What's Happening?
Physicists at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory have traced the evolution of particles that spontaneously arise from the quantum vacuum. These particles, known as virtual particles, typically annihilate each
other almost immediately. However, in this study, researchers found pairs of subatomic particles with correlated spin directions, suggesting they are direct descendants of virtual particles. The experiment involved smashing protons together at high speeds, allowing virtual particles to become real by using the energy from the collisions. The study focused on 'strange' quarks, which quickly form lambda hyperons, exotic versions of protons. This discovery confirms a 30-year-old prediction about the behavior of strange quark pairs and provides new insights into the mass of protons.
Why It's Important?
This discovery is significant as it provides a new understanding of how matter forms from the quantum vacuum, a concept that challenges traditional views of empty space. The findings could help solve a major mystery in nuclear physics regarding the origin of a proton's mass, as the quarks within protons contribute only a small fraction of their mass. The rest is believed to come from interactions with virtual particles. This research not only advances fundamental physics but also enhances the capabilities of particle colliders, which are crucial for exploring the subatomic world. The study's success marks a milestone for RHIC, which is set to be replaced by the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider.
What's Next?
As RHIC prepares to shut down, parts of the machine will be repurposed for the Electron-Ion Collider, expected to start in the mid-2030s. This new collider will continue to explore the quantum vacuum and the interactions that give rise to mass. The research team plans to further investigate the role of virtual particles in mass generation, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding the fundamental forces of nature. The findings may also influence the design of future experiments and the development of new technologies based on quantum physics.
