A new way to explain the 511 keV signal from the center of the Galaxy and experimental search for small hydrogen

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the 511 keV gamma-ray signal from the Galactic center may originate from atomic transitions in small hydrogen atoms, and discusses experimental searches and dark matter implications.

Contribution

It introduces the hypothesis that small hydrogen atoms could explain the 511 keV line and suggests new experimental detection methods and dark matter considerations.

Findings

Reviewed current experimental searches for small hydrogen.

Proposed new laboratory detection methods.

Explored small hydrogen as a dark matter candidate.

Abstract

The first detected gamma-ray line originating from outside the solar system is the 511 keV emission from the center of our Galaxy. The widely accepted explanation attributes this signal to electron-positron annihilation. However, despite over 30 years of extensive theoretical and observational research, the primary sources of these positrons remain unidentified. In this paper, we propose an alternative explanation: the observed signal arises from atomic transitions involving a small hydrogen atom, where an electron is captured into a tightly bound orbit around a proton. We review the current status of experimental searches for small hydrogen, both in astrophysical data and laboratory experiments, and propose new methods for its direct detection in the lab. Additionally, we explore whether small hydrogen could be a candidate for dark matter.