Understanding Quasiparticles: Definition, Properties, and Role in Physics

  • Thread starter Eli137
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Confusion
In summary, a quasi-particle is a description of the collective motion of many particles, with some features of particle motion. They are only present in microscopic systems that act in an unorthodox way, and can be seen as simpler computational descriptions. They have been proven to exist and are a common occurrence in solid state physics, but are currently excluded from the standard model.
  • #1
Eli137
18
0
I am confused as to what a quasi particle is. I know that it only occurs when a microscopic system acts in an unorthodox way, but are they truly a particle? Are they fundamental? Have they been proven? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, why are they excluded from the standard model?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are confused. A quasi-particle is a description of the collective motion of many particles. This description has some features of particle motion. One simple example is the "hole". You can treat a crystal with N positions, N-1 of them filled as either an N-1 particle system, or a complete N particle crystal and a single hole. The second description is usually computationally simpler.
 
  • #3
Eli137 said:
I am confused as to what a quasi particle is. I know that it only occurs when a microscopic system acts in an unorthodox way, but are they truly a particle? Are they fundamental? Have they been proven? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, why are they excluded from the standard model?

Try reading this, for example:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/quasiparticles-of-quantum-mechanics.80512/#post-619236

You should have posted this in the solid state physics forum. Quasiparticles of various forms are a common occurrences in this field. And yes, they have been thoroughly verified!

Zz.
 

1. What are quasiparticles?

Quasiparticles are collective excitations that behave like particles in certain systems. They are not fundamental particles, but rather emergent phenomena that arise from interactions between particles in a material or system.

2. What are some examples of quasiparticles?

Some examples of quasiparticles include phonons, which are collective excitations of atoms in a solid; polaritons, which are a combination of photons and phonons in a solid; and magnons, which are collective excitations of electron spins in a magnetic material.

3. How are quasiparticles different from real particles?

Quasiparticles are different from real particles in that they are not fundamental entities with their own unique properties. Instead, they behave like particles within a specific system or material, and their properties are dependent on the interactions between the constituent particles.

4. What is the role of quasiparticles in physics?

Quasiparticles play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of complex systems, such as solids and liquids. They provide a way to describe and analyze the collective behavior of particles in these systems, and their study has led to important insights and advancements in condensed matter physics.

5. How are quasiparticles relevant in technological applications?

Quasiparticles have important technological applications, particularly in the fields of electronics and photonics. For example, polaritons have been used to create new types of lasers, and magnons are being explored for use in spintronics devices. Understanding quasiparticles is essential for developing new technologies and materials.

Similar threads

Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
78
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
70
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
3
Replies
87
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
846
Back
Top