Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter

In summary, the study explores how gravity influences the motion of antimatter, particularly focusing on whether antimatter behaves differently under gravitational forces compared to matter. Through experimental observations, the research aims to determine if antimatter falls at the same rate as matter, which could have implications for our understanding of fundamental physics and the symmetry between matter and antimatter. The findings could challenge existing theories and enhance our knowledge of gravitational interactions at a quantum level.
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hyksos
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TL;DR Summary
A test performed on antihydrogen atoms has shown that gravity acts on matter and antimatter in a similar way. The experimental feat is the latest in efforts to probe the crossover between theories of relativity and particle physics.
The Alpha Experiment at CERN has finally produced a paper on whether antimatter falls towards the earth under gravity. The research confirms that antimatter acts identically to regular matter in regards to gravity.

Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter. Anderson, E.K., Baker, C.J., Bertsche, W. et al. Nature 621, 716–722 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06527-1
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06527-1

The authors of this paper are concerned with a test of the Weak Equivalence Principle, which is great science. My personal interest in this work is a little bit different. A rumor has been circulating since at least the mid 1980s that antimatter can be interpreted as "regular matter moving backwards in time". This rumor was likely perpetuated by a popular book by Richard Feynman. My feeling is that is the results of this experiment should dispell that rumor in an ultimate and finalizing way. Dismissing the rumor via "it was never meant literally" is far weaker than strongly falsifying it experimentally -- which is what we have now.

Your thoughts?
 
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hyksos said:
A rumor has been circulating since at least the mid 1980s that antimatter can be interpreted as "regular matter moving backwards in time".
We don't discuss "rumors" here. I am not aware of any valid reference (textbook or peer-reviewed paper) that makes this claim. (Even Feynman in the popular book you reference did not make it as a claim about "reality"; he only put it forward as a mathematical trick to help with calculations.) Therefore, without any valid basis for discussion, I am closing this thread. If you can find a valid reference that makes the claim, PM me and we can reopen the thread to discuss it.
 
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FAQ: Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter

What is the significance of observing the effect of gravity on antimatter?

Observing the effect of gravity on antimatter is significant because it can provide crucial insights into fundamental symmetries in physics, such as CPT (Charge, Parity, Time) symmetry. It also has the potential to impact our understanding of the universe, including why there is more matter than antimatter and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

How do scientists create and trap antimatter for these experiments?

Scientists create antimatter using particle accelerators, where high-energy collisions produce antiparticles. These antiparticles are then trapped using sophisticated magnetic and electric fields in devices called Penning traps or magnetic traps, which prevent the antimatter from coming into contact with matter and annihilating.

What methods are used to measure the gravitational effects on antimatter?

Methods to measure gravitational effects on antimatter include using interferometry techniques, where the wave-like properties of particles are used to detect minute changes in position. Another approach involves observing the free fall of neutral antimatter atoms, such as antihydrogen, in a vacuum and measuring their acceleration due to gravity.

Have any experiments successfully observed the gravitational behavior of antimatter?

As of now, experiments such as those conducted by the ALPHA and GBAR collaborations at CERN have made significant progress in creating and trapping antihydrogen atoms, but direct measurements of their gravitational behavior are still in preliminary stages. These experiments aim to achieve definitive results in the near future.

What are the potential implications if antimatter behaves differently under gravity compared to matter?

If antimatter behaves differently under gravity compared to matter, it could revolutionize our understanding of fundamental physics. It might indicate new physics beyond the Standard Model, challenge the equivalence principle of General Relativity, and provide insights into the asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the universe. Such findings could also have implications for developing new technologies and understanding cosmic phenomena.

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