# Collaborative Research: HAYSTAC Post-Inflation

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Berkeley (CA) · $320,000

## Abstract

The current scientific understanding of the Universe, based on astronomical observations, indicates that the total mass consists of about 5% ordinary matter. The remaining mass is made up of what we call "invisible" matter, which includes dark matter and dark energy. Dark matter forms an unseen halo around and throughout our galaxy, and it even exists in laboratories here on Earth. This type of matter makes up most of the galaxy's mass. Scientists believe that dark matter is likely a new kind of particle that has a very low mass and interacts very little with ordinary matter, except through gravity. One proposed candidate for dark matter is the Axion. This particle is thought to be connected to the strong nuclear force and its symmetries. It has a mass that is less than one billionth of that of a typical electron. When Axions in the galactic halo are exposed to a strong magnetic field, they can change into ordinary photons, which we detect as radio waves using very sensitive radio receivers that utilize advanced measurement techniques. The challenge lies in the fact that we do not know the exact frequency of these signals. Our research involves slowly tuning the receiver frequency to find the right one. Our project, named HAYSTAC, which stands for "Haloscope at Yale Sensitive to Cold (Dark Matter)," is a leading experiment in this area. Detecting dark matter in the form of Axions would be one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs in history. This research supports

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2514172
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Berkeley (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GS3YEVSS12N6
- **PI:** Karl A van Bibber
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, PHYSICS OF THE UNIVERSE
- **Estimated total:** $320,000
- **Funds obligated:** $320,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2514172

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2514172, Collaborative Research: HAYSTAC Post-Inflation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2514172. Licensed CC0.

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