A new experiment called BREAD (Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection) led by the University of Chicago and Fermilab is searching for dark matter particles called axions.
Dark matter is estimated to make up 85% of matter in the universe but its exact nature is unknown. Axions are a hypothetical dark matter candidate.
BREAD uses a novel “broadband” approach to search across a wide range of axion properties rather than focusing on a narrow range like some experiments.
It has delivered its first results, placing tighter constraints on what characteristics axion dark matter particles could have if they exist.
The experiment involved a small tabletop device consisting of a curved silver antenna to detect photons potentially created by axion interactions.
The initial test run provided promising data and demonstrated the concept works, showing tabletop experiments can contribute to particle physics.
Future stages will incorporate strong magnets and additional facilities to improve sensitivity for the axion search.
While no dark matter was found yet, the results support continued development of new creative experimental approaches like BREAD.
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