Detecting Dark Domain Walls in a Topologically-Tailored Vacuum ChamberTools Clements, Kate E. A. (2025) Detecting Dark Domain Walls in a Topologically-Tailored Vacuum Chamber. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.
AbstractWe propose a laboratory experiment to detect the fifth force mediated by a new light scalar field. The symmetron is a light scalar field which couples quadratically to matter, with a symmetry-breaking potential that takes the form of a symmetric double well. As the characteristic phase transition of the symmetron field occurs, topological defects or ‘domain walls’ can form. It is hoped that by designing and manufacturing a topologically tailored vacuum chamber, we can ensure that these domain walls are long-lived by pinning them to the interior of the chamber. A good vacuum will result in a very low density environment in which the symmetron can couple to matter with gravitational strength, or more strongly, and the effects of the scalar field on a matter particle are potentially observable via a particle experiment involving ultracold atoms. As a cloud of cold atoms approaches the domain wall, it will experience the fifth force mediated by the scalar field and can be deflected or reflected off the domain wall. We also consider the effects of domain walls on light that passes through them. The deflection or reflection of matter due to the presence of a domain wall is a signature of the fifth force and could constrain some previously unconstrained parts of the dark sector.
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