Using a specially designed 3D printing vacuum system, scientists from the School of Physics at the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed a new method to "capture" dark matter by detecting domain walls, which is expected to take an important step in understanding dark energy and dark matter. The relevant paper was published in the latest issue of Physical Review D.
One way to detect dark matter is to introduce scalar field particles. In some theoretical models, dark matter can interact with ordinary matter through scalar fields. These models assume that there is a new scalar field that mediates the interaction between ordinary matter and dark matter, thus explaining the existence of dark matter and its indirect interaction with ordinary matter.
Dark energy and dark matter
Based on this theory, researchers have constructed a 3D vacuum system with a double-well potential and a light scalar field with direct matter coupling, which undergoes a density-driven phase transition to form domain walls. Domain walls are a type of topological defect that may exist in the universe and are formed during cosmic phase transitions. They are believed to be composed of boundaries between regions of different phases and can form under high-energy physical conditions in the early universe.
As the density decreases, defects form. This is similar to the process of water freezing. When freezing, water molecules are randomly arranged to form a crystal structure, and different molecules are arranged in different ways, resulting in fault lines. When the density becomes low, similar things happen in scalar fields. Although these fault lines cannot be seen with the naked eye, if a particle passes through them, it may change its trajectory. These defects are domain walls, which can prove scalar field theory.
To detect these defects, or domain walls, the researchers built a specially designed vacuum system that simulates an environment where the gas density gradually decreases. They will use lasers to cool lithium atoms to near absolute zero (-273°C). At this temperature, atoms have quantum properties, making the analysis more precise and predictable. If domain walls exist, they may affect the behavior of ultracold lithium atoms, providing clues to the detected dark matter.
The researchers said that this 3D-printed vacuum container was constructed using domain wall theory calculations, and they believe that the container has the ideal shape, structure, and texture to capture dark matter. The system took three years to build, and experimental results are expected within a year.
3D printing vacuum system
Some metal alloy powders commonly used in aerospace 3D printing
In the aerospace field, 3D printing technology (also known as additive manufacturing) is widely used because of its unique advantages in producing complex structures, reducing weight, and improving material properties. In particular, in the manufacture of precision parts, engine components, and optimizing aircraft structures, specific metal alloy powders are widely used to ensure the high performance and reliability of the final product.
Titanium alloys: Titanium alloys are particularly popular in the aerospace field due to their high strength, low density, excellent corrosion resistance, and high temperature performance. Commonly used are Ti-6Al-4V (containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium), an alloy that balances strength, toughness, and processability, and is widely used in aircraft engine parts, structural parts, and spacecraft components.
Nickel-based superalloys: Such as Inconel 718 and Inconel 625, these alloys have excellent high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and creep resistance, and are suitable for manufacturing turbine blades, combustion chamber components, and other key engine components that are subjected to extreme temperatures and pressures.
Aluminum alloys: Especially special aluminum-based alloys such as Scalmalloy, which combine high mechanical properties with low density, are suitable for manufacturing lightweight structural parts such as drone frames and spacecraft shells.
3D printing metal powder alloy powder
Cobalt-chromium alloys: such as MP1 (CoCrMo) alloy, are known for their good biocompatibility, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Although they are more used in the medical field, they are also used in aerospace, especially in parts that require high wear resistance and heat resistance.
Stainless steel: such as 316L stainless steel because of its good corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties, it is suitable for manufacturing some functional parts or prototypes.
High-temperature alloys: such as Rene’ 41, Haynes 282, etc., these alloys are designed to maintain structural integrity and performance at extremely high temperatures, and are suitable for high-temperature parts of gas turbine engines.
Supplier
TRUNNANO is a globally recognized manufacturer and supplier of compounds with more than 12 years of expertise in the highest quality nanomaterials and other chemicals. The company develops a variety of powder materials and chemicals. Provide OEM service. If you need high quality Metal 3D Printing Powder Alloy Powder, please feel free to contact us. You can click on the product to contact us.
