An international group of scientists reported on the first results of the Muon G-2 experiment (read as “Ji minus two”), which indicate the existence of unknown physical laws. It turned out that the behavior of the muon particles does not fit into the standard model, which serves as a sign of new physics. This is reported in a press release on the Washington University website.
Muons are short-lived particles in the form of tiny rotating magnets. An indicator, called the G-factor, determines the strength and speed of rotation of this magnet in an external magnetic field. Finding inside the experimental installation, muons begin to interact with “quantum foam” of virtual particles that quickly appear and disappear. This affects the value of the G-factor, so the precession of the magnetic moment of muons is slightly accelerated or slows down, which can be calculated using the standard model.
If a quantum foam contains unknown particles or interaction outside the standard model, a deviation should be detected between the actual value of the G-factor and calculated.
The results of the experiments held today show a discrepancy with theoretical predictions, and the difference is 4.2 sigma (standard deviation), which is slightly less than five SIGMs, in which you can confidently declare the opening of new physics. However, this is enough to indicate its existence.