Scientists have achieved a major milestone in fundamental physics by successfully measuring and controlling a single antimatter particle—an extremely rare form of matter made up of particles that are mirror images of those in normal matter. At CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), researchers have maintained the quantum coherence of this antimatter particle for the first time, enabling measurements of unprecedented precision.
The experiment involved trapping a single antimatter particle using advanced magnetic devices called Penning traps. Researchers used precise radiofrequency signals to manipulate its quantum properties. Maintaining this quantum coherence—meaning its quantum state remained stable—for over 50 seconds is a record, allowing for highly accurate measurements.
By controlling and measuring the properties of antimatter with such accuracy, scientists can test whether antimatter behaves exactly like matter. Any tiny differences could provide insights into this fundamental imbalance in the universe.
Antimatter consists of particles that are the counterparts of the familiar particles making up the universe. For example, the antimatter equivalent of an electron is called a positron, which has the same mass but a positive charge. The antimatter equivalent of a proton is called an antiproton. When matter and antimatter particles come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing energy. Because antimatter is extremely scarce and unstable, controlling and studying it is one of the biggest challenges in physics.
One of the biggest questions in science is why the universe is made up of mostly matter compared to antimatter. According to the understanding of the Big Bang, the event that created the universe, equal amounts of matter and antimatter should have been produced. But somehow a tiny imbalance occurred, causing matter to slightly outnumber antimatter. This small excess meant that most antimatter particles disappeared through mutual annihilation, leaving behind the matter that makes up stars, planets, and everything we see today.
This breakthrough demonstrates remarkable progress in experimental physics and quantum control techniques. It opens new avenues for testing the fundamental symmetries of nature and searching for physics beyond current theories. Precise control and measurement of antimatter particles could help answer profound questions about the origins of the universe and the fundamental forces that shape it.
Looking ahead, scientists aim to improve their methods further, reducing environmental disturbances to extend the stability time and refine the precision of their measurements. They are also developing portable experimental setups to perform high-precision measurements in different environments, which could lead to new discoveries.
Learn more on CERN’s official article on Nature.
Leave a Reply