Is the matter-antimatter annihilation observable in priciple

In summary, the CMB is the youngest epoch of the universe that we can observe, but it is theorized that measuring gravitational waves could allow us to "see" events from even earlier epochs. One such event is the annihilation of matter and antimatter after Inflation, which left behind a small excess of matter that formed our familiar universe. The question is whether we can detect any remnants of this immense energy burst in the early universe and what form it would take. The answer is that the CMB is the remnant of this energy, but there are also primordial gravitational waves and the cosmic neutrino background that formed after the annihilation but before the positrons were annihilated.
  • #1
Gerinski
323
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The youngest epoch of the universe we can observe so far is the CMB. It is theorized that systematic and accurate measurement of gravitational waves could allow us to "see" events from even earlier cosmic epochs. If we go to even earlier cosmic epochs we have what must have been a very singular cosmic event, the huge annihilation of matter and antimatter which happened after the end of Inflation and which presumably left over a "small" excess of matter which went on to form our familiar matter universe.

My question is, such a cosmic scale matter-antimatter annihilation must have had produced a truly immense amount of energy. I don't really know which kind of energy and which properties, I assume it must have been electromagnetic radiation of huge intensity. Is it conceivable that we will ever be able to detect any remnants of that immense energy burst in the very early universe, and if so which form would it have, gravitational waves or any other form? Would that immensely energetic event have left any observable clues in our currently observable universe?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The CMB is the remnant of the energy released in the annihilation reactions.

Primordial gravitational waves are created earlier.

The cosmic neutrino background is somewhere in between, it formed after most antibaryons were annihilated, but before the positrons were annihilated.
 

1. What is matter-antimatter annihilation?

Matter-antimatter annihilation is a process in which a particle and its corresponding antiparticle collide and are converted into pure energy.

2. Why is matter-antimatter annihilation important to study?

Studying matter-antimatter annihilation can help us understand the fundamental laws of physics, as well as the origins and evolution of the universe. It also has potential applications in energy production and medical imaging.

3. Is matter-antimatter annihilation observable in principle?

Yes, matter-antimatter annihilation is observable in principle. However, it is extremely rare and requires high-energy collisions, making it difficult to observe in practice.

4. How is matter-antimatter annihilation observed?

Matter-antimatter annihilation can be observed through its byproducts, which include high-energy photons (gamma rays) and other subatomic particles. These byproducts can be detected using specialized instruments, such as particle accelerators and detectors.

5. What are the potential implications of observing matter-antimatter annihilation?

Observing matter-antimatter annihilation could provide valuable insights into the early universe and the nature of matter. It could also lead to advancements in technology and energy production, as well as potential new avenues for medical treatments and imaging techniques.

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