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Space Exploration

The Science Behind a Particle with Mass in One Direction

By Jonathan Bala January 2, 2025

The Science Behind a Particle with Mass in One Direction

The semi-Dirac fermion, a quasiparticle, has been discovered to exhibit mass in one direction and behave masslessly in another. This groundbreaking finding challenges classical physics and aligns with Einstein’s theory of relativity, offering new insights into quantum properties and particle behavior under extreme conditions.

Summary

A new type of quasiparticle, the semi-Dirac fermion, has been discovered by researchers at Penn State University.
Quasiparticles are energy packets in crystal structures that sometimes act as particles.
The semi-Dirac fermion demonstrates a unique property: it is massless in one direction but possesses mass in another direction.
This discovery builds on Einstein’s Special Relativity, which states that objects traveling at the speed of light cannot have mass.
Experiments to detect this quasiparticle used zirconium silicon sulfide (ZrSiS), cooled to near absolute zero and exposed to a powerful magnetic field.
The magnetic field created quantized energy states in the crystal, revealing the unusual behavior of the electrons.
The researchers generated a magnetic field 900,000 times stronger than Earth’s using a hybrid magnet at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida.
Landau Levels, which are discrete states of electron energy, were observed but showed surprising discrepancies.
Infrared light and extreme cooling conditions were critical for studying the quantum properties of the material.
The discovery offers potential advancements in quantum computing and material science.
It underscores how collective electron behaviors in crystals can differ significantly from the behaviors of individual particles.
The phenomenon of quasiparticles challenges conventional understanding of particle behavior.
The findings have implications for new technologies, such as ultra-efficient semiconductors.
Further research may reveal additional quasiparticles and help refine quantum theories.
This discovery represents a significant milestone in particle physics and material science.

The Science Behind a Particle with Mass in One Direction — Experiments in particle physics explore mysteries. These mysteries exist at the smallest and largest scales. The smallest scale is called subatomic. Subatomic refers to particles smaller than atoms. The largest scale is called astronomical. Astronomical refers to things that relate to stars or space. The illustration by Olena Shmahalo is for U.S. Particle Physics.

Introduction to Particle Physics

Particle physics is the study of the smallest components of the universe and the forces that govern their interactions. It examines subatomic particles, such as quarks, leptons, and bosons, which form the foundation of matter. These particles interact through fundamental forces, including electromagnetism, gravity, and nuclear forces.

High-energy experiments, such as those conducted in particle accelerators, are essential for observing the behavior of these particles. Through these experiments, physicists uncover the mysteries of the subatomic world and gain insights into the origins and structure of the universe.

What Are Quasiparticles?

Quasiparticles are not elementary particles but rather collective behaviors of electrons or atoms in a material. They act like particles in some ways, possessing momentum, position, and energy. Quasiparticles emerge from the quantum properties of materials, providing a bridge between particle physics and material science.

The newly discovered semi-Dirac fermion is a quasiparticle with unusual properties. Unlike most particles, it appears massless when traveling in one direction and exhibits mass when traveling in another direction.

Experimental Discovery of the Semi-Dirac Fermion

To uncover the semi-Dirac fermion, researchers conducted experiments using zirconium silicon sulfide (ZrSiS) crystals. The experimental setup involved:

Cooling the crystal to near absolute zero.
Exposing it to a magnetic field 900,000 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
Directing infrared light at the crystal to observe its quantum properties.

These extreme conditions caused electrons in the material to form Landau Levels, which are quantized energy states. However, the behavior of these levels deviated from expectations, leading to the discovery of the semi-Dirac fermion.

Implications of the Semi-Dirac Fermion

The discovery of this quasiparticle has far-reaching implications:

Quantum Computing: The unique properties of the semi-Dirac fermion may pave the way for advancements in quantum computing technologies.
Material Science: Understanding quasiparticles could lead to the development of ultra-efficient semiconductors and other materials.
Theoretical Physics: This finding challenges classical physics and supports Einstein’s theories of relativity.

Table 1: Key Properties of Semi-Dirac Fermions

Property	Description
Mass in One Direction	Possesses mass depending on direction of travel.
Massless in Another Direction	Behaves like light, traveling at its speed.
Observed in ZrSiS Crystals	Found in zirconium silicon sulfide material.
Linked to Landau Levels	Quantized energy states created by a magnetic field.

The Role of Magnetic Fields in the Discovery

The hybrid magnet at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory was crucial for this discovery. By creating an extraordinarily strong magnetic field, researchers were able to observe how electrons inside the ZrSiS crystal responded.

When electrons are exposed to such a magnetic field, their motion becomes constrained, forming discrete energy states called Landau Levels. These levels depend on the mass of the electrons and the strength of the magnetic field. The semi-Dirac fermion disrupted this expected behavior, providing evidence of its unique properties.

