Nature has four primordial forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force. Now a study carried out by theoretical physicists at the University of California at Irvine (USA) raises the possible discovery of an unknown subatomic particle that may be evidence of a fifth fundamental force of nature. The work has been published in the journal P hysical Review Letters.
” If confirmed by other experiments, this discovery of a possible fifth force could completely change our understanding of the universe, with consequences for the unification of forces and dark matter ,” explains Jonathan Feng, co-author of the study.
We have to go back to 2015 when a team of Hungarian researchers, while looking for dark photons – particles that would represent 85% of the total mass of the universe – discovered an anomaly in radioactive decay . This anomaly pointed to the existence of a particle of light only 30 times heavier than an electron. His experiments were unable to tell whether it was a new force.
The University of California team resumed the investigation at this point. Scientists have discovered that, while the normal electrical force acts on electrons and protons, this newly discovered force interacts only with electrons and neutrons and in a very limited range.
“ T he reason it has been so difficult to find is because their interactions are so weak. That said, because this new particle is so light, there are many experimental groups working in small laboratories around the world that can continue to advance, now that they know where to look, ”added Feng.
This study will aid in our understanding of the nature of dark matter and who knows if by pointing the way to an even larger and more fundamental force in nature.
