Physicists just discovered the rarest particle decay ever
The “golden channel” decay of subatomic particles called kaons could break or confirm the standard model of particle physics.
The “golden channel” decay of kaons may put the identical old model of particle physics to the test
The NA62 experiment (shown) has detected an awfully rare decay of particles also is termed kaons.
M. Brice/CERN
It’s the rarest particle decay ever discovered. Scientists have clinched the case for a different kind of decay of subatomic particles also is termed kaons. In the same fashion study of the rare decay may reveal a you may in all probability imagine flaw contained in the identical old model, physicists’ stalwart theory of subatomic particles.
The decay is additionally is termed a “golden channel” because its rate shall be predicted to high precision by the identical old model. The experiment, also is termed NA62, aims to test that precise prediction.
“If it’s now no longer consistent, then it’s a definite sign of recent physics,” says Cristina Lazzeroni, a particle physicist engaged on the experiment.
NA62 searches for the decay of positively charged kaons by smashing high-energy protons right into a target on the European particle physics lab CERN near Geneva, watching the kaons produced and the particles they decay into. Kaons decayed by process of the golden channel most efficient about thirteen in 100 billion times, scientists from the NA62 experiment reported September 24 at a seminar at CERN.
That’s about 50 percent more often than the identical old model prediction, says Lazzeroni, of the University of Birmingham in England. But, given the precision of the measurement, “it remains to be per the identical old model, at this moment.”
Within the ultrarare decay, a kaon produces one more particle also is termed a pion, alongside two lightweight, electrically neutral particles: a neutrino and its antimatter counterpart, an antineutrino. (The foremost common way for a charged kaon to decay is to produce a neutrino and a heavy relative of the electron also is termed a muon.)
A previous result from NA62 showed evidence of the golden channel decay, but this measurement surpasses the statistical significance needed to assert discovery, a milestone also is termed five sigma.
NA62 will continue taking data and will produce a more precise measurement contained in the future, which should determine with more certainty whether the identical old model is correct. Every other experiment, also is termed KOTO, is working to pin down a different rare kaon decay (SN: 2/Four/20).
More Stories from Science News on Particle Physics
What's Your Reaction?
