A groundbreaking experiment that challenges the existing framework of particle physics was recently conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Zhejiang University. Led by Academician Du Jiangfeng and Professor Rong Xing, the team utilized quantum sensors to investigate a new frontier of particle interactions, shedding light on potential deviations from the Standard Model.
The Standard Model has long been the cornerstone of particle physics, providing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions; however, it falls short in explaining certain cosmic phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy. It is theorized that the addition of new particles could bridge these gaps and introduce novel interactions between existing particles. This latest research delves into this uncharted territory by exploring spin-spin-velocity-dependent interactions at microscale distances.
The experimental setup involved the use of two diamonds embedded with high-quality nitrogen-vacancy (NV) ensembles, serving as both spin sensors and sources. By manipulating the spin quantum states and relative velocities of these NV ensembles, the researchers delved into uncharted territory, seeking out new interaction effects between electron spins on a micrometer scale. This involved characterizing the magnetic dipole interaction and measuring spin-spin-velocity-dependent interactions through sophisticated modulation and detection techniques.
Remarkably, the team was able to detect two new interactions within force ranges of less than 1 cm and less than 1 km, providing unprecedented experimental evidence in this realm. These findings not only challenge the boundaries of the Standard Model but also open up new possibilities for the quantum sensing community to further explore fundamental interactions using solid-state spins.
The research, titled “New Constraints on Exotic Spin-Spin-Velocity-Dependent Interactions with Solid-State Quantum Sensors”, was published in the esteemed journal Physical Review Letters. Authored by Yue Huang, Hang Liang, Man Jiao, Pei Yu, Xiangyu Ye, Yijin Xie, Yi-Fu Cai, Chang-Kui Duan, Ya Wang, Xing Rong, and Jiangfeng Du. This paper not only marks a significant milestone in the field of particle physics but also lays the groundwork for future studies in this domain.
These findings have the potential to reshape our understanding of particle interactions and could have far-reaching implications in the field of physics. The implications of this study extend beyond the realm of theoretical physics, holding promise for practical applications in quantum sensing and related technologies. As we look towards the future, this research paves the way for a new era in particle physics, one that challenges existing boundaries and redefines our understanding of the universe.