Characterization of the global network of optical magnetometers to search for exotic physics (GNOME)

Abstract

The Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to search for Exotic physics (GNOME) is a network of geographically separated, time-synchronized, optically pumped atomic magnetometers that is being used to search for correlated transient signals heralding exotic physics. The GNOME is sensitive to nuclear- and electron-spin couplings to exotic fields from astrophysical sources such as compact dark-matter objects (for example, axion stars and domain walls). Properties of the GNOME sensors such as sensitivity, bandwidth, and noise characteristics are studied in the present work, and features of the network’s operation (e.g., data acquisition, format, storage, and diagnostics) are described. Characterization of the GNOME is a key prerequisite to searches for and identification of exotic physics signatures.

Publisher

Elsevier

Publication Date

12-1-2018

Publication Title

Physics of the Dark Universe

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dark.2018.10.002

Language

English

Format

text

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