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The Standard Model is currently the widely accepted theory of how particles and forces interact at smaller scales. It describes three fundamental forces in nature: the electromagnetic nuclear force, strong and weak.
But this is an incomplete explanation of how nature works. Also, other theories suggest the possible presence of a fifth force.
Using a revolutionary new technique called pendell¨osung neutron interferometry, scientists have revealed previously unknown properties of silicon crystals of crucial technological importance. The method also revealed essential information about a crucial subatomic particle and a long-theorized fifth force of nature.
Scientists mainly focused on subatomic particles called neutrons in silicon crystals. They then monitored the results with intense sensitivity.
They obtained three significant results:
- The first measurement of a critical property of a neutron in 20 years using a unique method.
- The most accurate measurements of the effects of heat-related vibrations in a silicon crystal.
- Limits of the strength of a possible fifth force beyond standard physical theories.
The research was an international collaboration conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Dmitry Pushin, Fellow of the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, said: “It was an experience of several years, and we had excellent results which are technically exciting and open the door to future technologies.”
Journal reference:
- Benjamin Heacock et al. Pendell ”{o} sung interferometry probes the neutron charge radius, lattice dynamics and fifth forces. arXiv: 2103.05428v1
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