In brief
Dark matter particles may have gained mass by forming pairs as the early universe cooled, Dartmouth physicists propose. Their theoretical model could be tested by looking for faint traces in radiation left over from the early universe.
Dartmouth College physicists Guangming Liang and Robert Caldwell have proposed a hypothesis for the origin of dark matter inspired by superconductivity, the media reported, citing research published in Physical Review Letters. The model offers a possible explanation for how dark matter particles acquired mass.
According to the media’s account, the model describes fast, massless particles in the first seconds after the universe’s birth. As the universe expanded and cooled, those particles could have formed pairs, gained mass and slowed down. The researchers drew an analogy with electrons pairing in superconductors, allowing electric current to flow without resistance.
The proposed pairs could leave faint traces in the cosmic microwave background — light remaining from when the universe was about 380,000 years old. Such traces offer a possible way to test the hypothesis; the media’s report does not describe their detection.
The model remains theoretical. According to the media, the authors acknowledge a high probability that their initial conclusions could be wrong. The report does not specify the study’s publication date.
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