What is Dark Matter (background)?
Dark matter is a mysterious and invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe. Unlike normal matter, which forms stars, planets, and everything we see, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.
Scientists know dark matter exists because of the way galaxies and galaxy clusters behave. The gravity from dark matter helps hold galaxies together, preventing them from flying apart despite their fast rotation. Without dark matter, the observed movements and formation of galaxies wouldn’t make sense based on the amount of visible matter alone.
In essence, dark matter is like an invisible scaffold that shapes the structure and evolution of the universe. Understanding it is crucial for solving fundamental questions about the cosmos.
What is this experiment about?
Scientists are using advanced quantum technology to search for dark matter, a mysterious substance that makes up a large part of the universe but cannot be seen directly. This involves supercold detectors that operate at extremely low temperatures, just above absolute zero.
How it works:
- Quantum Amplifiers: These devices are designed to detect incredibly faint signals from dark matter interactions. They work by amplifying these tiny signals to a level that can be measured.
- Superfluid Helium-3 Detectors: This detector uses helium-3, a special form of helium, cooled to a quantum state where it behaves in a unique way. This allows scientists to detect even the weakest interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter.
- Axion Detection: Axions are a type of hypothesized dark matter particle. Scientists search for them by looking for specific electrical signals that occur when axions decay in a magnetic field.
How it can help humanity:
- Understanding the Universe: Discovering dark matter would answer fundamental questions about the universe’s composition and how it works.
- Technological Advances: The technologies developed for this research, such as ultra-sensitive detectors and advanced cooling systems, could have applications in other fields, including medicine and engineering.
- Scientific Progress: This research pushes the boundaries of quantum physics and could lead to new discoveries and innovations in various scientific disciplines.
By uncovering the secrets of dark matter, we can gain a deeper understanding of the universe and potentially unlock new technologies that benefit society in numerous ways.
Disclaimer: This content was simplified and condensed using AI technology to enhance readability and brevity.
Article derived from: Jay, A. (2024, July 5). DARK MATTER Breakthrough: Scientists develop supercold quantum technology to hunt universe’s elusive mystery. Science Times. https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/51107/20240705/dark-matter-breakthrough-scientists-develop-supercold-quantum-technology-hunt-universe.htm
