Fifth state of matter observed by the scientists for the first time in space
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science and Technology
In News:
The fifth state of matter has been observed by the scientists for the first time in space.
A team of NASA Scientists recently unveiled the first results from Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
In space, the particles are free from manipulation from any of the Earthly constraints.
This observation has offered unprecedented insight that can help in solving some of the quantum universe’s most difficult questions.
Key takeaways
A breakthrough of ‘Fifth State of Matter’
Creating a fifth state of matter within the physical confines of a space station is no easy task.
First bosons, the atoms that have an equal number of protons and electrons, are cooled to absolute zero with the use of lasers to clamp them in space.
The slower the atoms move around, the cooler they become.
As the atoms lose heat, the magnetic field is introduced to keep them from moving and each particle’s waves expand.
Cramming plenty of bosons into a microscopic ‘trap’ causes their waves to overlap into a single matter-wave; this property is known as quantum degeneracy.
The magnetic trap is released for the scientists to study the condensate.
However, the atoms begin to repel each other which cause the cloud to fly apart and BEC becomes dilute to detect.
The microgravity aboard ISS has allowed them to create BECs fromrubidium on a far shallower trap than on Earth.
This gave the vastly increased time to study the condensate before diffusing.
Important value additions
Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC)
BEC are formed when the atoms of certain elements are cooled to near absolute zero (0 K or – 273.15°C).
At this point, atoms become a single entity with quantum property, whereas each particle also functions as a wave of matter.
Scientists have believed that BECs contain vital clues to mysterious phenomena such as dark energy which is unknown energy thought to be behind the Universe’s accelerating expansion.
These are extremely fragile and the slightest interaction with the external world is enough to warm them past their condensation threshold.
Because of this condition, it becomes nearly impossible for scientists to study BECs on Earth as gravity interferes with the magnetic field required to hold them in place for observation.
BECs in terrestrial lab generally last a handful of milliseconds before dissipating while aboard ISS, those lasted more than a second.
Studying BECs in microgravity has opened up a host of opportunities.
Applications range from:
Studying gravitational waves
Spacecraft navigation
Searches for dark energy
Tests of general relativity
Prospecting for subsurface minerals on the moon and other planetary bodies
The existence of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) was predicted by an Indian mathematicianSatyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein almost a century ago.
Rubidium
It is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37.
It is a very soft, silvery-whitemetal in the alkali metal group.
It cannot be stored under atmospheric oxygen, as a highly exothermic reaction will ensue, sometimes even resulting in the metal catching fire.
It is used in fireworks to give them a purple color.
It has also been considered for use in a thermoelectric generator.
Vaporized 87Rb is one of the most commonly used atomic species employed for laser cooling and Bose–Einstein condensation.
