Tachyon Refraction: Can Massless Particles be Created?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical implications of tachyons, hypothetical particles that travel faster than light. It explores the concept of refracting tachyons in a medium with a refractive index greater than one, questioning whether this could lead to the creation of massless particles or violate established physical laws. Participants emphasize the necessity of referencing a model that predicts such behavior, as discussions on tachyons must be grounded in theoretical frameworks. The conversation highlights the speculative nature of tachyon research and the need for rigorous scientific models to validate claims.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity and the speed of light (c)
  • Familiarity with the concept of tachyons and their theoretical properties
  • Knowledge of refractive index and its effect on light propagation
  • Basic principles of particle physics and mass-energy equivalence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research existing tachyon models and their predictions regarding mass creation
  • Explore the implications of refractive index on particle behavior in quantum physics
  • Study the theoretical frameworks surrounding faster-than-light travel in physics
  • Investigate experimental setups that aim to detect tachyons or similar phenomena
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, theoretical researchers, and students interested in advanced particle physics and the implications of faster-than-light travel.

Mad scientist
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This is pure conjecture but I was thinking about it and wanted to ask people who know more about tachyons than I do:

In a vacuum:

Particles with mass can only travel with v < c
Mass-less particles can only travel with v = c
Tachyons can only travel with v > c

If you refract light by passing it through a medium with a refractive index > 1 it slows down. I have heard of experiments where light is slowed to virtually a complete stand still, so my question is this:

What would happen if you can slow a tachyon down to the speed of light? Would it give up its energy and instantaneously create mass-less particles? Or does that violate the laws of physics? If it did could you use that result to detect tachyons?
 
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Mad scientist said:
What would happen if you can slow a tachyon down to the speed of light?
Please give a reference to a model that predicts such a slow-down. All your questions can only be answered within such a model, there is nothing to discuss until you found such a reference. I closed the thread, feel free to send me a message if you want to discuss a specific tachyon model.
 

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