How was matter formed
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The Formation of Matter: From the Big Bang to Dark Matter
The Big Bang and the Origin of Matter
The formation of matter in the universe is a complex process that began with the Big Bang approximately 13.8 billion years ago. This event marked the origin of all matter and radiation in the universe, creating a hot plasma of photons and baryons with temperatures exceeding MeV levels . During this period, known as primordial nucleosynthesis, the first atomic nuclei were formed, setting the stage for the creation of more complex matter.
Quantum Fluctuations and Cold Dark Matter
In the earliest moments after the Big Bang, quantum fluctuations played a crucial role in the formation of matter. These fluctuations led to small density inhomogeneities that eventually seeded the formation of large-scale structures such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. Most of the matter in the universe exists in the form of cold dark matter (CDM), which consists of slowly moving elementary particles left over from the earliest moments of the universe . This paradigm is supported by various observations, including the anisotropy of cosmic background radiation and measurements of the Hubble constant.
Dark Matter and the Dark Big Bang
While the Hot Big Bang is often considered the origin of all matter, recent research suggests the possibility of a "Dark Big Bang." This event could have occurred through a phase transition in the dark sector, transforming dark vacuum energy into a hot dark plasma of particles. This process could have formed dark matter and possibly dark radiation around or even after the epoch of Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) . The Dark Big Bang scenario is consistent with constraints from structure formation and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), and it offers exciting possibilities for future observations.
Bound State Formation of Dark Matter
The formation and decay of dark matter (DM) bound states also play a significant role in the early universe. These processes deplete the thermal relic density during chemical decoupling, allowing for larger DM masses. Interestingly, bound state formation (BSF) can occur more efficiently through particle scattering if the mediator is coupled directly to any relativistic species present in the early universe . This suggests that dark matter can be heavier than previously expected.
The Role of Light and Quantum Properties
Matter, as we know it, is fundamentally structured based on the intrinsic energy of light. Photons, despite not being stored directly inside matter, contribute to the formation of positive and negative electrical charges, which form the energy base of matter. Atoms, molecules, and molecular chains are all structured based on these interactions. The nuclei of atoms, composed of protons and neutrons, play a crucial role in the stability of matter, while electrons facilitate the formation of chemical bonds .
Organic Matter in the Solar System
The origin of organic matter in the solar system provides additional insights into the formation of matter. Studies of meteorites and interplanetary dust particles reveal that pre-biotic organic matter was already present during the nebula phase of solar system evolution or in the interstellar medium. This organic matter was incorporated into dust as it formed, indicating that it did not form through aqueous processing on asteroids but rather through non-aqueous processes in the early solar system or interstellar environment .
Conclusion
The formation of matter is a multifaceted process that began with the Big Bang and continues to be influenced by various factors, including quantum fluctuations, dark matter interactions, and the intrinsic energy of light. From the earliest moments of the universe to the complex structures we observe today, the study of matter formation provides crucial insights into the fundamental nature of the cosmos.
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