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.
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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The ATLAS Experiment at CERN has made two years' worth of scientific data available to the public for research purposes. The data include recordings of proton–proton collisions from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at a collision ...
General Physics
Jul 1, 2024
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Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the transfer of neutrons in weakly bound nuclei. The experiment, performed at Legnaro National Laboratory, focused on the one-neutron stripping process in reactions ...
General Physics
Jun 21, 2024
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Scientists have used computational algebraic geometry to study predictions for particle physics experiments, such as those at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which first detected the Higgs particle in 2012.
General Physics
Jun 7, 2024
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A research team in China has initiated and successfully developed a jet origin identification technology which can significantly enhance the scientific discovery capabilities of high-energy collider experiments.
General Physics
Jun 5, 2024
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In massive particle accelerators, sub-atomic particles (like electrons) are sped up to super-high speeds comparable to the speed of light towards a target surface. The collision of accelerated sub-atomic particles gives rise ...
Optics & Photonics
Mar 13, 2024
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When charged particles are shot through ultra-thin layers of material, sometimes spectacular micro-explosions occur, and sometimes the material remains almost intact. The reasons for this have now been explained by researchers ...
Nanophysics
Nov 28, 2022
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