A new theoretical study suggests that the quest to understand dark matter-the invisible substance making up approximately 80% of the universe’s mass-may find an unlikely ally in the development of nuclear fusion energy. Researchers have calculated that prototype fusion reactors, designed to replicate the sun’s power source, could inadvertently produce axions, a leading hypothetical particle candidate for dark matter [[1]]. While still highly theoretical, the possibility opens a novel avenue for dark matter detection, moving the search beyond astronomical observations and into terrestrial laboratories [[2]].
Researchers have demonstrated that nuclear fusion reactors may inadvertently produce axions, hypothetical particles considered a leading candidate for dark matter.
Calculations by physicists at the University of Cincinnati suggest that these energy-producing reactors could also be a source of these elusive particles. While the existence of axions remains unconfirmed, some scientists believe they constitute a fundamental component of dark matter, a mysterious substance making up a significant portion of the universe.
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Until now, the search for these hypothetical particles has largely focused on the sun as a potential source. This new research indicates that terrestrial nuclear fusion reactors could also generate axions, opening up a new avenue for investigation. The potential discovery of axions would represent a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the universe’s composition.
High-Energy Neutrons
The study centers on prototype nuclear fusion reactors currently under development. These reactors utilize deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen, as fuel. The fusion process involves merging the nuclei of these isotopes, releasing substantial energy.
This fusion also produces high-energy neutrons – neutral particles typically found within atomic nuclei – as a byproduct. These neutrons collide with the reactor walls, which are constructed from lithium. These collisions, researchers believe, could be key to axion creation.
The neutrons can contribute to the formation of new particles in two primary ways. First, they can collide with the nuclei of lithium and other materials in the reactor wall, potentially destabilizing them and causing them to emit new particles, including axions. Second, as the neutrons travel through the material, they lose energy through collisions, typically releasing it as photons (light particles). According to theory, this energy can, in rare instances, be converted into other extremely lightweight particles, such as axions.
Remaining Elusive
If axions are indeed produced within nuclear fusion reactors, and if they can be detected, it would be a major step forward in the quest to understand dark matter. Dark matter remains one of the most significant mysteries in modern physics. Approximately 80% of the universe’s mass is composed of this unknown substance, detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter.
Axions are considered a strong candidate for dark matter due to their predicted properties: they are nearly massless and interact very weakly with ordinary matter. This would allow them to permeate the universe without direct detection.
A Theoretical Exercise
Physicist Daniël Boer of the University of Groningen described the research as “very interesting.” He explained that our current understanding of dark matter is limited, and we don’t even know if it’s composed of particles at all. Therefore, he believes it’s worthwhile to explore all possibilities.
Boer cautioned that theoretical proposals of this nature often rely on numerous assumptions. “The physicists made many estimations in this research, and in some cases, even made assumptions. As a result, it’s truly a theoretical exercise,” Boer stated. Detecting these axions would require a dedicated detector placed near a nuclear fusion reactor, a project estimated to cost millions of euros. Boer questioned whether such an investment is currently justified. “I don’t think so at this moment. However, the research could inspire others to devise ways to measure axions or test different theoretical possibilities,” he concluded.
