A new process for recording minute disturbances to a crystal

Abstract

We found a process for recording minute disturbances to a crystal that does not involve deposition of energy. It depends on the crystal entering an unstable state during cooling after growth that causes an exothermic phase-change in the crystal when triggered by a transient disturbance to the lattice. Using this recording process, a search for rare events of cosmological origin in 0.3 m3 of mica was made. One was a very high energy event of unknown origin or cause. Adoption of digital recording of images and machine analysis would facilitate searches for evidence of dark matter. Although this recording process cannot be replicated in a laboratory, it is far more sensitive than the etch-track technique. It offers an alternative method to photo-emission for seeking evidence of dark matter. As the crystals of muscovite are mined commercially, they are readily available.