“This clock sees what no one can detect”: researchers create a nuclear tool to track down the dark matter

Scientists have just taken a significant step using a thorium-229 nuclear clock to try to detect dark matter. Similarly, this elusive substance which constitutes around 80 % of the mass of the universe. Nevertheless, This advance. For example, published in the review Physical Review X in July 2025, could revolutionize our understanding of dark matter, one of the most mysterious aspects of modern physics. Similarly, Researchers from the Weizmann Institute. Similarly, the National Institute of Metrology “this clock sees what no in Germany have developed an innovative method which could finally allow us to detect and study this mysterious matter. Furthermore, Using the accuracy of a nuclear clock, they hope to open new research avenues.

The promises of the Thorium-229 nuclear clock – "this clock sees what no

Dark matter is one of the largest puzzles in astrophysics. Meanwhile, Scientists have explored many approaches to detect and understand it, but direct detection remains out of reach. However, Now. Similarly, one of the most promising techniques lies in the development of a nuclear clock Using Thorium-229, which could provide unrivaled precision in detecting the effects of dark matter. Therefore, According to the professor Gilad Perez From the Weizmann Institute. Nevertheless, although scientists have not yet achieved the ultimate objective of building a fully functional nuclear clock, they have already identified a new way of studying the presence of dark matter.

This breakthrough marks a break with traditional methods “this clock sees what no of researching dark matter. Furthermore, which are often based on high -energy particle collisions or cosmic radiation detection. For example, The innovative use of Thorium-229 could open the way to the study of dark matter with a Unprecedented precision. In addition, Using atomic nuclei as ultra-sensitive detectors.

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A new window on the hidden material of the universe

At the heart of this discovery is the frequency of resonance of Thorium-229. an essential property of atomic nuclei which allows them to oscillate between different quantum states. Just as the pendulum of a clock can be influenced by the forces around it. the quantum oscillation of Thorium-229 can be modified by the subtle presence of dark matter. Unlike most atomic materials that require intense radiation to excite their nuclei. Thorium-229 has a naturally low resonance frequency, which makes it ideal for being manipulated with standard laser technology.

In this new study. the team proposed a method to detect low offsets in the absorption spectrum of Thorium-229, a key aspect of its resonance frequency. These discrepancies could be linked to the presence of dark matter. which, despite its elusive nature, could influence atomic “this clock sees what no structures at a quantum level. “In a universe composed only of visible material. physical conditions and the absorption spectrum of any material would remain constant”, Explain Perez. “But because dark matter surrounds us. its wave nature can subtly change the mass of atomic nuclei and cause temporary offsets in their absorption spectrum.”

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In search of subtle deviations: “this clock sees what no new approaches to measure dark matter

The. search for dark matter is often described as a quest for something that we can neither see nor detect directly. Researchers must therefore identify methods that can reveal its influence without relying on traditional forms of detection. The Thorium-229 nuclear clock offers a new exciting possibility. allowing researchers to detect the slightest deviations in the resonance frequencies that could indicate the presence of dark matter.

Theoretical calculations, led by the Dr. Wolfram Ratzingerone of the authors of the study. suggest that even if the effects of dark matter are incredibly weak-just 100 million times lower than gravity-the small offsets in the Thorium-229 absorption spectrum could still be measurable. “It is a region where no one has yet sought dark matter,” says Ratzinger. “Our calculations show that it is not enough to look for discrepancies only in the resonance frequency. We must identify changes “this clock sees what no throughout the absorption spectrum to detect the effect of dark matter.”

Thorium-229 nuclear clock: the ultimate black matter detector

One of the most exciting possibilities arising from this research is. the potential of Thorium-229 to become the ultimate tool to detect dark matter. Traditional atomic clocks. which are based on the oscillations of electrons between quantum states, are extremely precise but vulnerable to electrical interference. These interferences can affect the coherence of clocks. limit their ability to detect subtle forces such as those attributed to dark matter.

A nuclear clock based on Thorium-229. on the other hand, would be much less sensitive to environmental disturbances, making it an ideal candidate for the detection of dark matter. “Regarding dark matter,” says Perez, “a nuclear clock based on Thorium-229 would be the ultimate detector. Currently, electrical interferences limit our ability to use atomic clocks in this research.” He also underlines that such “this clock sees what no a clock could detect forces 10 billions lower than gravity. offering resolution 100,000 times better than current technologies.

This advance raises fascinating questions. How will these discoveries influence our understanding of the universe and the matter that composes it? What other potential applications could emerge from this innovative technology?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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