Observation of Spin Flips with a Single Trapped Proton

[jal]

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/46375
Flipping spins, one proton at a time
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http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v106/i25/e253001
Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 253001 (2011) [4 pages]
Observation of Spin Flips with a Single Trapped Proton
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http://arxiv.org/abs/1104.1206
Observation of Spin Flips with a Single Trapped Proton

(Submitted on 6 Apr 2011 (v1), last revised 3 May 2011 (this version, v2))
Radio-frequency induced spin transitions of one individual proton are observed for the first time. The spin quantum jumps are detected via the continuous Stern-Gerlach effect, which is used in an experiment with a single proton stored in a cryogenic Penning trap. This is an important milestone towards a direct high-precision measurement of the magnetic moment of the proton and a new test of the matter-antimatter symmetry in the baryon sector.

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for sharing this interesting article about the observation of spin flips with a single trapped proton. I find this research to be groundbreaking and significant in the field of particle physics.

The ability to observe spin flips of a single proton is a major achievement, as it opens up new possibilities for high-precision measurements of the proton's magnetic moment. This is crucial for further understanding the fundamental properties of the proton and its role in the baryon sector.

Moreover, this research also has implications for testing the matter-antimatter symmetry. The continuous Stern-Gerlach effect used in the experiment is a powerful tool for studying the behavior of particles and their antiparticles. By observing spin flips in a single proton, we can gain a better understanding of the symmetries and asymmetries in the universe.

I commend the researchers for their innovative approach and the technical challenges they have overcome in this experiment. I look forward to seeing further developments in this area and the potential impact it may have on our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter.