Radon Decays and Their Implications for Elementary Particle Physics

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.