What if dark matter was born from light? 💡

A team of researchers proposes a surprising origin for dark matter. Their model draws inspiration from the remarkable properties of superconductors to explain this cosmic mystery.

According to this theory, dark matter may have begun its existence as particles moving at the speed of light. These particles, similar to photons, would have undergone a radical transformation by gaining massive amounts of mass. This change would be due to interactions related to their spin, a concept borrowed from quantum physics.


The model developed by the scientists offers a testable perspective. It predicts a specific signature in the cosmic microwave background, this fossil light dating back to the earliest moments of the Universe. This imprint could be detected by current or future instruments, such as those at the Simons Observatory in Chile.

The researchers compare this process to what is observed in superconductors. In these materials, pairs of electrons, called Cooper pairs, form at low temperatures. Similarly, dark matter particles could have paired up and changed state as they cooled.

This approach significantly simplifies the understanding of dark matter. Unlike other theories, it does not require introducing numerous additional assumptions. It relies on already known physical mechanisms, which strengthens its credibility.

The study opens exciting avenues for cosmology. If validated, it could explain not only the nature of dark matter but also its abundance in the Universe. Future observations of the cosmic microwave background will be crucial for testing this hypothesis.

The researchers highlight the mathematical elegance of their model. It coherently describes the transition between a high-energy state and a cold, massive state. This transition could be the key to understanding the large-scale structure of the Universe.

How can massless particles become dark matter?

The proposed process relies on a symmetry-breaking mechanism. In the early Universe, particles moving at the speed of light interacted strongly with each other. These interactions, related to their spin, led to a sudden loss of energy.

This energy loss resembles a phase transition, like water turning into ice. The particles, initially massless, then acquired mass. This phenomenon is similar to the Higgs mechanism but with characteristics specific to dark matter.

The theory suggests that this process occurred very early in the Universe's history. The extreme conditions at that time allowed for this unique transformation. Today, these massive and cold particles would constitute the dark matter we seek to detect.

What is the connection between dark matter and superconductors?

Superconductors offer a parallel for understanding dark matter. In these materials, electrons form Cooper pairs at low temperatures. These pairs move without resistance, creating a state of superconductivity.

Similarly, dark matter particles could have paired up in the early Universe. Their interaction, mediated by their spin, would have led to a state analogous to superconductivity. This state would explain their transition into a massive and cold form.

This analogy allows the use of well-established mathematical tools from solid-state physics. It also provides leads for detecting dark matter by searching for signatures similar to those of superconductors in the cosmic microwave background.