Ultralight Dark Matter: Theory and Observation

A special issue of Universe (ISSN 2218-1997). This special issue belongs to the section "Cosmology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 11

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Interests: the origin of matter–antimatter asymmetry; the generation of tiny neutrino masses; the nature of dark matter and the role of cosmological phase transitions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ultralight Dark Matter is an emerging framework that links quantum field theory, cosmology, and astrophysics. ULDM—encompassing bosonic fields with masses in the range (10−24) eV ≲ (m) ≲ (10−18) eV—exhibits macroscopic de Broglie wavelengths that imprint wave-like phenomena on galactic and cosmological scales. The Special Issue outlines the theoretical foundations of ULDM production through early-universe misalignment or resonant mechanisms, its transition to coherent field behavior, and its implications for the suppression of small-scale structure. A central focus is the growing synergy between theory and observation, leveraging a diverse array of experimental and astrophysical probes—including pulsar timing arrays, precision astrometry, atomic and quantum-sensor experiments, and galaxy-scale structure measurements—that together explore complementary sectors of ULDM parameter space. Recent advances have significantly narrowed viable regions while motivating new detection strategies.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that bridges theoretical frameworks, astrophysical motivation, and experimental innovation. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, establishing ULDM as a leading candidate for next-generation dark matter exploration and underscoring its role as an essential theme in the multidisciplinary landscape of modern cosmology.

Dr. Arnab Dasgupta
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • ultralight dark matter
  • bosonic fields
  • coherent field
  • axion
  • ALP
  • fuzzy dark matter

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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