Galactic magnetic fields seeded by ultralight dark photons
Abstract
In this work, we show that ultralight dark photons, which couple to the Standard Model photon through kinetic mixing, can potentially source galactic scale magnetic fields. Although these magnetic fields would be too weak to detect at present in galaxies due to plasma screening effects, we show that dark photons can provide the seed magnetic field strength ( 10 − 20 G ) required for dynamo amplification in galaxies. Such dynamo-amplified magnetic fields are consistent with observations of μ G strength galactic magnetic fields.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
Electrical and Electromagnetic Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 4
- Publication date
- 21 January 2026
- Language
- EN