Abstract
A wealth of astronomical observations suggests a universe dominated by invisible, weakly interacting, yet unknown particles. The conventional theory surrounding this so-called Dark Matter and its associated cosmology (Lambda Cold Dark Matter - LCDM) has been very successful on the largest scales but ever increasing difficulties with observations suggest that some serious modification is needed at the cluster level and below. Additionally, despite enormous research effort, no suitably stable, weakly interacting particle has so far been detected. By adopting a quantum approach, it may be shown that Dark Matter arises quite naturally in the universe, without need for new particles, or new physics. Theoretically, gravitational quantum mechanics equally well describes all classical galactic behaviour, provided it is applied to an eigenspectral mix characteristic of traditional localised particles. But a quantum approach additionally predicts new and exciting phenomena: the existence of certain non-classical 'dark' eigenstates; states which, when occupied even by ordinary visible baryonic matter, will render it stable, invisible and weakly interacting, automatically resulting in the production of Dark Matter. Importantly, it means also that an all-baryonic universe consistent with primordial nucleosynthesis might be possible. The theory is particularly appealing now that the existence of gravitational eigenstates has been verified experimentally.[1]
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | XXVIIth General Assembly |
Editors | Leon Koopmans |
Place of Publication | Cambridge |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Event | International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly - Rio de Janeiro Duration: 03 Aug 2009 → 14 Aug 2009 |
Conference
Conference | International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly |
---|---|
Period | 03/08/09 → 14/08/09 |