Detecting Dark Matter with Molecules

The evidence for the existence of dark matter, which makes up about 85$\%$ of the matter density in the Universe, is overwhelming. Efforts to detect galactic dark matter particles in the laboratory are crucial for revealing the particle nature of dark matter. We propose a detection concept based on molecular excitations caused by the dark matter-nucleus scattering within the molecule. By mixing molecules of different isotopes, including those with an odd number of neutrons, we obtain sensitivity to both spin-independent interactions and spin-dependent interactions with the neutron. In addition, we explore various halides and hydrides molecules, which can provide sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions with the proton.