Through the application of advanced laser spectroscopy, a research team led by Professor Stephan Schiller has conducted precise measurements of atomic nuclei vibrations in basic molecules, discovering no anomalies in force, thus enhancing our comprehension of quantum theory and aiding in the pursuit of Dark Matter effects.
With ultra-accurate laser spectroscopy on a basic molecule, a group of physicists under the guidance of Professor Stephan Schiller Ph.D. from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) has been able to quantify the wave-like oscillation of atomic nuclei with a precision that is unparalleled.
In their research paper published in the scientific journal Nature Physics, the scientists claim that their findings provide the most accurate verification to date of the wave-like behavior of nuclear material. They also found no indications of any deviations from the recognized force between atomic nuclei.
For close to a century, simple atoms have been subjected to precision-based experimental and theoretical research, with groundbreaking work undertaken to describe and measure the hydrogen atom, the simplest atom with only one electron. Currently, the energies of hydrogen atoms – and thus their electromagnetic spectrum – are the most accurately calculated energies of a confined quantum system. As extremely detailed measurements of the spectrum can also be executed, comparing theoretical predictions with measurements allows for the testing of the theory upon which the prediction is based.
Diagram of the experiment: in an ion trap (grey), a laser wave (red) is directed onto HD+ molecular ions (yellow/red dot pairs), triggering quantum leaps. These in turn alter the vibrational state of the molecular ions. This process equates to the emergence of a spectral line. The laser wavelength is measured with precision. Credit: HHU/Soroosh Alighanbari
Such examinations are of great significance. Scientists worldwide are searching – though so far without success – for indications of new physical effects that might be a result of the existence of Dark Matter. These effects would create a discrepancy between measurement and prediction.
Contrary to the hydrogen atom, the simplest molecule wasn’t a subject of precision measurements for a considerable period. However, the research group led by Professor Stephan Schiller Ph.D. from the Chair of Experimental Physics at HHU has committed to this subject. In Düsseldorf, the group has conducted trailblazing work and developed experimental methodologies that are some of the world’s most precise.
The simplest molecule is the molecular hydrogen ion (MHI): a hydrogen molecule, lacking an electron and comprising three particles. One form, H2+, consists of two protons and an electron, whereas HD+ consists of a proton, a deuteron – a heavier hydrogen isotope – and an electron. Protons and deuterons are charged “baryons,” i.e., particles that are subject to the so-called strong force.
A diagram of an MHI, specifically an HD+ molecule: It consists of a hydrogen nucleus (p) and a deuteron nucleus (d) that can oscillate and vibrate against each other. Additionally, there is an electron (e). The movements of p and d are represented in the manifestation of spectral lines. Credit: HHU/Soroosh Alighanbari
Inside the molecules, the components can interact in various ways: The electrons orbit the atomic nuclei, whereas the atomic nuclei vibrate against or rotate around each other, with the particles behaving like waves. These wave movements are comprehensively described by quantum theory.
The various modes of motion determine the molecules’ spectra, which are manifested in different spectral lines. These spectra are formed similarly to atom spectra but are substantially more complicated.
The essence of current physics research now involves measuring the wavelengths of the spectral lines with extreme accuracy and – with the assistance of quantum theory – also calculating these wavelengths with high precision. A match between the two results is interpreted as confirmation of the accuracy of the predictions, while a discrepancy could hint at “new Physics.”
Over time, the team of physicists at HHU has honed the laser spectroscopy of the MHI, devising techniques that have significantly improved the experimental resolution of the spectra. Their aim: the more accurately the spectra can be measured, the more thoroughly the theoretical predictions can be tested. This allows for the detection of any potential deviations from the theory and hence provides clues on how the theory might need to be adjusted.
The team of Professor Schiller has managed to improve experimental precision beyond the theoretical level. To accomplish this, the Düsseldorf-based physicists confine about 100 MHI in an ion trap inside an ultra-high vacuum container, employing laser cooling techniques to cool the ions down to a temperature of 1 millikelvin. This allows for the ultra-precise measurement of the molecular spectra of rotational and vibrational transitions. Following prior investigations of spectral lines with wavelengths of 230 μm and 5.1 μm, the authors now introduce measurements for a spectral line with a considerably shorter wavelength of 1.1 μm in Nature Physics.
Professor Schiller stated: “The experimentally determined transition frequency and the theoretical prediction align. In conjunction with previous results, we have established the most precise test of the quantum motion of charged baryons: Any deviation from the established quantum laws must be smaller than 1 part in 100 billion, if it exists at all.”
The results can also be interpreted alternatively: Hypothetically, another fundamental force could exist between the proton and deuteron, apart from the well-known Coulomb force (the force between electrically charged particles). Lead author Dr. Soroosh Alighanbari said: “Such a hypothetical force may be connected to the phenomenon of Dark Matter. We have not found any evidence for such a force in the course of our measurements, but we will continue our search.”
Reference: “Test of charged baryon interaction with high-resolution vibrational spectroscopy of molecular hydrogen ions” by S. Alighanbari, I. V. Kortunov, G. S. Giri and S. Schiller, 22 June 2023, Nature Physics. DOI: 10.1038/s41567-023-02088-2
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Quantum Theory
What did the physicists measure in this study?
The physicists used state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy to precisely measure the wave-like vibration of atomic nuclei in simple molecules.
What did they find during their measurements?
They found no evidence of any deviation from the established force between atomic nuclei, confirming the accuracy of quantum theory.
What is the significance of these measurements?
The measurements refine our understanding of quantum theory and provide important insights for researchers searching for Dark Matter effects.
What is the molecule they focused on in their research?
The researchers focused on the simplest molecule, the molecular hydrogen ion (MHI), which consists of two protons, a deuteron, and an electron.
What is the role of quantum theory in their research?
Quantum theory describes the wave-like motions of particles within the molecules, which determines the spectra of the molecules, helping to interpret the experimental results accurately.
How did they achieve such high precision in their measurements?
The team confined a moderate number of MHI in an ion trap in an ultra-high vacuum container and used laser cooling techniques to cool the ions down to a temperature of 1 millikelvin, allowing for extremely precise measurements.
What does their result imply about the existence of new fundamental forces?
Their precise measurements suggest that any deviation from the established quantum laws related to charged baryons (protons and deuterons) must be smaller than 1 part in 100 billion, if it exists at all.
What is the potential connection between their findings and Dark Matter?
Their study provides a potential avenue for understanding Dark Matter since deviations in the forces between protons and deuterons could indicate the existence of a new force related to Dark Matter. However, no evidence of such a force was found in their measurements.
More about Quantum Theory
- Nature Physics: Test of charged baryon interaction with high-resolution vibrational spectroscopy of molecular hydrogen ions
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU): University website
- Ion trap: Wikipedia
- Quantum theory: Wikipedia
- Dark Matter: Wikipedia
3 comments
so they found no evidence of extra forces, but what if it’s hidden in the microvibes, man? dark matter hunt’s fascinatin’, gotta keep searchin’!
omg! they measured atoms vibra-shuns! i cant evn! quantum stuff is so mind-blowin’ & they look for dark matter, like, mysteries of the universe unlocked!
wow, these fizzies they used that newfangled laser thingy to messure the vibes of tiny atoms, that’s craaaazy! quantum, what? but i get it, science rocks!