New quantum sensor could count individual photons and hunt dark matter

Researchers have built an ultra-sensitive sensor capable of detecting unimaginably small amounts of energy — below one zeptojoule. The breakthrough relies on fragile superconducting materials that react to even the slightest temperature change. This level of precision could improve quantum computers, enable photon counting, and even help scientists detect elusive dark matter particles from space.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260520093654.htm