Introduction of the Research Group for Dark Matter Indirect Detection and Related Physics
The "Dark Matter and Related Physics" Research Group, established in December 2015, currently has 10 faculty members, led by Professor Fan Yizhong. The group plays an important role in the scientific research of the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite. Prof. Fan Yizhong serves as the Deputy Chief Designer of the scientific application system of DAMPE, leading its scientific team.
The group has long-term and close collaborations with other research groups, notably in areas such as gravitational wave astronomy, led by Professor Wei Daming.
The primary research directions of the group include:
- Data Reduction Techniques for High-Energy Particle Detection in Space: Limited by Earth's atmosphere, space-based detectors are crucial for direct observation of gamma-rays and charged cosmic particles. The research focuses on physical designing, simulation, calibration, event reconstruction and data analysis of space-based particle detectors. Researchers are deeply involved in the DAMPE mission, and also engaged in pre-research and R&D of key techniques for future space experiments, such as the Very Large Area gamma-ray Space Telescope (VLAST).
Key Researchers: Li Xiang, Yue Chuan, Cui Mingyang and Shen Zhaoqiang.
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Ray Research Using Multi-Messenger Astronomy Data: Revealing the physical nature of dark matter remains one of the core challenges in modern physics. The team focuses on indirect detection methods to uncover potential signals from dark matter particle annihilation or decay. By analyzing cosmic rays and gamma-rays, the group integrates data from various international projects like the Fermi-LAT satellite and AMS-02, as well as domestic large-scale facilities such as LHAASO and FAST, to enhance their understanding of dark matter and cosmic ray physics.
Key Researchers: Huang Xiaoyuan, Feng Lei, Li Xiang, Yue Chuan, Cui Mingyang, Xia Ziqing and Shen Zhaoqiang.
- Theoretical Research on Dark Matter and New Physics: Dark matter, alongside dark energy, represents a fundamental mystery in modern physics. This research investigates the properties of dark matter particles and their interactions beyond gravitational forces. The group integrates theoretical modeling, experimental observations, and numerical simulations to explore dark matter through particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Their efforts aim to construct a comprehensive system to examine the interactions and properties of dark matter, contributing to the development of new physical theories.
Key Researchers: Tsai Yue-Lin Sming, Feng Lei and Yang Daneng.
The group keeps building a multi-disciplinary approach to advance the understanding of dark matter and related phenomena, collaborating across theoretical, observational, and experimental domains.
For more information about individual members, please refer to their personal pages linked on the Chinese Academy of Sciences website.