What is the Dynamics Behind Protonium Formation?

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In summary, the conversation discusses experimental evidence for Protonium, a union of proton and antiproton ions, and the quantum mechanical dynamics behind its formation. It also explores the possibility of interactions between the "proton sea" and "antiproton sea" and the potential use of Protonium as fuel for an antimatter engine. The concept of the wave function and Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle are also mentioned as possible explanations for the short period of time before annihilation occurs.
  • #1
Rade
At this link we see experimental evidence for Protonium, a union (unstable) of proton ion and antiproton ion:
http://www.infn.it/news/newsen.php?id=390
I wish to better understand the quantum mechanical dynamics of how protonium can be formed, even if for short period of time--that is, why not 100% annihilation--why any union at all ? Also, is there any theory of possible interactions of "proton sea" with "antiproton sea" to be part of the dynamics of the union ? Any help is appreciated--I hope this is the correct area to post this question.
 
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  • #2
Is that kind of like asking why the solar system (or even a galaxy) exists at all, instead of everything immediately just surrendering to gravity (which you would expect to pull everything together into a single black hole)?
 
  • #3
You can ask the same questions about positronium which has been extensively studied. There's surely a lot more literature out there about positronium than about protonium, so you might direct your search in that direction first.

As to why the particle and antiparticle don't simply annihilate each other immediately... If the wave functions of the two particles overlap only partially, then the probability of interaction depends on the amount of overlap, all other things being equal. The smaller the overlap, the longer you have to wait (on average) for an interaction to take place.
 
  • #4
Not really to the question, but I remeber reading about an antimatter engine that would use protonium or positronium as fuel. I don't remember what it was called or where I saw it, but it was interesting if you want to look for it.
 
  • #5
O yes its got a simple name. Its an anti matter engine, possibly might be used in the future for intergalactic travel.

As to why there's that really small pause, forces and reactions can't occur faster than the speed of light, even that small distance between the particles makes some difference. But yes, the best answer with the Copenhagen Interpretation is the wave function thing jtbell said.

Another way of thinking about this problem could be using Heisenberg's Uncertainty principle. You can't measure 2 conjugate variables with 100% accuracy at the same instant in time, even theoretically with perfect apparatus. There is one about energy and time. To tell if the annihilation has occurred, we must measure the change in energy, which he can't measure perfectly with time :)
 

1. What is protonium?

Protonium is a type of exotic atom that consists of an antiproton and a proton bound together by the strong nuclear force. It is a short-lived particle, with a lifetime of about 10^-15 seconds.

2. How is protonium formed?

Protonium is formed through a process called proton-antiproton annihilation, where a proton and an antiproton collide and annihilate each other, releasing energy. This energy then converts into a protonium particle.

3. What is the role of the strong nuclear force in protonium formation?

The strong nuclear force is responsible for binding the proton and antiproton together to form protonium. This force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is the strongest force at the subatomic level.

4. How is the formation of protonium studied?

The formation of protonium is studied through experiments using particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider. Scientists also use computer simulations to model and predict the dynamics behind protonium formation.

5. What are the potential applications of studying protonium formation?

The study of protonium formation can provide insight into the fundamental forces and interactions of particles at a subatomic level. It can also have potential applications in areas such as nuclear energy, quantum computing, and understanding the early universe.

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