Can We Detect WIMPs and Axions on Earth?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the detection of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) and axions, which are hypothesized constituents of dark matter. Despite over twenty years of research, laboratory verification of these exotic particles remains elusive, posing a significant challenge to the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) model. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), operating at a center-of-mass energy of 14 TeV, has not yet detected supersymmetric particles, raising doubts about cosmologies that depend on dark matter. However, advancements in axion detection techniques suggest that discovery may be imminent, which would have profound implications for both the LCDM model and string theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dark matter concepts and the LCDM model
  • Familiarity with particle physics and the role of the LHC
  • Knowledge of WIMPs and axions as dark matter candidates
  • Basic principles of weak interactions in particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in axion detection techniques
  • Study the implications of the LHC's findings on dark matter theories
  • Explore the role of WIMPs in the context of particle physics
  • Investigate alternative dark matter candidates and their detection methods
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and researchers in particle physics who are focused on dark matter research and its implications for theoretical models.

X-43D
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Can we detect WIMPs and axions on earth?

WIMPs or/and axions are believed to be the basic constituents of dark matter.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I think a few people have been looking! But without success after some twenty or so years. The lack of laboratory verification of exotic (i.e. non-baryonic) Dark Matter particles is the most serious objection to the standard LCDM model. However, of course, the situation could dramatically change tomorrow if they should be discovered.

Garth
 
The VIRGOHI21 galaxy gives strong evidence for dark matter. However if the LHC, which will collide protons at a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV (or maybe even beyond with better magnets) won't detect supersymmetric particles (including the Higgs Bosons), then cosmologies requiring dark matter will become suspect.
 
WIMPs are really hard to detect because first like the name tells us, their interactions with "normal matter" is weak. Also billions of those are passing through the Earth, and even our bodies every second, and yet they don't leave a trace.
 
Efforts to detect dark matter is a very active area of research. The search for axions, a very promising candidate, is being refined to the point their detection is nearly assured in the next few years - unless of course they do not exist. Failure to detect them would be a setback for the LCDM model, and very problematic for string theory. Here is a good article:
http://www.llnl.gov/str/JanFeb04/Rosenberg.html
 

Similar threads

High School Looking for Axions in Neutron Stars
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Which instruments are used to determine the composition of dark matter?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Is there a consensus about the nature of dark matter?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Graduate Tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Is there any evidence for MACHOs or WIMPs being Dark Matter?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does Vera Rubin's Research Support the Existence of Dark Matter in Galaxies?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Could WIMPs Interact to Form Dark Planets and Stars?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate LUX Dark Matter Experiment Ends With No WIMPs Found
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Light and the black matter (Dark Matter)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad All current 'hints' towards Dark matter not being "matter"
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K