Particle track resolution of the positive lambda particle

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the positive lambda particle, specifically its quark composition, lifespan, and the implications for its track resolution in modern detectors. Participants explore the effects of time dilation on the particle's track length and inquire about available images of its tracks from historical and contemporary detection methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the positive lambda has a quark composition of udc and a lifespan of 2 x 10-13 seconds, questioning how long its track would be when created in a collision.
  • Another participant corrects the quark composition, stating that the particle is typically called ##\Lambda_c## and has a composition of uds, while also discussing the effects of time dilation on track length.
  • It is mentioned that the amount of time dilation experienced depends on the collider, with specific boosts provided by different facilities like B-factories and the LHC.
  • A participant notes that bubble chambers may struggle to measure the track of this particle and that modern detectors rarely produce images, suggesting that outreach materials may exist but are not commonly found in publications.
  • Another participant references a specific bubble chamber picture from a publication as a potential source for visual information on the particle's track.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the quark composition of the lambda particle and the implications for track measurement, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion about the availability of images also shows a lack of consensus on the accessibility of such resources.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the particle's track length and the effects of time dilation, as well as the dependence on specific collider characteristics. The discussion also highlights the challenges in obtaining visual representations of the particle's track.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying particle physics, particularly in the context of particle detection methods and the behavior of short-lived particles in high-energy collisions.

Davephaelon
Messages
143
Reaction score
26
The positive lambda has a quark composition udc, and a lifespan of 2 x 10 minus 13 seconds. When this particle is created in a collision, inside a modern detector, how long will its track be? At near the speed of light, its lifetime would allow it to traverse less than a tenth of a millimeter. But, then, time dilation would extend that.

Additionally, are there any images available of the track of this particular particle, in either old bubble chamber photos, or modern digitally generated images from modern detectors?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The particle you mean is typically called ##\Lambda_c##. Lambda is uds.
Davephaelon said:
At near the speed of light, its lifetime would allow it to traverse less than a tenth of a millimeter. But, then, time dilation would extend that.
Right. How much depends on the collider. The B-factories will typically give it a boost of about 2, LHC collisions will give it a typical boost of 5-10.
Davephaelon said:
Additionally, are there any images available of the track of this particular particle, in either old bubble chamber photos, or modern digitally generated images from modern detectors?
Bubble chambers will have a hard time measuring its track and modern particle detectors rarely work with images. Maybe someone made one for outreach, but you probably won't find it in publications.
 
You can find a bubble chamber picture in Grassler et al. Phys. Lett. 99B 2, 159 (1981)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and mfb
Thank you all for the answers given to my question. I did check out the link provided by Vanadium 50.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K