Magnetised quark nuggets in the atmosphere.

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Geophysics

Background:

• Magnetised quark nuggets (MQN) are hypothetical particles that could interact with Earth's environment.
• Previous searches for MQNs have utilized various detection methods.
• Understanding MQN flux is crucial for theoretical models of early universe cosmology and particle formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a novel search for magnetised quark nuggets (MQN) using acoustic signals.
• To establish upper limits on the flux and energy deposition of MQNs in the Great Salt Lake.
• To compare these limits with existing experimental data and theoretical predictions.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of hydrophones in the Great Salt Lake (GSL) to detect acoustic signals.
• Development of an expected acoustic signature for MQN events based on pressure pulse models.
• Analysis of recorded acoustic data for events matching the predicted MQN signature.

Main Results:

• No acoustic events consistent with the expected signature of magnetised quark nuggets were observed.
• The search successfully established new upper limits on the flux of MQNs penetrating Earth's atmosphere.
• The derived limits provide constraints on models predicting the formation and abundance of MQNs.

Conclusions:

• The Great Salt Lake acoustic search did not detect magnetised quark nuggets.
• This study significantly contributes to constraining the possible abundance of MQNs.
• The findings encourage further investigation into MQN detection strategies and formation models.