Dark matter, often called the ‘invisible glue’ of the cosmos, has long puzzled scientists.
This mysterious substance, which makes up nearly 85% of the Universe’s mass, remains one of the most significant mysteries in modern physics.
A recent breakthrough study, involving substantial contributions from Université de Sherbrooke physics professor Maia Vergniory, has taken a significant step toward solving this cosmic enigma to uncover the properties of dark matter.
Understanding dark matter
Dark matter is an undetectable form of matter that does not interact with light, making it invisible to conventional observation methods.
Scientists infer its existence through its gravitational effects, such as its role in holding galaxies together and bending light from distant celestial objects.
The concept of dark matter was first proposed in the 1930s to explain why the Universe’s observed mass was insufficient to account for its gravitational behaviour.
Edwin Hubble’s discovery in 1929, which revealed that the Universe is expanding, further emphasised the mystery.
The expansion rate is far greater than what the observable mass suggests, pointing to an unseen force or material – dark matter.
A breakthrough in axion research
One leading hypothesis suggests that dark matter consists of axions, hypothetical subatomic particles that have eluded detection for over four decades.
In a major advance, an international research team, including Vergniory, demonstrated that naturally occurring particles might mimic the behaviour of axions. This marks a crucial step toward proving their existence.
The study focused on specially designed geometric crystal structures made from yttrium-iron garnet, a synthetic material known for its magnetic and optical properties.
Within these structures, photons exhibited controlled movement along the edges, travelling in a single direction without scattering. This behaviour is theorised to mirror the movement of axions in similar conditions.
Bridging the gap between theory and observation
The movement of photons in these crystals aligns closely with theoretical predictions about axions, offering a potential method for their detection.
The next step involves optimising these crystals for experiments under extreme conditions, such as strong magnetic fields, to observe the conversion of axions into photons.
Such experiments could finally confirm the existence of axions, unlocking new insights into the properties of dark matter.
Potential technological advancements
The findings also hold promise for practical applications. The crystals’ ability to guide photons with precision can improve data transmission systems and advance quantum computing technologies by minimising errors.
These technological benefits underscore the broader impact of dark matter research on science and industry.
Shedding light on dark matter’s properties
Exploring the properties of dark matter is critical for understanding the Universe’s fundamental composition.
While its gravitational effects are well-documented, its exact makeup remains speculative. The possibility of axions forming dark matter could explain many unresolved questions about the cosmos.
This research represents a pivotal step in a long journey. By unravelling the mysteries of dark matter, scientists can better understand the forces shaping the Universe, from galaxy formation to the expansion of space itself.
This milestone brings humanity closer to uncovering one of the Universe’s most profound secrets, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of the hidden forces that govern our reality.
