- #1
spacetime
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How are neutral elementary particles accelerated? Is it actually practical as of yet, or is there a way we can do so in the future?
Can Neutral Particles be Accelerated by Polarization and External Fields?
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- Thread starter spacetime
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- Acceleration Neutral Particle
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the acceleration of neutral elementary particles, exploring both current methods and theoretical possibilities. Participants examine practical applications, the nature of the particles involved, and the implications of using external fields for acceleration.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions how neutral elementary particles can be accelerated and whether practical methods exist or may be developed in the future.
- Another participant describes methods involving negatively ionized hydrogen atoms and proton beams, expressing uncertainty about their practicality and whether these particles qualify as 'elementary.'
- A participant references a previous discussion on a related topic, suggesting that there may be existing insights on the matter.
- It is noted that while neutral beam injection is a process for accelerating ions and neutralizing them, this pertains to neutral atoms rather than elementary particles.
- A participant explains that neutrons can be produced through nuclear reactions but emphasizes the impracticality of accelerating neutral particles directly.
- One participant proposes a theoretical approach to accelerate neutral molecules and atoms by polarizing them in external electric and magnetic fields, suggesting the use of laser beams to create these fields.
- There is a question regarding the specific task or goal of accelerating neutral particles, molecules, atoms, or neutrons, indicating a lack of clarity on the intended application.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility and methods of accelerating neutral particles, with no consensus reached on practical applications or theoretical approaches.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight limitations in current methods and the theoretical nature of some proposed solutions, indicating that the discussion is still open and unresolved.
- #2
Danger
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The two ways that I've run across are to accelerate negatively ionized hydrogen atoms and then pass them through rarified gas to strip off the extra electrons, or to accelerate a proton beam and add electrons when it's up to speed. I don't know how widespread or even practical they are. (Or are those particles less 'elementary' than you meant?)
- #3
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Don't we have some discussion about something similar already?
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=90734
Zz.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=90734
Zz.
- #4
Astronuc
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The process described by Danger is the basis of 'neutral beam' injection, which is the process of accelerating ions to some energy then neutralizing them - but that is a neutral atom - not an elementary particle.
Basically, one does not accelerate a neutral particle.
Neutrons can be ejected from nuclei, either by interaction with a gamma photon of sufficient energy, or by bombardment with a proton, deuteron, alpha particle or other particle. The heavier the projectile particle (which also means increased nuclear charge, Z), the more energy input is required to assure a nuclear reaction, and this would become generally impractical for obtaining neutrons. The D+T fusion reaction produces neutrons of 14.1 MeV.
High energy collisions of particles can be used to produce neutral particles, but they will also produce charged particles as well.
Annihilation of particles e+e- and p[itex]\bar{p}[/itex] can also produce energetic neutral particles, as well as charge particles.
Basically, one does not accelerate a neutral particle.
Neutrons can be ejected from nuclei, either by interaction with a gamma photon of sufficient energy, or by bombardment with a proton, deuteron, alpha particle or other particle. The heavier the projectile particle (which also means increased nuclear charge, Z), the more energy input is required to assure a nuclear reaction, and this would become generally impractical for obtaining neutrons. The D+T fusion reaction produces neutrons of 14.1 MeV.
High energy collisions of particles can be used to produce neutral particles, but they will also produce charged particles as well.
Annihilation of particles e+e- and p[itex]\bar{p}[/itex] can also produce energetic neutral particles, as well as charge particles.
Last edited:
- #5
Alex Barri
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sure,
to acceleratee neutral elemental particulares is almost unresolved problem. However there is THEORETICAL (not practical) posibilities to accelerate neutral molecules and atoms. Idea is the next. Neutral molecules and atoms are polarized in external electric field. In external magnetic field there is Lorentz force, which influence on moving charges. This is the way how to transform "electric energy" into kinetic (please see attachment). Sure, if direction of current (moving of charges) is changing, directiion of magnetic field is changing also.
Probably, we can use orthogonal laser beems as sources of magnetic and electric fields.
But I don't understand, what task to accelerate neutral particules, molecules, atoms or even neutrons?
to acceleratee neutral elemental particulares is almost unresolved problem. However there is THEORETICAL (not practical) posibilities to accelerate neutral molecules and atoms. Idea is the next. Neutral molecules and atoms are polarized in external electric field. In external magnetic field there is Lorentz force, which influence on moving charges. This is the way how to transform "electric energy" into kinetic (please see attachment). Sure, if direction of current (moving of charges) is changing, directiion of magnetic field is changing also.
Probably, we can use orthogonal laser beems as sources of magnetic and electric fields.
But I don't understand, what task to accelerate neutral particules, molecules, atoms or even neutrons?
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