Astronomical observations have revealed that our most comprehensive theory of nature, the standard model of particle physics, is not all-encompassing. The existence of dark matter, which is necessary to explain large-scale structures in the universe, suggests the potential presence of new physical phenomena that can be virtually measured in small-scale experiments.

This paper outlines an experiment conducted at PUC-Rio to explore potential new interactions associated with dark matter, perhaps observable at micrometric scales. The experiment uses a force and displacement sensor that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics. The advancement of this technology not only facilitates the search for new physical phenomena but also inaugurates a novel field of research in Brazil—quantum opto-mechanics. This field holds diverse applications in metrology, quantum information, and materials science.