Observation of a new interaction between a single spin and a moving mass

TL;DR

This paper reports the detection of a new spin-dependent interaction using a single electron spin in diamond, which varies with the velocity and distance of a moving mass, suggesting physics beyond the standard model.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel experimental observation of a spin-dependent interaction influenced by a moving mass, advancing the search for new physics beyond the standard model.

Findings

Detected magnetic fields correlated with the velocity of a moving mass.

Characterized the magnetic field dependence on distance between spin and mass.

Provided evidence suggestive of a new spin-dependent interaction.

Abstract

Searching for physics beyond the standard model is crucial for understanding the mystery of the universe, such as the dark matter. We utilized a single spin in a diamond as a sensor to explore the spin-dependent interactions mediated by the axion-like particles, which are well motivated by dark matter candidates. We recorded non-zero magnetic fields exerted on the single electron spin from a moving mass. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the velocity of the moving mass. The dependency of the magnetic field on the distance between the spin and the moving mass has been experimentally characterized. We analyzed the possible sources of this magnetic signal, and our results provide highly suggestive of the existence of a new spin-dependent interaction. Our work opens a door for investigating the physics beyond the standard model in laboratory.