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Ultralight fields from space
Huge astrophysical events such as the merger of black holes could release energy in unexpected forms, namely as exotic ultralight fields. These, in turn, could cause weak signals that could be detected with quantum sensor networks. This result is particularly interesting with regards to the search for dark matter.
 The merging of black holes could release energy in the form of ELF (bottom left in the photo). Their weak signals could be detectable with quantum sensor networks such as the GPS network (top right in the photo). [Groansicht] |
The field of multi-messenger astronomy – the coordinated observation of different signals resulting from the same astrophysical event – has been hugely popular since gravitational waves were first detected with the LIGO spectrometer a few years ago and has been providing a great deal of new information the depths of the universe.
“If gravitational waves are triggered somewhere in space and detected on earth, numerous telescopes aim at this event to detect different signals, such as electromagnetic radiation,” explains Dr Arne Wickenbrock of Johannes Gutenberg University’s PRISMA + Cluster of Excellence. of Mainz (JGU) and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM). “Our initial question was: what if some of the energy released in the observed events was also emitted in the form of so-called exotic ultralight fields (ELFs)? Could we then detect them with existing quantum sensor networks?”
The answer to the question, as scientists’ calculations show, is: yes. “To this end, we considered that such fields, when emitted, should produce a characteristic frequency signal in networks,” explains Wickenbrock. “Similar to a passing siren, which first becomes lighter and then darker.” The researchers are particularly interested in two networks: the global GPS network consisting of atomic clocks and the so-called GNOME network, which consists of many magnetometers distributed around the world.
Due to the expected signal strength, the GPS system should currently be sensitive enough to detect ELFs. The GNOME network is expected to be in a later stage of development, which is currently for example in the working group of Prof. Dr. Dmitry Budker of JGU at HIM will also be sensitive enough to observe such events.
ELF potentials are of particular importance when it comes to searching for dark matter. Although this exotic form of matter must exist, no one knows what it is made of. A whole range of possible particles that are theoretically challenged as candidates are the subject of discussion and research in the professional world. One of the most promising candidates today are so-called extremely light boson particles, which can also be seen as a classical field oscillating at a certain frequency. “In the depths of the universe, for example, when two Schwarzer Lchers merge, dark matter can arise in the form of ELF,” sums up Wickenbrock. “Precision quantum sensor networks, in turn, could function as ELF telescopes and thus add another important element to the multi-messenger astronomy toolbox.”
The team reports on their investigations in a specialist article in Nature Astronomy.
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