Chinese scientists have unveiled the world's first quantum sensor network designed to detect dark matter, marking a leap forward in humanity's quest to map the universe's invisible architecture. The system, spanning 300 kilometers between laboratories in Hefei and Hangzhou, uses synchronized quantum sensors to hunt for axions—hypothetical particles believed to constitute 26.8% of the cosmos.
Published in Nature on January 29, 2026, the research leverages quantum amplification to boost faint signals by 100-fold, while extended coherence times allow detection windows lasting minutes. The network filters out local interference by requiring simultaneous signals across all five sensors, akin to distinguishing a snowflake's fall in a bustling city square.
Though no definitive dark matter interactions were recorded during the initial two-month observation period, the team established unprecedented constraints on axion-nucleon coupling. These results surpass astronomical observations by up to 40 times in specific mass ranges, narrowing the search parameters for future studies.
Professor Peng Xinhua, co-corresponding author, stated that plans are underway to expand the network globally and into space. 'This quantum net could redefine how we explore the universe’s hidden layers,' he said, highlighting potential applications in astrophysics and quantum communication.
