'Dark matter finally within reach': Quantum radio tech promises historic breakthrough
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Credit: NASA
Cosmic tuner
Scientists developed a “cosmic car radio” to detect axions, mysterious particles thought to make up 85% of the universe’s matter.
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Invisible matter
Dark matter doesn't emit light, but researchers believe axions may produce weak radio-like waves that can now be tuned into.
Axion signal
The new detector is designed to pick up faint terahertz frequencies—signals that could reveal the elusive axion particle.
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Quantum layers
The device is built from MnBi₂Te₄, a quantum-sensitive material exfoliated down to atomic layers for precision resonance.
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Light blip
When tuned correctly, the axion is expected to emit tiny flashes of light—like a cosmic whisper finally being heard.
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Vacuum build
To avoid contamination, the material must be handled in vacuum, pushing the limits of experimental physics and materials science.
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Five years
Researchers plan to build the full detector within five years, followed by a decade-long search for the axion’s frequency.
Tech milestone
Experts say this is the most sensitive detector design to date—potentially on par with the lead-up to the Higgs boson discovery.
Dark unlock
If the axion is found, it could unlock the true nature of dark matter—reshaping everything we know about the universe.