Chinese researchers have achieved the first direct observation of the Migdal effect, a quantum phenomenon theorized in 1939 that could revolutionize dark matter detection. Published today in Nature, the breakthrough by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) team addresses an 87-year gap between prediction and confirmation.
The discovery centers on atomic behavior during particle collisions. When a neutron strikes an atom's nucleus, the delayed adjustment of its electron cloud releases detectable electrons – a process now captured using a novel micro-pattern gas detector with pixelated imaging capabilities. Professor Liu Qian described the system as a "quantum camera" that freezes these ultrafast interactions.
By bombarding deuterium gas with neutrons, the team observed distinctive dual-track signatures that distinguish Migdal events from background radiation. This validation strengthens theoretical models for detecting light dark matter particles, which conventional methods often miss.
"This isn't just about confirming old theories," said Professor Yue Qian of the China Dark Matter Experiment. "It's about opening new windows into the 95% of the universe we can't see." The team now plans to collaborate with international dark matter projects to develop next-generation detectors.
Professor Zheng Yangheng emphasized the broader implications: "Every step in understanding dark matter reshapes our cosmic narrative. Today's achievement shows China's growing role in foundational physics research."
