Dark Matter Quest Reaches New Heights with LUX-ZEPLIN Experiment

The search for dark matter, which constitutes approximately 27% of the universe’s mass, has entered a pivotal phase, according to Professor Chamkaur Ghag of University College London. Leading the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment, the world’s most sophisticated dark matter detector, Ghag is spearheading efforts to identify weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), the primary candidates for this elusive substance.

The LZ Experiment is located a mile underground in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Ghag emphasizes the experiment’s heightened sensitivity, stating, “We’ve entered a phase where the sophistication and sensitivity are phenomenal; just a single gram of dust on the cabling could kill the experiment.” He will discuss these ambitious goals at New Scientist Live 2025, taking place at ExCeL London from October 18 to 20, 2025, with a special Schools’ Day on October 20.

Transformative Potential of Dark Matter Research

The LZ Experiment is viewed as a critical juncture in the long-standing search for dark matter. Ghag describes it as “the final definitive dark matter experiment for how we’ve been searching for it as a particle.” He likens the challenge to constructing a submarine to locate a fish without knowing its size or depth, highlighting the complexities involved in detecting WIMPs.

In the event that WIMPs are not detected, Ghag is prepared to adapt his approach. He notes, “Dark matter might be much lighter than expected, levitating quartz beads held by lasers, so sensitive it’s ridiculous.” He also points to a more profound possibility: there may be fundamental misunderstandings regarding gravity and how quantum mechanics intertwine with general relativity. Additionally, studying the dynamics of colliding galaxies or the orbits of planets could reveal insights into dark matter’s gravitational effects.

A confirmed detection of dark matter would have far-reaching implications for physics. It would initiate a new field of “dark matter astronomy,” enabling researchers to map its distribution and explore its connections to dark energy. Ghag asserts, “It would be the first sign beyond standard model physics, unlocking the mystery of 85% of the universe’s unknown matter.” He believes that such a discovery would fundamentally change our understanding of the universe’s evolution across all scales.

Addressing Misconceptions and Broader Impacts

Ghag also aims to clarify a common misconception regarding dark matter. He remarks, “That dark matter is dark and that it’s even matter. It’s invisible, and we’ve yet to prove it’s matter.” Currently, dark matter is understood only through its gravitational influence, making it one of science’s most significant unresolved enigmas.

Beyond its theoretical implications, the technology developed for the LZ Experiment is already having practical applications. Its ultra-low-radiation sensors are enhancing proton beam therapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, advancements in chips are being integrated into Silicon Valley technology, while AI-driven data analysis is inspiring innovative startups. Ghag notes, “Weird, unexpected results generate new tools—that’s the magic of science.”

Looking to the future, Ghag is focused on the forthcoming XLZD experiment, which may be hosted at the UK’s Boulby Mine. Here, he has established advanced low-background facilities to further support dark matter research. This global initiative aims to deepen the understanding of the dark sector.

In addition to his physics research, Ghag contributes to climate science by teaching a climate and energy course at UCL and advocating for sustainability. At New Scientist Live, he will present the broader implications of this cosmic pursuit. With the LZ Experiment poised to either confirm dark matter’s existence or necessitate a fundamental reevaluation of physical theories, the next few years are set to be transformative. Ghag concludes, “We’re not just looking for dark matter, we’re probing the very fabric of the universe.” Professor Ghag’s presentation at New Scientist Live will take place on October 18.