Study sheds light on axion dark matter

Scientists from Durham University and Kings College London presented a theoretical review that supports the search for axion dark matter.

One of the big unanswered questions in particle physics is the identity of dark matter, which makes up 85% of the matter in the universe.

Scientists know of its existence because of its effects on stars and galaxies, but what kind of particle is it?

The researchers looked at how axions can be described and how they relate to the Standard Model of particle physics.

The strong interaction is explained by the axion. If the direction of time was reversed, the processes caused by the strong interaction would look the same.

It is not known why the strong interaction obeys time reversal symmetry. The axion is a popular solution.

Axion dark matter is more like a field than a particle. In the early universe, the value of the axion field fluctuates back and forth. Axion dark matter has the energy stored in it.

It is known that dark matter can only weakly interact with light, or else it would have been seen by scientists already. Researchers might be able to see signs of the interaction between axion dark matter and light by looking closely at telescope observations.

A photon traveling through a magnetic field has a small chance of turning into an axion. Unusual features in telescope observations of galaxies would be caused by this process.

Science Advances published the full analysis of the study. A companion review paper shows how axion could be detected in the lab.

The study co-author said that it is exciting to be axion physicist. Nobody knows what dark matter is. We hope to one day solve this mystery by searching for different possibilities.

The researchers hope that the review will increase interest in axion physics among physicists and scientists.

More information: Francesca Chadha-Day et al, Axion dark matter: What is it and why now?, Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj3618. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abj3618

Axion dark matter: How to see it? was written by Yannis K. Semertzidis. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abm9928

Journal information: Science Advances Citation: Study sheds light on axion dark matter (2022, February 23) retrieved 23 February 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-02-axion-dark.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.