In 1951, physicist Julian Schwinger proposed a fascinating idea: that electric fields could create electron-positron pairs from nothing, using a concept called quantum tunneling. But there’s a catch—huge electric fields would be needed, way beyond what we can test in the lab. So, the “Schwinger effect” has never been observed directly.
Now, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have made strides in understanding this phenomenon. They’ve developed a model using superfluid helium to mimic the vacuum state. Superfluid helium behaves uniquely and can be cooled to a point where there’s almost no friction.
Dr. Philip Stamp, a theorist at UBC, explains, “When we flow superfluid helium, vortex pairs appear instead of electron-positron pairs. These vortices spin in opposite directions.” This is an exciting twist because it offers new ways to explore fundamental questions about nature.
Their study, published September 2 in PNAS, outlines both the theory and the math behind their findings, including how to conduct experiments based on this model.
Understanding superfluid helium can shed light on various cosmic events. It offers a simplified view of complex phenomena, like black holes and even the early universe. Dr. Stamp believes this model provides a unique perspective that could lead to real experiments—not just analogs of theoretical concepts.
They also highlighted a breakthrough: many past studies treated vortex mass as constant. But Dr. Stamp and his colleague, Michael Desrochers, discovered that the mass changes significantly as vortices move. This insight could reshape our understanding of both fluids and early universe physics.
Desrochers shared, “The variability in mass can give us a new perspective on quantum tunneling, a key concept in physics, chemistry, and biology.” This could influence our understanding of the Schwinger effect, suggesting a deeper connection between these theories.
This research points to the dynamic relationship between theory and experimentation in physics. It not only expands our knowledge but also opens doors for future studies. The work was backed by the National Science and Engineering Research Council, underlining its importance in the scientific community.
For more on the latest in theoretical physics, you can check research platforms like ScienceDirect or the American Physical Society.
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