A new theory proposed by Dartmouth University researchers suggests that dark matter may have originated from high-energy particle collisions in the early universe. The study, published in Physical Review Letters on May 14, 2025, offers a novel perspective on the formation and nature of this elusive substance.
The researchers hypothesize that dark matter particles were initially massless, similar to photons, and gained mass through interactions shortly after the Big Bang. This transformation is likened to the pairing of electrons in superconductors, providing a framework for understanding how these particles evolved and acquired their mass.
According to the study, this theory could be tested through observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Experiments such as the Simons Observatory and CMB Stage 4, which aim to precisely measure the CMB, may find evidence supporting this model. These experiments could potentially reveal unique signatures left by these dark matter particles in the CMB radiation, offering insights into the universe's earliest moments and the nature of dark matter.