Hefei: Chinese scientists have developed the world’s first quantum sensor network to search for dark matter. This network connects laboratories located in the cities of Hefei and Hangzhou in eastern China, separated by a distance of more than 300 kilometers.
This research was published on Thursday in the prestigious science journal Nature. The project was led by scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China.
Dark matter is considered one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. According to scientists, dark matter accounts for approximately 26.8 percent of the total matter in the universe. It is neither visible nor does it interact with light in any way. Its presence is inferred only from its gravitational effects.
In this research, scientists focused on searching for hypothetical particles called axions. These particles are believed to constitute dark matter. Scientists say that when the Earth passes through such regions of dark matter in space, axion particles can have a very slight effect on the nuclei of atoms. This effect is so transient and weak that it is extremely difficult to detect.
Keeping this challenge in mind, scientists installed a total of five state-of-the-art quantum sensors in Hefei and Hangzhou, which were coordinated together. The unique feature of this network is that a signal is considered real only when it is recorded simultaneously at multiple locations. This helps in eliminating local noise or false signals.
According to the research, the new quantum amplification technology can amplify extremely weak signals by up to a hundred times. In addition, the time frame for capturing the signal has been increased from a few seconds to several minutes, increasing the probability of detecting dark matter signals.
During the two-month monitoring period, no direct signal associated with dark matter was detected, but scientists have established the tightest limits yet on the possible interaction between axions and atomic nuclei. This limit is reported to be up to 40 times more precise than data obtained from astronomical studies in some cases.
Study co-author Peng Xinhua said that there are plans to expand this “quantum trap” globally and into space in the future. He added that this could revolutionize our understanding of the invisible structure of the universe, which has so far remained beyond the reach of science.
Scientists hope that this technology will pave the way for future dark matter detection and a deeper understanding of the universe.
