Efimov 3-body theory experimentally proven

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In summary, Efimov theorized an analog to the rings using particles: Three particles (such as atoms or protons or even quarks) could be bound together in a stable state, even though any two of them could not bind without the third. The physicist first proposed the idea, based on a mathematical proof, in 1970. Since then, no one has been able to demonstrate the phenomenon in the lab - until now.
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turbo
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Efimov theorized an analog to the rings using particles: Three particles (such as atoms or protons or even quarks) could be bound together in a stable state, even though any two of them could not bind without the third. The physicist first proposed the idea, based on a mathematical proof, in 1970. Since then, no one has been able to demonstrate the phenomenon in the lab - until now.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20091216/sc_livescience/strangephysicaltheoryprovedafternearly40years;_ylt=AkqB2UImPjRiYu5ibWcOgQys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTRxaGZvMDN0BGFzc2V0A2xpdmVzY2llbmNlLzIwMDkxMjE2L3N0cmFuZ2VwaHlzaWNhbHRoZW9yeXByb3ZlZGFmdGVybmVhcmx5NDB5ZWFycwRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzgEcG9zAzUEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNzdHJhbmdlcGh5c2k- [Broken]
 
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turbo-1 said:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20091216/sc_livescience/strangephysicaltheoryprovedafternearly40years;_ylt=AkqB2UImPjRiYu5ibWcOgQys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTRxaGZvMDN0BGFzc2V0A2xpdmVzY2llbmNlLzIwMDkxMjE2L3N0cmFuZ2VwaHlzaWNhbHRoZW9yeXByb3ZlZGFmdGVybmVhcmx5NDB5ZWFycwRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzgEcG9zAzUEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNzdHJhbmdlcGh5c2k- [Broken]

That's pretty cool. "Experimental proof" is still one of my favorite fallacies, but it's cool nonetheless :wink:. Go science?
 
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  • #3
kote said:
That's pretty cool. "Experimental proof" is still one of my favorite fallacies, but it's cool nonetheless :wink:. Go science?
Maybe "proof" is a strong word, but in this case, it may be justified because of another critical verification.

Efimov had calculated that the triplet of bound particles was possible, and that it was repeating: New bound states could be achieved at higher and higher energy levels in an infinite progression. All of the bound states would occur at energy levels that were multiples of 515.
To prove that they had really created the trios, called Efimov trimers, the researchers produced one set of three lithium atoms bound together, and then reproduced it with a binding energy 515 times the first one. (Essentially, binding energy indicates how tightly the particles hold onto one another and how much energy it would take to pull them apart.)
The researchers used a setup called a Feshbach resonance that allowed them to tweak the energy levels of their atoms. They found that when they hit multiples of 515, the particles would bind, but at other energies they wouldn't, proving that the trios really were Efimov trimers.

It's one thing to have general experimental verification of an idea, and another level entirely (IMO) to have quantified the concept, and have the quantification verified by experiment. That's pretty impressive.
 
  • #4
turbo-1 said:
Maybe "proof" is a strong word, but in this case, it may be justified because of another critical verification.

It's one thing to have general experimental verification of an idea, and another level entirely (IMO) to have quantified the concept, and have the quantification verified by experiment. That's pretty impressive.

I am impressed. I do think it's pretty cool and is definitely good science. The experimental proof comment had nothing to do with the topic mentioned. I was just commenting on the wording (you weren't the only one to use it). It's that formal logic sequence they made me take in school. Sorry!
 
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What is Efimov 3-body theory?

Efimov 3-body theory is a quantum mechanical theory that describes the behavior of three particles in a bound state, where the interactions between the particles are weak. It predicts the existence of a series of infinitely many three-body bound states that occur at specific ratios of the particle's masses and interaction strengths.

What is the significance of proving Efimov 3-body theory experimentally?

Proving Efimov 3-body theory experimentally provides evidence for the existence of these predicted bound states and confirms the fundamental principles of the theory. It also opens up new opportunities for studying and understanding the behavior of three-body systems, which have important applications in fields such as nuclear and atomic physics.

How was Efimov 3-body theory experimentally proven?

The theory was experimentally proven by observing the scattering behavior of three ultracold cesium atoms. By precisely controlling the interactions between the atoms, scientists were able to observe the predicted bound states and confirm the theory.

What is the potential impact of this experimental proof?

The experimental proof of Efimov 3-body theory has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of three-body systems and lead to new discoveries and applications in various fields of physics. It also provides a new tool for further research and testing of quantum mechanical theories.

What are some possible future directions for research in this area?

Some possible future directions for research in this area include studying the properties and behavior of the bound states in more detail, exploring the effects of different types of particles and interactions, and investigating the potential applications of Efimov 3-body systems in areas such as quantum computing and precision measurement.

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