Posted on 04/20/2012 6:56:50 AM PDT by zeugma
We generally think of electrons as fundamental building blocks of atoms, elementary subatomic particles with no smaller components to speak of. But according to Swiss and German researchers reporting in Nature this week, we are wrong to think so. For the first time, the researchers have recorded an observation of an electron splitting into two different quasi-particles, each taking different characteristics of the original electron with it.
Using samples of the copper-oxide compound Sr2CuO3, the researchers lifted some of the electrons belonging to the copper atoms out of their orbits and placed them into higher orbits by manipulating them with X-rays. Upon placing them in these higher--and higher-velocity--orbits, the electrons split into two parts, one called a spinon that carried the electrons spin with it, and another called an obitron that carried the electrons orbital momentum with it. Spin and orbit are--at least as our basic understanding goes--attached to each particular electron. So the fact that they have been separated is pretty significant. And while researchers have thought for a while that this kind of separation could be theoretically achieved, theyve had a hard time proving it empirically until now. Its a reminder that at the quantum level there are still things that more or less mystify us.
But thats not all it is. This particular observation of an electron splitting could have big-time implications in the field of high-temperature superconductivity. Understanding the way electrons can decay into quasi-particles could improve our overall understanding of the electron and how it moves, and thus help us figure out new ways of moving electrons--or electricity--around in bulk without losing large amounts of it as waste.
stunning news. By golly, the Swiss have done it.
Quasi-Particles?.......Par Mesans?...........
Back when we were having colder winters no one ever observed this going on. It’s just one more effect of man-made global climate change.
It’s the strongest correlation yet. Next up, quasi particle credits.
Where did the charge go? When the electron splits up who does it stay with? Does the other quasi-particle get to visit in on weekends?
Quasi-Particles.
AKA Republican gonads.
“Using samples of the copper-oxide compound Sr2CuO3, the researchers lifted some of the electrons belonging to the copper atoms out of their orbits and placed them into higher orbits by manipulating them with X-rays.”
This is HUGH!!!!
We’re just qbits in Q’s computer...
You can’t be SERIES!!
Mmmmm, Par Mesans! /Homer mode off
Not “Par Mesans”, “Parmesan”, as in cheese, proving once again that everything is made of cheese - the moon, everything.
This is interesting - it may indicate that there is an inherent attraction between the quasi particles that is being counteracted by the added energy of xray manipulation. Then when the electron moves to the higher energy state it becomes unstable enough to seperate as there is enough energy to counteract the attractive force. When the energy is removed/released it allows the electron to ‘coalesce’ back into a combined particle within the lower enegry state.
How is it that the additional energy is repulsive instead of attractive or neutral? Is this related to the weak nuclear force in same manner? And as someone else mentioned - what happens to the charge.
So is it the spinon or obitron which causes the magic smoke to be released when an IC is sent to its final demise?
Frank T Vertosick Jr, MD; The Genius Within: Discovering The Intelligence Of Every Living Thing, Harcourt, 2002
There is an intelligence driving nature. Seems like God to me.
Spinon and Orbitron? Big deal. I rode those at Six Flags when I was twelve.
I can't answer how without further reflection, but I do have a name for the additional "repulsive energy:" the pelosi charge.
Bump for later reading.
These electrons that are breaking up into quasi-particles are going into 0 charge state, so they are quasi-mode-0’s..............
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.