Open Quantum Dynamics of Dark Matter in Electron Microscopy

Astrophysical observations indicate the presence of vast unknown sources of gravity in galaxies and larger structures. Today, we attribute this phenomenon to dark matter (DM). The nature of DM is one of modern physics` greatest open problems. Hypothetical particles that only weakly interact with already-known particles are the most popular proposed solutions. However, despite extensive experimental efforts, as of yet, nobody has succeeded in detecting such (dark) particles. It is expected that many proposed DM candidates will interact with electrons or photons in quantum optical experiments. In order to fully harness the potential of quantum technologies as powerful DM detectors, the open quantum dynamics of known particles induced by dark particles have to be understood. Open quantum dynamics are the effective dynamics of quantum particles observed when only looking at the particles themselves, and only indirectly at any sources of influence. This project will deliver a powerful theoretical framework for describing the open quantum dynamics of known particles induced by interactions with topical DM candidate particles. On this basis, improved constraints on the parameters of these DM theories will be gained by testing the theoretical framework in different types of experiments performed in a state- of-the-art ultra-fast transmission electron microscope.