Physicists observed axion quasiparticle in a quantum material

Physicists have successfully observed axion quasiparticles for the first time within a two-dimensional quantum material, potentially aiding the search for dark matter. This discovery could also have applications in materials science. The researchers used a topological antiferromagnet, manganese bismuth telluride, to create and detect these quasiparticles. They employed ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy to observe coherent oscillations, providing evidence of the axion quasiparticle. This finding offers a new approach to detect dark matter and could lead to advancements in spintronics. The team plans further experiments and believes a detector could be built, though it would require high-quality material production.