Scientists have created a breakthrough quantum vortex that could revolutionize our understanding of black holes. Using superfluid helium, a special form of liquid with quantum properties, researchers at the University of Nottingham have successfully simulated aspects of black hole behavior.
Black holes are known for their complex interactions between gravity and quantum mechanics. The unique conditions surrounding these celestial objects make them crucial to study, but their extreme nature makes direct observation challenging. This innovative quantum simulator offers a solution by mimicking the phenomena that occur around black holes in a controlled laboratory setting.
Superfluid helium, which flows with remarkably low viscosity and without friction, is the key to creating this vortex. By spinning a propeller at the bottom of a tank filled with superfluid helium, the researchers generated a tornado-like vortex in the liquid. Unlike previous attempts with physical systems, this vortex was significantly stronger and larger in size.
The researchers observed how tiny waves in the fluid interacted with the vortex, replicating the way cosmic fields in space interact with rotating black holes. They even discovered hints of a black hole phenomenon called a ringdown mode, which occurs after the merger of two black holes.
The success of this experiment opens up new possibilities for studying black hole physics. By further investigating these quantum vortices, scientists hope to uncover hidden insights and gain a deeper understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities.
“This remarkable achievement provides a solid foundation to investigate various black hole physics processes, allowing us to potentially unlock new discoveries along the way,” says lead researcher Silke Weinfurtner.
The development of this quantum simulator represents a significant advancement in the field of astrophysics and could pave the way for further breakthroughs in our understanding of the mysteries of the universe.
The source of the article is from the blog mivalle.net.ar