Lead Transmutation into Gold at CERN’s LHC
Recent advancements in nuclear physics have revealed remarkable vital information about the transmutation of lead into gold. This process, once a fantasy of medieval alchemists, has now been quantified by the ALICE collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Their findings highlight a new mechanism through which lead nuclei can transform into gold, reinforcing the significance of high-energy collisions in particle physics.
Historical Context of Alchemy
Alchemy was an ancient practice aimed at transforming base metals into precious ones. The quest for chrysopoeia, or the art of gold-making, symbolised the desire for wealth and immortality. Alchemists believed in the possibility of converting lead, a common metal, into gold, which was rare and valued.
Nuclear Physics and Transmutation
The 20th century marked the dawn of nuclear physics, revealing that heavy elements could change into others via radioactive decay or artificial means. Unlike chemical methods, nuclear reactions allow for the transformation of elements, leading to the production of gold under specific conditions. The ALICE collaboration has now demonstrated this phenomenon using high-energy collisions at the LHC.
Mechanism of Gold Production
The process begins with ultra-peripheral collisions between lead nuclei. These collisions occur without direct contact, allowing electromagnetic fields to interact. When lead nuclei travel at 99.999993% of the speed of light, their strong electromagnetic fields can induce interactions that lead to photon emissions. This triggers electromagnetic dissociation, where protons and neutrons are ejected from the lead nucleus.
Experimental Findings and Measurements
The ALICE team utilised zero degree calorimeters to measure photon-nucleus interactions. They observed emissions of neutrons and protons, which are crucial for the production of gold. Specifically, three protons must be removed from a lead nucleus to form a gold nucleus. The experiments conducted during Run 2 of the LHC produced approximately 86 billion gold nuclei, equating to a minuscule mass of 29 picograms.
Implications of the Research
While the production of gold from lead at the LHC is scientifically , the quantities generated are trivial compared to what would be needed for practical applications. The research not only validates theoretical models of electromagnetic dissociation but also aids in understanding beam losses in particle accelerators. This knowledge is vital for enhancing the performance of the LHC and future colliders.
Future Prospects
As the LHC continues to upgrade its luminosity, the rate of gold production is expected to increase. However, the amounts will still be far from economically viable. This ongoing research opens new avenues in nuclear physics and paves the way for further exploration of high-energy particle interactions.
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