In a groundbreaking development, scientists at the University of Nottingham’s School of Physics have devised a cutting-edge method to capture dark matter by utilizing a specially designed 3D printed vacuum system. This innovative approach aims to detect domain walls within dark matter, potentially uncovering some of the enigmatic mysteries of the universe.
The universe we inhabit is predominantly composed of dark matter and dark energy, constituting a staggering 95% of its contents, with ordinary matter making up a mere 5%. While the effects of dark matter and dark energy on the universe’s behavior are observable, their precise nature remains elusive. To address this conundrum, scientists are exploring various avenues, including the introduction of a particle known as a scalar field.
The team of researchers leveraged the concept that light scalar fields, characterized by double well potentials and direct matter couplings, undergo density-driven phase transitions, culminating in the formation of domain walls. Analogous to the crystallization of water into ice, these defects, known as dark walls, are generated as density decreases. Although imperceptible to the naked eye, these dark walls can potentially alter the trajectory of particles traversing them, thereby substantiating the existence of scalar fields.
To facilitate the detection of dark walls, the researchers engineered a bespoke vacuum chamber using 3D printing technology. This vacuum system is central to a novel experiment that simulates transitioning from a dense environment to a less dense milieu. By cooling lithium atoms to near absolute zero (-273 °C) with laser photons, the team enhances the quantum properties of the atoms, enabling more precise and predictable analyses.
Under the direction of Associate Professor Lucia Hackermueller, the team meticulously designed the laboratory experiment. The 3D printed vessels comprising the vacuum chamber were intricately crafted based on theoretical computations of dark walls, striving to encapsulate the ideal shape, structure, and texture for trapping dark matter. In the experiment, a cold atom cloud is allowed to pass through the dark walls, leading to its deflection. By cooling the atoms through laser photon bombardment, the team effectively diminishes the energy within the atoms, akin to slowing down an elephant with snowballs.
The comprehensive project, spanning three years of meticulous planning and implementation, is poised to yield significant insights within a year. Whether the experiment confirms the existence of dark walls or not, it signifies a crucial advancement in comprehending dark energy and dark matter. Moreover, the study exemplifies how methodically designed laboratory experiments can directly measure phenomena that are pivotal for the universe yet remain undetectable through conventional means. Through their dedication and innovation, the team at the University of Nottingham’s School of Physics exemplifies the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery and the unquenchable curiosity that propels humanity’s quest for knowledge.