Theory and Detection of Ultralight Dark Matter

by Dr Shuailiang Ge（葛帅良）

Wednesday 15 Jul 2026, 13:30 → 14:30 Asia/Shanghai

Tsung-Dao Lee Institute/N6F-N600 - Lecture Room (Tsung-Dao Lee Institute)

Abstract:

The nature of dark matter is one of the central questions shared by particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Ultralight bosonic dark matter, represented by QCD axions, axion-like particles, and dark photons, is strongly motivated theoretically. It can behave as a classical wave field in the Universe, giving rise to detection signals that are distinct from those of conventional particle dark matter. This talk will introduce the theoretical foundations of ultralight dark matter, several detection ideas, and its cosmological implications. First, I will discuss the interactions of ultralight dark matter with media such as metal antennas and plasmas, and introduce how large astronomical facilities, including FAST, LOFAR, and Parker Solar Probe, can be used to search for ultralight dark matter. Second, I will discuss topological defects such as cosmic strings and domain walls produced in axion models in the early Universe, and explain how they can generate observable relics such as stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds and primordial black holes. Finally, I will discuss future opportunities in the theory and detection of ultralight dark matter.

Alternative online link: https://meeting.tencent.com/dm/sXHeAJ1pqA7q
ID: 157355321