Table 2: Experimental Conditions for Observing Semi-Dirac Fermions

Condition	Details
Temperature	Near absolute zero.
Magnetic Field Strength	900,000 times stronger than Earth’s.
Material	Zirconium silicon sulfide (ZrSiS).
Light Source	Infrared light to probe quantum properties.

Einstein’s Theory and the Semi-Dirac Fermion

Einstein’s Special Relativity states that particles traveling at the speed of light cannot have mass. The semi-Dirac fermion exemplifies this theory by behaving masslessly in one direction, where it travels at light speed. In the perpendicular direction, it encounters resistance, gaining mass.

Dr. Yinming Shao described the phenomenon using the analogy of a train switching tracks. On one track, the train moves freely (masslessly). On another, it experiences resistance (mass).

Potential Applications and Future Research

The semi-Dirac fermion’s unique behavior opens up possibilities for future technological advancements:

Semiconductors: Development of new materials with tunable electronic properties.
Quantum Devices: Enhanced precision and control in quantum computing.
Physics Models: Refinement of existing theories in particle physics and quantum mechanics.

Future research aims to explore other quasiparticles and understand their behavior under different conditions. The semi-Dirac fermion serves as a stepping stone for these investigations.

Facts About Quasiparticles

The term “quasiparticle” was coined by physicist Lev Landau in the 20th century.
Quasiparticles are not real particles but act like them in specific contexts.
They have been used to explain phenomena in superconductors and magnetic materials.
The discovery of quasiparticles often involves extreme experimental setups.

References

Penn State University Research on Semi-Dirac Fermions

#ParticlePhysics, #Quasiparticles, #SemiDiracFermion, #EinsteinRelativity, #QuantumMechanics, #HighEnergyPhysics, #MaterialScience, #QuantumComputing, #LandauLevels, #MagneticField, #PhysicsDiscovery, #ZrSiS, #AdvancedPhysics, #ScientificBreakthrough, #PhysicsExplained

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Space Exploration

Could This New Research Finally Solve the “Three-Body Problem”?

By Jonathan Bala October 14, 2024

Could This New Research Finally Solve the “Three-Body Problem”?

The Three-Body Problem has been one of the most infamous and long-standing mysteries in theoretical physics and mathematics. Recent research offers new hope in solving this problem by discovering isles of regularity within a sea of chaotic behavior, leading to deeper understanding and potentially major breakthroughs in astrophysics. These findings could revolutionize our understanding of gravitational waves and other fundamental phenomena in the Universe.

Summary

The Three-Body Problem involves predicting the behavior of three gravitationally bound objects.
Historically, it has been considered unsolvable due to its chaotic nature.
Recent simulations, conducted by an international team led by Alessandro Alberto Trani, show glimpses of predictability within the chaos.
The research identifies “isles of regularity”, areas where the interaction between objects follows a predictable pattern.
Millions of simulations were run using Tsunami, a software that simulates astronomical movements.
These findings could have important implications for our understanding of gravitational waves and black hole collisions.
Predicting these regularities could be crucial in future astrophysical models.
The challenge remains to integrate these findings with statistical methods to provide more accurate predictions.
The study has set a new research direction in solving this complex problem.
The Three-Body Problem is not just theoretical—it affects real-world phenomena in the Universe.
Trani’s team’s research was supported by institutions like the Niels Bohr Institute and NASA.

Could This New Research Finally Solve the “Three-Body Problem”? — The Trisolaran Droplet probe from Liu Cixin’s ‘The Three-Body Problem’

Introduction

For centuries, scientists have been perplexed by the Three-Body Problem, a theoretical conundrum that has eluded complete understanding. Despite the mastery of two-body interactions, the introduction of a third object into the equation has been notoriously unpredictable. The problem involves three gravitationally bound objects whose behavior evolves chaotically, making it difficult to predict how they will move over time.

While the problem has fascinated mathematicians and physicists for centuries, recent research led by Alessandro Alberto Trani, in collaboration with various international institutions, suggests that there may be more to the story than initially thought.

The History of the Three-Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem dates back to Isaac Newton, whose law of universal gravitation laid the foundation for understanding the interactions between objects in space. The two-body problem, which describes the gravitational interaction between two objects, can be solved with relative ease using Newton’s laws. However, when a third object is added to the system, the interactions become much more complicated.

For centuries, the Three-Body Problem has remained one of the most famous unsolved problems in theoretical physics. Mathematicians and physicists have tried to develop solutions, but the chaotic nature of the problem has made it difficult to find a general solution.

“The Three-Body Problem is one of the most famous unsolvable problems in mathematics and theoretical physics.” – Alessandro Alberto Trani

In the novel The Three-Body Problem by Chinese author Liu Cixin, this issue is fictionalized, with a star system where three stars orbit each other, causing unpredictable periods of destruction on an orbiting planet. This story brought renewed public interest to the real-world scientific problem that has puzzled scientists for years.

