What's Happening?
Scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have discovered how deuterons, a type of fragile matter, form under extreme conditions. The research, published in Nature, reveals that deuterons are created
when protons and neutrons, released from decaying high-energy particle states known as resonances, combine. This process also explains the formation of antideuterons, which are composed of antimatter. The LHC, located near Geneva, generates temperatures over 100,000 times hotter than the Sun's core, making the existence of such delicate particles surprising. The study shows that about 90% of observed (anti)deuterons form through this newly identified process, rather than surviving the initial high-energy collisions.
Why It's Important?
This discovery is significant for advancing the understanding of the 'strong interaction,' a fundamental force that binds protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei. The findings have implications beyond nuclear physics, as light atomic nuclei also form in cosmic interactions, potentially offering insights into dark matter. By improving models of particle formation, scientists can interpret cosmic data more accurately. The research contributes to the broader goals of the ORIGINS Cluster of Excellence, which seeks to understand the universe's formation and the fundamental forces at play.
What's Next?
The findings will likely lead to refined models of particle formation, enhancing the interpretation of cosmic data. Researchers at the ORIGINS Cluster and the Collaborative Research Center 'Neutrinos and Dark Matter in Astro- and Particle Physics' will continue to explore fundamental physics questions, focusing on the weak interaction and its role in the universe. The ongoing research at CERN and the LHC will further investigate the conditions of the early universe, potentially uncovering new insights into the nature of matter and the universe's origins.
Beyond the Headlines
The study's implications extend to understanding cosmic phenomena and the potential for discovering environments that could support life beyond Earth. By exploring the formation of light nuclei in cosmic rays, scientists may gain clues about dark matter, a mysterious component of the universe. The research also highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing fundamental science, as demonstrated by the joint efforts of institutions like TUM and LMU in Germany.
