New method to detect dark matter through thorium-229

New techniques aim to reveal dark matter's influence through nuclear clock advancements.

Scientists develop method to detect dark matter using thorium-229

Researchers have made significant progress in the search for dark matter using thorium-229. For nearly a century, scientists have sought ways to detect this elusive substance, which is believed to constitute a significant portion of the universe's mass. A new collaborative study, published in Physical Review X, utilizes thorium-229's unique atomic properties to identify potential influences of dark matter. Last year marked a breakthrough in measuring the resonance frequency of thorium-229, leading to advancements in the construction of a nuclear clock that could provide insights into dark matter's characteristics.

The exploration of dark matter through nuclear physics represents an innovative approach that could lead to major breakthroughs. By employing thorium-229's characteristics, scientists hope to uncover subtle changes indicative of dark matter's effects. As the clocks developed from this research promise improved precision, they may not only deepen our understanding of dark matter but also enable advancements in various scientific fields. The race to build such a nuclear clock emphasizes the urgency and ambition in the scientific community to explore the unknown.

Highlights

This groundbreaking research lays the foundation for future discoveries in dark matter.