Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
06:46
Applying X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectroscopy for Use as a High Temperature Plasma Diagnostic
Published on: August 25, 2016
11.7K
NuSTAR as an Axion Helioscope
J Ruz1,2, E Todarello3,4,5, J K Vogel1,2
1Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät für Physik, Dortmund, D-44221, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|October 19, 2025
Summary
This study explores axions and axion-like particles by analyzing their X-ray conversion in the Sun's magnetic field. Researchers set new limits on axion-photon coupling, improving dark matter searches.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Particle Physics
Background:
- Axions and axion-like particles are hypothetical particles that could constitute dark matter.
- Investigating axion properties requires sensitive detection methods and astrophysical environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for detecting axions and axion-like particles.
- To establish new constraints on axion-photon coupling strength and explore unexplored mass ranges.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-sensitivity data from the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) during the 2020 solar minimum.
- Employed advanced solar atmospheric magnetic field models to simulate axion-photon conversion.
- Analyzed potential conversion of axions into X-rays within the Sun's magnetic field.
Main Results:
- Established a new limit on axion-photon coupling strength (g_{aγ}≲7.3×10^{-12} GeV⁻¹ at 95% CL) for axion masses (m_{a}≲4×10^{-7} eV).
- This constraint surpasses current ground-based experimental limits.
- Explored previously uninvestigated regions of the axion-photon coupling parameter space up to m_{a}≲3.4×10^{-4} eV.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a significant advancement in probing axion properties.
- The findings strengthen indirect searches for dark matter candidates.
- This novel approach opens new avenues for axion detection using solar observations.
More Related Videos
08:01Spectral and Angle-Resolved Magneto-Optical Characterization of Photonic Nanostructures
Published on: November 21, 2019
7.6K
09:00Indoor Experimental Assessment of the Efficiency and Irradiance Spot of the Achromatic Doublet on Glass ADG Fresnel Lens for Concentrating Photovoltaics
Published on: October 27, 2017
9.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
1.1K
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
1.1K
01:20Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
3.4K
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
3.4K
01:11Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
2.6K
The earth's gravitational field produces a 'twisting force' perpendicular to the angular momentum of a spinning mass (such as a spinning top) that causes the mass to 'wobble' around the gravitational field axis in a phenomenon called precession. Similarly, the magnetic moment (μ) of a spinning nucleus precesses due to an external magnetic field directed along the z-axis. The precession of the magnetic moment vector about the magnetic field is called Larmor precession,...
2.6K
01:24X-ray Imaging
9.7K
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) was experimenting with electrical current when he discovered that a mysterious and invisible "ray" would pass through his flesh but leave an outline of his bones on a screen coated with a metal compound. In 1895, Röntgen made the first durable record of the internal parts of a living human: an "X-ray" image (as it came to be called) of his wife’s hand. Scientists worldwide quickly began their own experiments with...
9.7K
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
527
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
527
01:30Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
570
In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions,...
570