Searching for Topological Defect Dark Matter via Nongravitational Signatures

Y. V. Stadnik and V. V. Flambaum
Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 151301 – Published 10 October 2014

Abstract

We propose schemes for the detection of topological defect dark matter using pulsars and other luminous extraterrestrial systems via nongravitational signatures. The dark matter field, which makes up a defect, may interact with standard model particles, including quarks and the photon, resulting in the alteration of their masses. When a topological defect passes through a pulsar, its mass, radius, and internal structure may be altered, resulting in a pulsar “quake.” A topological defect may also function as a cosmic dielectric material with a distinctive frequency-dependent index of refraction, which would give rise to the time delay of a periodic extraterrestrial light or radio signal, and the dispersion of a light or radio source in a manner distinct to a gravitational lens. A topological defect passing through Earth may alter Earth’s period of rotation and give rise to temporary nonzero electric dipole moments for an electron, proton, neutron, nuclei and atoms.

  • Received 21 May 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.151301

© 2014 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Y. V. Stadnik* and V. V. Flambaum

  • School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

  • *y.stadnik@unsw.edu.au

Comments & Replies

Comment on “Searching for Topological Defect Dark Matter via Nongravitational Signatures”

P. P. Avelino, L. Sousa, and Francisco S. N. Lobo
Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 169001 (2016)

Stadnik and Flambaum Reply:

Y. V. Stadnik and V. V. Flambaum
Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 169002 (2016)

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Vol. 113, Iss. 15 — 10 October 2014

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