Singapore joins global science network GNOME to explore dark matter and exotic physics
Written by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) January 23, 2025
Singapore officially joins the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to Explore Exotic Physics (GNOME), an international collaboration focused on identifying dark matter and other exotic astrophysical signals. did. Dark matter is theorized to make up 95% of the universe, along with dark energy, and its elusive nature makes it one of the biggest challenges for modern physics.
Although dark matter cannot be directly observed using conventional methods, its existence is inferred through effects such as gravitational force on visible matter and potential magnetic fields on atomic structure. GNOME operates through a network of 15 stations located at major research institutions around the world. By analyzing magnetic field signals collected from quantum sensors on these stations, researchers hope to detect global “domain walls” (virtual structures associated with dark matter) moving around the Earth.
The GNOME Station in Singapore will be housed at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and will integrate contributions from the Center for Quantum Technology (CQT), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). The station will utilize A*STAR’s quantum magnetometer, CQT’s advanced atomic gravimeter, and NUS and NTU Singapore’s atomic clocks. These tools are powered by cloud computing and machine learning capabilities provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) Singapore to optimize data collection and analysis. This integrated “hybrid sensor network” is designed to expand the range of detectable dark matter and exotic particles. Additionally, Singapore’s location on the equator enhances GNOME’s geographic coverage, improves data accuracy, and filters out unnecessary noise.
This collaboration is expected to foster important knowledge exchange between Singapore and other global institutions. The advanced quantum sensors and machine learning tools developed for this effort also hold promise for broader applications, including biomedical imaging, navigation systems, and environmental monitoring technologies.
Dr. Wang Tao, senior quantum scientist at A*STAR and former operator of two GNOME stations at the University of California, Berkeley, commented: As part of GNOME, Singapore is well-positioned to advance the frontiers of quantum metrology and contribute to the unraveling of quantum metrology, in partnership with local ecosystem collaborators CQT and AWS Singapore. For the astrophysical mystery of dark matter, we aim to provide first exploration data in 2025. ”
Associate Professor Murray Barrett, principal investigator at CQT and a faculty member in the NUS Department of Physics, said: “The unprecedented accuracy of optical clocks will enable new science, such as exploring new physics and the potential of dark matter models. Opening up opportunities for my team’s lutetium watch project,” he added. has established this capability in Singapore and is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to GNOME. ”
“AWS is democratizing access to quantum technologies that help organizations tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across industries,” said Elsie Tan, Worldwide Public Sector Country Manager, AWS Singapore. We are proud to drive Singapore’s national quantum initiative and support Singapore’s quantum technology.” Building on our continued collaboration with A*STAR, we will enter the prestigious global GNOME network by developing quantum cloud solutions and accelerating cloud mainstream capabilities. ”
Professor Lam Pinkoi, A*STAR Principal Quantum Scientist, said: “This initiative brings together Singapore’s quantum metrology and machine learning expertise to address fundamental physics challenges. “It establishes Singapore as a major player in quantum sensing and underlines our global role in harnessing quantum sensing.” Quantum technologies to address critical scientific challenges. ”
Research Report: GNOME: A Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to Explore Exotic Physics
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