Radon Decays and Their Implications for Elementary Particle Physics

TL;DR

This paper analyzes radon decay data showing periodic variations potentially linked to dark matter interactions, proposing a model that attributes these variations to decay rate changes rather than concentration fluctuations, with implications for particle physics.

Contribution

It introduces a model suggesting radon decay rate variations, not concentration changes, which could relate to axionic or dark matter interactions, and proposes experiments to test this hypothesis.

Findings

Radon decay data shows daily periodic peaks and drops.

Model suggests decay rate changes, not concentration, explain observed data.

Potential link between decay rate variations and dark matter interactions.

Abstract

This paper presents a new analysis of the observations of radon decay in an enclosed environment by the Geological Survey of Israel (GSI) between 2007 and 2012 [4]; for a more complete list of experiments performed by GSI on radon see also references [1-3]. The data exhibit a large peak around local noon followed by an abrupt drop, and by a second peak around 6PM local time. Additionally, there is also a very low amplitude peak occurring before daybreak. The salient features of the GSI radon decay data can be modeled as arising from a change in the radon decay rate, rather than due to the changes in the local concentration of radon (N0). Such a model may provide a clue to long theorized axionic, dark matter, interactions. Finally, new experimentation is suggested that can distinguish between changes in N0 versus changes in decay rate. Should a follow-up experiment show an effect similar to that seen in GSI, this could have significant implications for elementary particle physics.