How Could Atomic Clocks Be Used to Detect Dark Matter?

Physicists compared two atomic clocks in the same experimental setup, something that had not been done previously.

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry
Aug 16, 2023 3:00 PMAug 21, 2023 4:23 PM
Alarm clocks on yellow background
(Credit: Nick N A/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Although dark matter makes up around 80 percent of the observed mass of the universe, physicists still don’t know what it actually is. Part of the problem is that dark matter doesn’t interact with light, which most of our telescopes use to collect information about the universe.

To overcome this challenge, many researchers are working to leverage the fundamental laws of physics and develop new methods to detect dark matter. One way to do this is to use atomic clocks, one of the most precise instruments we have today.

In a recent Physical Review Letters paper, researchers from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) institute in Germany compared two atomic clocks to try to find the smallest differences in their “ticking” — which may be a signature of dark matter.

What Is an Atomic Clock?

Atomic clocks work by carefully measuring the energy of atoms as they transition from a higher energy state (typically triggered by a laser pulse) to a lower energy state. In some instances, this transition results in the emittance of a photon, or light particle. This can also be used to measure the energy gap between an atoms’ lower and higher states.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.