* Astronomy

Members Login

Post Info

TOPIC: Spin-statistics theorem

Blobrana

L

Posts: 131433

Date: Jun 25 14:28 2010

Quantum field theory	Permalink

Experiment tests underpinnings of quantum field theory, Bose-Einstein statistics of photons Of all the assumptions underlying quantum mechanics and the theory that describes how particles interact at the most elementary level, perhaps the most basic is that particles are either bosons or fermions. Bosons, such as the particles of light called photons, play by one set of rules; fermions, including electrons, play by another. Seven years ago, University of California, Berkeley, physicists asked a fundamental and potentially disturbing question: Do bosons sometimes play by fermion rules? Specifically, do photons act like bosons all the time, or could they sometimes act like fermions? Based on the results of their experiment to test this possibility, published June 25 in the journal Physical Review Letters, the answer is a solid "no." Read more __________________

Blobrana

L

Posts: 131433

Date: Jun 25 11:24 2010

Spin-statistics theorem	Permalink

Testing the Best-Yet Theory of Nature The best theory for explaining the subatomic world got its start in 1928 when theorist Paul Dirac combined quantum mechanics with special relativity to explain the behaviour of the electron. The result was relativistic quantum mechanics, which became a major ingredient in quantum field theory. With a few assumptions and ad hoc adjustments, quantum field theory has proven powerful enough to form the basis of the Standard Model of particles and forces. Read more __________________

Page 1 of 1 sorted by

Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse