Three physicists from WSU lead a team that confirmed evidence of a new matter-anti-matter oscillation behavior in a particle made from protons at the Fermi Accelerator laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, IL. 

“The implications of the newly observed behavior are still to be determined, but could shed light on new laws of physics that may go beyond the quantum mechanics and relativity theories of the last century,” said Dr. Paul Karchin, professor of physics and astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  “The new laws of physics might someday unveil a new source of energy or a new understanding about the origin and fate of the universe.”

Fundamental particles like electrons and protons exhibit fantastic properties that some would assume only exist in dreams, said Dr. Karchin. “Some particles can change back and forth from one apperance to another like a wizard or comic book super-hero. These particles change back and forth - oscillate - at a fixed frequency, as if they were ‘ringing’ like a bell or tuning fork, but at a pitch far beyond the range of human hearing.”

In 1955, physicists realized these fundamental particles oscillate between “normal” matter and anti-matter states.  Last March, two teams of physicists, one from Japan and one from California, announced evidence for a new type of matter-anti-matter oscillation involving particles with a “charm” quark, one of six known quarks, two of which constitute the inside of a proton. A race began between the two teams and Dr. Karchin’s team, which includes Dr. Mark Mattson, research associate, and Nagesh Kularni, doctorate research assistant, to confirm the results.

Last week, Karchin’s team, the Collider Detector at Fermilab collaboration, declared victory with strong evidence supporting the previous hypothesis.

“For now, physicists want to make more precise measurements of the charm oscillations and study it using different techniques,” said Dr. Karchin.

Dr. Ratna Naik, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy said the department began their emphasis in experimental high energy particle physics in 1995, and is pleased with what the success at the Fermilab brings the university.

“The leading role of Wayne State scientists recognized at Fermilab illustrates the international prominence we have achieved,” Dr. Naik said.  “In addition, our department has been selected recently to host the 2009 meeting of the Division of Particles and Fields of the American Physical Society.  This important meeting will bring over 500 physicists from around the world to the Wayne State campus for a one-week period in the summer.”