Dipositronium Molecule Synthesized

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter QuantumTuba
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Molecule
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Physicists have successfully synthesized a molecule composed of two positronium atoms, which are unique atoms containing both positrons and electrons. The properties of this molecule were monitored through gamma rays emitted during the annihilation of electron/positron pairs. The next objective is to create a positronium Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC), which would enable the emission of coherent gamma rays, potentially leading to the development of a Gamma Ray Laser (GASER). The relevant research was published by Cassidy & Mills in Nature, volume 449, pages 195-197 (2007).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of positronium and its atomic structure
  • Knowledge of gamma ray detection and measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC) and their properties
  • Basic principles of particle physics and annihilation processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the synthesis techniques for Bose-Einstein Condensates
  • Study the properties and applications of gamma ray lasers (GASERs)
  • Explore the implications of positronium in quantum physics
  • Investigate current advancements in positronium research and its applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in advanced particle physics and its applications in technology.

QuantumTuba
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Apparently physicists have been able to synthesize a molecule that contains two positronium atoms, an exotic form of atom that contains both positrons and electrons in its outer shell. They were able to monitor the properties of the molecule by the gamma rays let off after annihilation of the electron/positron pairs. The next challenge is to make a positronium Bose Einstein Condensate, which, because all atoms would become coherent, would emit coherent gamma rays, producing a Gamma Ray Laser (I sometimes refer to these as GASERs, but no one knows what I'm talking about then).

Here's the article I read about it in.

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/31125

I am sure those of you with more experience in physics than myself will have some interesting ideas on applications or implications of this research. Quick question, how long does it usually take to synthesize a BEC, and how quickly do the electron/positron pairs annihilate? In other words, would they be able, with current techniques, to make it into a BEC soon enough that the gamma rays would be coherent?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The paper appeared yesterday in Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v449/n7159/abs/nature06094.html;jsessionid=B507764337348265C72F47931880D201

Cassidy & Mills, Nature 449, 195-197 (2007)

This paper belongs in the Noteworthy Papers sticky thread.
 
Gokul43201 said:
The paper appeared yesterday in Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v449/n7159/abs/nature06094.html;jsessionid=B507764337348265C72F47931880D201

Cassidy & Mills, Nature 449, 195-197 (2007)

This paper belongs in the Noteworthy Papers sticky thread.


If it belongs in the Noteworthy Papers sticky thread, does this mean I should repost it there, that the thread should be moved, or that I can leave it?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K