In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Rice University used a levitated magnet to search for dark matter, a mysterious substance thought to be present throughout the cosmos. The innovative approach, dubbed POLONAISE, could potentially revolutionize our understanding of this invisible mass.
Dark matter is a mysterious substance thought to be present throughout the cosmos, yet it has evaded detection attempts for decades. Scientists have been searching for ways to identify this invisible mass, and a recent study presents an innovative approach using a levitated magnet.
Dark matter is a type of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to our telescopes.
It was first proposed by Fritz Zwicky in the 1930s.
According to observations, dark matter makes up approximately 27% of the universe's mass-energy density.
Its presence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter and the way galaxies rotate.
Despite extensive research, the nature of dark matter remains unknown.
The Power of Levitation in Dark Matter Detection
Researchers at Rice University used a levitated magnet to search for dark matter, a phenomenon known as ultralight dark matter. The experiment involved suspending a magnet with a mass of less than a milligram within a container made of a superconductor. The magnet’s motion was monitored using a quantum device designed to measure changes in magnetic fields, known as a SQUID.
A levitated magnet is a type of magnetic field that suspends an object in mid-air without physical contact.
This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field or another external magnetic source.
The magents used in levitation are typically superconducting materials or rare-earth magents with high magnetic strength.
Levitated magnets have applications in transportation, such as maglev trains, and in scientific research for studying quantum mechanics.
If ultralight dark matter exists and interacts with normal matter via a new type of force, the dark matter wave would subtly jostle the magnet. However, despite running the experiment, the researchers found no evidence of such jostling. The lack of detection was attributed to the experiment’s relatively low sensitivity, which could be improved by increasing the mass of the magnet.
Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect any electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to our telescopes.
Its presence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter and the way galaxies rotate.
Scientists have proposed various detection methods, including direct detection experiments, indirect detection via gamma-ray observations, and astronomical observations of galaxy rotation curves.
Optimizing the Experiment for Dark Matter Detection
The experiment, originally designed to make sensitive gravitational measurements, has been reanalyzed to search for dark matter’s influence. By tweaking a few parameters, the researchers aim to switch to a larger magnet with a mass of hundreds of milligrams, which could potentially outperform other detection techniques.
A Novel Approach Melding Quantum Technologies and Particle Physics
The idea behind this experiment emerged from a climate protest, where astroparticle physicist Christopher Tunnell met physicist Tjerk Oosterkamp of Leiden University. The collaboration led to the development of an innovative approach that combines quantum technologies with particle physics detection.
Next Steps for POLONAISE: A Promising Breakthrough
The improved experiment, dubbed POLONAISE, is set to revolutionize our understanding of dark matter. With its unique blend of quantum and classical approaches, this research has the potential to make a significant impact on the field of particle physics.
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- sciencenews.org | Scientists used a levitating magnet to hunt for dark matter
