Collision physics is a research area within atomic, molecular, and optical physics that investigates the fundamental processes occurring when particles such as atoms, ions, electrons, or molecules interact and scatter. It focuses on quantifying cross sections, differential scattering distributions, energy and momentum transfer, charge exchange, ionization, excitation, and recombination in two-body and few-body collisions over a wide range of energies. The field employs quantum scattering theory, semiclassical approaches, and sophisticated numerical methods, and relies on accelerator-based, crossed-beam, and trap-based experiments to test interaction potentials, probe short-range forces, and benchmark many-body and plasma models relevant to astrophysics, fusion, radiation physics, and materials modification.
At ultracold temperatures, interatomic collisions are relatively simple, and their outcome can be controlled using a magnetic field. However, research by scientists led by Prof. Michal Tomza from the Faculty of Physics of ...
General Physics
Mar 10, 2025
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How prepared are we to deflect an asteroid heading towards Earth? This question is answered by two studies just published in Nature Communications, the result of a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano, Georgia Institute ...
Planetary Sciences
Feb 20, 2025
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Scattering takes place across the universe at large and miniscule scales. Billiard balls clank off each other in bars, the nuclei of atoms collide to power the stars and create heavy elements, and even sound waves deviate ...
Quantum Physics
Feb 11, 2025
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Quantum physics is a very diverse field: it describes particle collisions shortly after the Big Bang as well as electrons in solid materials or atoms far out in space. But not all quantum objects are equally easy to study. ...
Quantum Physics
Jan 7, 2025
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Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators have a new way to use data from high-energy particle smashups to peer inside protons. Their approach uses quantum information ...
Quantum Physics
Dec 2, 2024
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Since the first X-ray image of a comet was reported using an X-ray telescope in 1996, the investigation of charge exchange in collisions between highly charged ions and atoms or molecules has emerged as a hot research topic.
Quantum Physics
Oct 29, 2024
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Quantum theory describes events that take place on extremely short time scales. In the past, such events were regarded as 'momentary' or 'instantaneous': An electron orbits the nucleus of an atom—in the next moment it is ...
Quantum Physics
Oct 22, 2024
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A spacecraft blasted off Monday to investigate the scene of a cosmic crash. The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft rocketed away on a two-year journey to the small, harmless asteroid rammed by NASA two years ago in a ...
Space Exploration
Oct 7, 2024
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LHC Run 3 began in 2022, with the recommissioning of the LHC at 6.8 TeV, resulting in the delivery of 39.7 fb⁻¹ of integrated luminosity, surpassing initial expectations. Luminosity is an important indicator of the performance ...
General Physics
Sep 4, 2024
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New experimental results show particles called muons can be corralled into beams suitable for high-energy collisions, paving the way for new physics.
General Physics
Jul 17, 2024
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