Quivers from quantum kicks: a nanocollider to study the smallest forces of the Universe

This project aims to develop a highly sensitive mechanical sensor to detect tiny recoils caused by particle collisions. Using a levitated nanoparticle in vacuum, controlled by electric and optical forces, the sensor will push beyond current technological limits by using a quantum squeezed state of the nanoparticle’s motion, where the fundamental quantum uncertainties of its velocity are reduced at the expense of its position accuracy. The sensor will be tested with electric forces and electron collisions, laying the groundwork for future dark matter searches.