Researchers at Newcastle University used information from Bose-Einstein’s study of ultracold atomic condensation to analyze the behavior of fuzzy dark matter, a new cosmological dark matter model that has recently caught the attention of cosmologists. They found that the physical state of the cores of fuzzy dark matter halos, which are gravitationally bound structures thought to form in galaxies like ours, is the same as that of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) formed in laboratory atomic traps.
The interdisciplinary team also found that the turbid dark matter surrounding the nuclei of the halos is in a turbulent state with eddies and fluctuations throughout the halo that interfere with coherence. These features distinguish fuzzy dark matter from the more widely accepted cold dark matter model, in which there are no coherent features and quantum vortices.
Scientists have proven that the centers of dark matter halos in this new fuzzy dark matter model are not a millionth of a meter (micrometers) of a meter (micrometers) as in typical cold atomic systems, but rather giant BECs spanning thousands of light-years (their equivalent). million). billions of kilometers) spanning the centers of galaxies and exhibiting a common feature in quantum systems and BECs called coherence. The work also explains the inner motions of the outer halos and the kinetic energy of dark matter, which creates a complex quantum vortex with characteristic density profiles in their nuclei. Their findings were published in a journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society .
The meeting of two disciplines
Cosmology deals with very large scales in nature, from galaxy spheres and galaxy clusters to the entire observable universe. Cosmologists are observing the universe, obviously unable to experiment, and the main natural force they are interested in is gravity. Such observations have revealed that most of the matter that makes up the cosmos is not like the stuff that makes up humans, planets, and stars, and consists of an unknown substance called dark matter for no better word.
On the other hand, ultracold atomic physics describes the behavior of atomic clouds such as rubidium, potassium and sodium gases, typically above one millionth of absolute zero in laboratories around the world, and explores phenomena that reveal their quantum nature. reality.
The research brought these two disciplines together, led by Dr Gerasimos Rigopoulos and Professor Nick Proukakis of Newcastle University, who are theorists of cosmology and ultracold atomic physics, respectively. The team also completed a Marie Curie fellowship on the subject, research fellow Dr. Yi-Kang (Gary) Liu, Dr. Alex Soto and Ph.D. student Miloş Engin.
Dr Rigopulos, Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics, said: “Cosmologists have been working on fuzzy dark matter for several years, but in our work we have applied concepts that have existed for much longer than the study of BEC dynamics. We now understand that there are some similarities with BEC, and the end goal is this new and exciting Using this knowledge to develop ways to better test the model observationally.”
“I’ve always been interested in interdisciplinary approaches in physics, and from that perspective it was an excellent problem to tackle. It took some time to build a common language, but from the beginning, even when designing this project, we saw that when you step out of your comfort zone and try to look at things from a new perspective, you can be rewarded. I think Our persistence has paid off, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what this type of collaboration can do.”
Professor Proukakis, professor of quantum physics and a strong advocate of the universal properties of such forms of quantum coherence, added: “It’s great to see another plausible realization of a system that exhibits Bose-Einstein condensation: it’s incredible to see it because we’re currently not seeing this phenomenon in controlled laboratory conditions for the first time.” We are dealing with a huge system that is beyond the imagination of the examiners.”
“While creating a potential simulation of gravitational pull under controlled laboratory conditions is difficult/unknown in 3D systems, similar challenges that initially seemed impossible are eventually encountered in such experimental systems. A simple prospect, though unlikely, of the future possibilities of creating laboratory conditions that mimic certain aspects of the distribution of matter in the universe. It’s exciting in itself.”
“Also, it’s great to have a new system for simulations, even as a theoretical platform, to test the extensive experience from laboratory condensations, and to look forward to future observational tests in cosmology.”
Further research will focus on possible ways of observing such fuzzy dark matter properties, thus putting this model under closer observation.
The scientists are preparing a series of follow-up publications after completing a study that demonstrates the theoretical similarity between the equations governing the fuzzy dark matter model and the equations used to study how Bose-Einstein condensation develops in the lab when atomic gases are cooled. close to absolute zero.
They now use the findings of established theories developed to describe cold atoms to mathematically combine ordinary cold dark matter and new fuzzy dark matter models, examining the implications of such findings and their long-term observational research.
Source: Port Altele
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