A high-speed quantum sensor network in space is ready to explore new physical phenomena hidden in the universe - Photo: AI/ScienceDaily
By launching ultra-sensitive quantum sensors into Earth orbit, the project hopes to detect strange “spin-dependent interactions” – crucial clues that could lead to the discovery of dark matter and forces beyond our current understanding.
The project is expected to install precision measuring devices on space platforms such as the Chinese Space Station, according to research published in the journal Science China Press .
The core principle is based on detecting rare physical interactions between elementary particles, which depend on their "spin" (rotational angular momentum) and relative velocity. These interactions can create tiny changes in atomic energy levels, which manifest as "pseudo-magnetic fields" that can be picked up by quantum sensors.
The space environment offers unique advantages that cannot be replicated in ground laboratories. First, the space station's extremely high speed (about 7.67 km/s) significantly enhances the signal of velocity-dependent interactions.
More importantly, Earth acts as a huge natural source of spin-polarized particles. Unpaired electrons in the planet’s crust and mantle create a source hundreds of quadrillions of times larger than the best artificial sources available today.
Additionally, the periodic rotation of the Earth converts the signals being sought into periodic waves, allowing scientists to filter out background noise more effectively. This increases the sensitivity of the device by millions of times compared to current detection limits.
To realize this idea, the research team successfully developed a prototype dual noble gas spin sensor, using two isotopes Xenon-129 and Xenon-131. This design allows the device to cancel out common magnetic disturbances up to 10,000 times, and is equipped with anti-vibration technology and radiation protection layer to operate durably in harsh space environments.
The initial success of this prototype lays the foundation for building an integrated sensor network between space and ground.
In the distant future, when humans expand their activities deep into the solar system, scientists expect to be able to take advantage of giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn as natural sources of spin, opening a new era in decoding the deepest mysteries of the universe.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bien-ca-trai-dat-thanh-may-do-vu-tru-tham-vong-moi-cua-gioi-khoa-hoc-20251207161304165.htm
Comment (0)