Recent Research Breakthrough

In recent years, researchers have turned to computer simulations in an attempt to solve the Three-Body Problem. An international team, led by Alessandro Alberto Trani at the Niels Bohr Institute and supported by organizations like NASA and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, has conducted millions of simulations to explore the interactions of three gravitationally bound objects.

The research involved using Tsunami, a software developed by Trani, which calculates the movements of astronomical objects based on known physical laws such as Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation (reference) and Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. The simulations focused on various parameters, including the positions of two co-orbiting objects and the angle of approach of a third object.

The results were surprising. While the general understanding of the Three-Body Problem suggested complete chaos, the simulations revealed “isles of regularity”—small regions within the chaotic behavior where the motion of the objects could be predicted.

Understanding Isles of Regularity

These isles of regularity represent specific conditions under which the interactions between three objects follow a predictable pattern. These patterns depend on factors such as the objects’ speed, position, and angle of approach. This discovery marks a significant step forward in understanding this complex problem.

“But our millions of simulations demonstrate that there are gaps in this chaos – ‘isles of regularity’ – which directly depend on how the three objects are positioned relative to each other when they meet, as well as their speed and angle of approach.” – Alessandro Alberto Trani

The findings have the potential to reshape our understanding of the Three-Body Problem, as well as other chaotic systems in physics. These isles of regularity offer new hope that a solution to the problem may one day be found, or at least that more predictable models can be developed.

Read more on the Niels Bohr Institute’s news page.

Implications for Astrophysics

The Three-Body Problem is not just a theoretical curiosity. It has real-world implications for our understanding of phenomena such as gravitational waves, which are ripples in space-time caused by the movement of massive objects, such as black holes or neutron stars.

In particular, the interactions of black holes as they approach and merge could be better understood by applying the findings from this new research. When three massive objects, such as black holes, interact gravitationally, the forces at play are immense. Understanding these interactions could provide critical insights into how gravitational waves are generated and how they propagate through space.

For more insights, refer to the research article in Astronomy & Astrophysics here.

Challenges and Future Research

Despite the promising findings, there are still many challenges ahead. The researchers acknowledge that the isles of regularity complicate traditional statistical methods used to predict the outcomes of chaotic systems. As Trani explained, the introduction of regularity into the chaos disrupts statistical probability calculations, making it difficult to predict the outcomes of three-body encounters accurately.

“Our challenge now is to learn how to blend statistical methods with the so-called numerical calculations, which offer high precision when the system behaves regularly.” – Alessandro Alberto Trani

The next step for researchers is to integrate these regularities into existing models, a process that will require further study and innovation. However, the discovery of these isles of regularity offers a glimmer of hope that a deeper understanding of the Three-Body Problem is within reach.

You can find more about their approach from the Research Center for the Early Universe and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology here.

Table 1: Key Differences Between Two-Body and Three-Body Interactions

Aspect	Two-Body Problem	Three-Body Problem
Predictability	Predictable and solvable using Newton’s laws	Chaotic and difficult to predict
Number of Objects	Two	Three
General Solution	Exists	No general solution exists
Example in Nature	Earth and Moon orbiting the Sun	Three black holes interacting in space

Table 2: Research Institutions Involved in the Study

Institution	Role
Niels Bohr Institute	Lead research and simulations
Research Center for the Early Universe	Theoretical framework and simulations
Universidad de Concepción	Astrophysical models
American Museum of Natural History	Research collaboration
NASA’s Ames Research Center	Support in modeling and astrophysical simulations

The discovery of isles of regularity in the otherwise chaotic world of the Three-Body Problem represents a major step forward in our understanding of gravitational interactions. While this research does not yet provide a complete solution, it offers a new avenue of exploration for physicists and mathematicians. As researchers continue to study these findings, they may unlock deeper insights into gravitational waves, black hole mergers, and other phenomena in astrophysics.

The road ahead is challenging, but this breakthrough has set the stage for new discoveries in both theoretical physics and real-world applications. Understanding these intricate systems could have profound effects on our knowledge of the Universe.

Fun Facts

The Three-Body Problem has been a topic of scientific discussion since the time of Isaac Newton.
The concept inspired the science fiction novel The Three-Body Problem, which was later adapted into a popular Netflix series.
Some researchers believe that a better understanding of the Three-Body Problem could help explain the formation of planetary systems in other galaxies.

References

#ThreeBodyProblem, #GravitationalWaves, #Astrophysics, #BlackHoleMergers, #CelestialMechanics, #IsaacNewton, #AlessandroTrani, #TsunamiProgram, #SpaceResearch, #TheoreticalPhysics, #BlackHoleCollisions, #OrbitalDynamics, #NASAResearch, #ScientificBreakthrough, #UniverseMysteries

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