中国科学院研究证实87年前量子力学预言

Core Insights - The research team from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully observed the Migdal effect during neutron-nucleus collisions, providing crucial experimental evidence for detecting lighter dark matter [1][3]. Group 1: Dark Matter and Migdal Effect - Dark matter constitutes approximately 85% of the total mass in the universe, yet it has only been detectable through gravitational effects, with no other methods available [3]. - The Migdal effect, proposed by physicist Arkadi Migdal in 1939, describes a quantum phenomenon where energy from a particle collision can be transferred to an outer electron of the nucleus, potentially allowing low-energy signals to be detected [3][4]. - For over 80 years, the Migdal effect in neutral particle collisions had not been experimentally confirmed, leading to skepticism regarding dark matter detection experiments relying on this theoretical framework [3][4]. Group 2: Research Methodology and Findings - The research team developed a highly sensitive detection device combining a microstructured gas detector and a pixel readout chip, functioning like a "camera" that captures the electron release process during atomic motion [3][4]. - By utilizing a compact deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction neutron source, the team was able to distinguish the Migdal effect from background noise, achieving a statistical significance exceeding five standard deviations, thus meeting the criteria for a physical discovery [4]. - The team plans to further optimize the detector's performance and expand observations of the Migdal effect across different elements, aiming to support the detection of lighter dark matter particles [5].