Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help detect dark matter, bringing us closer to understanding one of the universe’s greatest mysteries. Dark matter, which scientists estimate makes up about 85% of the universe’s matter, remains extremely difficult to detect as it does not emit or reflect light. The NTU team, led by Professor Zhang Baile, demonstrated that photons can exhibit axion-like properties when traveling through specially designed crystal structures.
Axions, a leading candidate for dark matter particles, are thought to have emerged from the Big Bang and interact weakly with normal matter. The researchers used crystals made of yttrium iron garnet, a material with unique magnetic and optical properties. When photons passed through these layered crystal structures with alternating magnetic properties, they moved in a single direction along the three-dimensional edges of the crystal without scattering or reversing direction, mimicking axions’ theoretical movements.
“The findings from our new crystal structures give us more confidence that we could one day use the crystals to detect real axions,” said Prof Zhang.
Photon properties hint at dark matter
“Since axions are promising candidates for dark matter, our research might lay the groundwork for unraveling some of the universe’s greatest mysteries.”
The study, published in the journal Science on January 10, 2025, also points to potential advancements in communication technologies and quantum computing.
The ability to manipulate photons in three dimensions using crystal structures could lead to more robust data transmission methods and more accurate quantum computers. Professor Yannis Semertzidis of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the internal magnetic fields of the crystals as ideal for axion detection, calling the research a “promising alternative” to existing methods. The research builds on previous studies that explored how electrons might behave like axions, but these efforts were limited to two dimensions.
Prof Zhang’s team’s focus on photons allowed them to simulate axion behavior in three dimensions, a crucial step forward. The study brought together scientists from NTU Singapore and institutions worldwide, including Universite de Sherbrooke in Canada, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Germany, and ETH Zurich in Switzerland. As the team continues its efforts to refine crystal designs and push the boundaries of particle physics, their work underscores the potential to unravel some of the universe’s deepest secrets.
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
