What's the most high-energy photon or particle discovered? Where are we in that?

In summary, the conversation discusses the search for larger particle energies, specifically in the 5×10^19eV to 3.69×10^25 eV range. The GZK cutoff or limit, as well as indications in the 10^20 eV range, are mentioned as potential sources for these high energies. Further research is recommended, with links provided to various sources discussing ultrahigh energy cosmic rays and proton accelerators. The conversation ends with a mention of potential energies in the 10^27 eV range.
  • #1
questionpost
194
0
I googled it and got some particles with 5×10^19eV- 3.69×10^25eV-, but I know I've heard bigger somewhere else...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
questionpost said:
I googled it and got some particles with 5×10^19eV- 3.69×10^25eV-, but I know I've heard bigger somewhere else...
From where did one find those numbers. The number 5×10^19eV is frequently given in reference to the 'GZK cutoff' or 'GZK limit'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuzmin_limit

There are some indications of particle energies in the 1020 eV range.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-high-energy_cosmic_ray

One should review the following (and search for reliable information on Ultrahigh energy cosmis rays, or UHECR):
http://www.telescopearray.org/outreach/uhecr.html

http://arxiv.org/abs/1011.1872

http://www.slac.stanford.edu/econf/C040802/papers/L020.PDF

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~rene/talks/Cronin-Fest-Ong-Writeup.pdf

http://uhecr.uchicago.edu/depot/uhecr-wp.pdf

http://canopus.chungnam.ac.kr/kaw3/00_PDF_kaw3/v37n5p421_jones.pdf


In terrestrial proton accelerators (synchrotrons), we get particles into the TeV (1012 eV) range, but not quite to 1013 eV.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
I was thinking more around *10^27 and beyond...
 

1. What is the most high-energy photon or particle discovered?

The most high-energy particle discovered is the ultra-high-energy cosmic ray, which has been observed to have energies up to 3.2 × 10^20 electron volts (eV). This is about 10 million times more energetic than the particles produced in the Large Hadron Collider.

2. How is the energy of a photon or particle measured?

The energy of a photon or particle is measured using a variety of methods, including calorimeters, Cherenkov detectors, and magnetic spectrometers. These instruments are designed to detect and measure the energy of particles based on their interactions with matter.

3. What is the current state of research on high-energy particles?

The study of high-energy particles is a continuously evolving field, with new discoveries and advancements being made every year. Currently, scientists are using a variety of tools and techniques, such as particle accelerators and telescopes, to study the properties and behavior of high-energy particles.

4. Are there any theories about even higher-energy particles that have not yet been observed?

Yes, there are many theories about particles with even higher energies than those currently observed. Some of these include the existence of particles such as dark matter, supersymmetric particles, and particles from extra dimensions.

5. How do high-energy particles and photons impact our understanding of the universe?

High-energy particles and photons play a crucial role in our understanding of the universe, as they provide insights into the fundamental laws of nature and the origins of the universe. By studying these particles, scientists can gain a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the universe, as well as the processes that govern the behavior of matter and energy.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
14
Views
998
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
644
Back
Top