Ingrid Fadelli is a writer for Phys.org.
Dark matter is a type of matter in the universe that does not absorb, reflect or emit light, which makes it impossible to detect. In recent years, scientists have been trying to better understand this type of matter by indirectly detecting it.
Fuzzy dark matter is a hypothetical form of dark matter that is thought to consist of extremely light particles. Due to its unique characteristics, this type of matter is difficult to model.
The Institute for Astrophysics in Germany and the Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain have recently proposed a new method that could be used to model fuzzy dark matter. This method was introduced in a paper published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
The challenge for studies focusing on fuzzy dark matter is that its distinguishing features, the granular density fluctuations in collapsed halos and filaments, are orders of magnitude smaller than any simulation box large enough to accurately capture the dynamics of the cosmic web.
As part of their recent study, Schwabe and his colleague Jens C. Niemeyer adapted and improved an algorithm that they had introduced in their previous work. The method they developed is the only one that can be used to conduct fuzzy dark matter simulations.
The researchers were able to make a simulation of the collapse of the cosmos web. This was achieved using a method called the n-body method, which divides the initial density field into small particles that can evolve under the force of gravity.
The n-body method is a very stable, well tested and efficient method, but it does not capture the density fluctuations of the fuzzy dark matter field.
The n-body and finite difference methods are used in astrophysics worldwide, but they have rarely been used in conjunction. The two methods were combined in order to perform their simulations.
The method they used promoted the n-body particles to coherent wave packages known as Gaussian beams, which allowed them to perform simulations.
The combination of the n-body and finite difference methods paves the way for realistic simulations of fuzzy dark matter.
More information: Bodo Schwabe et al, Deep Zoom-In Simulation of a Fuzzy Dark Matter Galactic Halo, Physical Review Letters (2022). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.181301 Journal information: Physical Review LettersThe Science X Network will be launched in 2022.
Citation: Astrophysicists simulate a fuzzy dark matter galactic halo (2022, May 30) retrieved 30 May 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-05-astrophysicists-simulate-fuzzy-dark-galactic.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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