by measurement backaction. Using these sensors, we search for momentum transfers that may originate from scattering of passing particlelike dark matter. For dark matter that couples to Standard Model neutrons via a generic long-range interaction, this search constrains a range of models in the mass range 1–107GeV/c2, placing upper limits on single neutron coupling strength as low as ≤1×10−7 at the 95% confidence level. We also demonstrate the ability of using the inherent directional sensitivity of these sensors to separate possible dark matter signals from backgrounds. Future extensions of the techniques developed here can enable searches for light dark matter and massive neutrinos that can reach sensitivity several orders of magnitude beyond existing searches.

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Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Popular Summary

Experimentally searching for dark matter is challenging because most candidates are expected to interact very weakly with ordinary matter. However, recent advances in levitated optomechanics—where microscopic particles are suspended and controlled by light—have enabled sensors capable of measuring extremely weak forces that were previously undetectable.

In this work, we develop ultrasensitive mechanical sensors based on optically levitated nanoparticles and apply them to search for impulsive forces that could arise from dark matter scattering. These sensors are exceptionally well isolated from the environment, allowing them to reach force sensitivities limited only by quantum measurement noise. We introduce experimental techniques to characterize the sensors’ response and demonstrate momentum sensing close to the accuracy limited by quantum mechanics. With this level of sensitivity, the initial search presented here can probe certain dark matter models with sensitivities several orders of magnitude beyond existing limits.

Future extensions of the techniques developed here, including improved sensitivities and scaling to large sensor arrays, will enable a new class of optomechanical sensors capable of detecting forces imparted by individual fundamental particles. Among other applications, such sensors can be used to search for light dark matter and massive neutrinos emitted in nuclear decays.

Article Text

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PRX Quantum 6, 040367– Published 18 December, 2025
  • Received 7 August 2025
  • Accepted 17 November 2025
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