Recent research published in the journal “Physics Letters B” has shed light on the behavior of strange hadrons in high-energy lead-lead collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The study, led by A. Tumasyan from the Yerevan Physics Institute in Armenia, investigates two-particle correlations of KS0 strange hadrons, revealing important insights into the properties of matter under extreme conditions.
The researchers analyzed data collected from collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV, utilizing the CMS detector. Their findings indicate that the source size of KS0KS0 correlations decreases significantly—from 4.6 femtometers (fm) in central collisions to 1.6 fm in peripheral collisions. This reduction suggests that the interactions between particles change based on the density of the collision zone, a key factor in understanding the dynamics of the quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter believed to have existed just after the Big Bang.
One of the significant contributions of this research is the determination of strong interaction scattering parameters, which include the scattering length and effective range. These parameters provide crucial information about how particles interact at the quantum level. The study used the Lednický–Lyuboshitz model to analyze correlations, offering a comparison with theoretical predictions and existing experimental results.
The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical physics. Understanding the behavior of strange hadrons and the fundamental forces at play can have commercial impacts, particularly in sectors such as materials science and medical imaging. For instance, insights gained from particle interactions can inform the development of advanced materials that withstand extreme conditions, which is valuable in industries ranging from aerospace to nuclear energy.
Moreover, the techniques used in this research, such as femtoscopy, can be adapted for applications in medical imaging, potentially leading to improved imaging technologies that enhance diagnostic capabilities in healthcare.
As Tumasyan noted, “These correlations are sensitive to quantum statistics and to final-state interactions between the particles.” This sensitivity opens up avenues for further exploration in both fundamental research and practical applications.
Overall, this study not only advances our understanding of particle physics but also highlights potential pathways for innovation in various commercial sectors, emphasizing the interconnected nature of scientific research and technological advancement.
