Physicist Kayden Hazzard and his former student Jiyuan Van from the University of Rice have mathematically proven the existence of particles called paratracets, which do not fall under the categories of bosons or fermions – two main types of particles known to modern science. Their research was published in the journal Nature.
For a long time, it was believed that the observable world consisted only of bosons and fermions, each with distinct properties. Bosons can occupy the same state in any quantity, while fermions adhere to the Pauli exclusion principle, limiting their presence in one state. However, new theoretical calculations suggest the existence of particles outside of these categories.
Using advanced mathematical methods such as Lee algebras, tensor networks, and Yang-Baxter Equation, the researchers constructed systems where paratracets could potentially exist. They focused on studying excitations in condensed matter, such as magnets, to illustrate how these unique particles could manifest in natural settings.
Paratracets exhibit distinctive characteristics – when their position changes, the internal states of the particles themselves undergo alterations. These peculiarities pave the way for novel physical phenomena and technologies, including advancements in quantum information and computing. For instance, systems could be developed where information is transmitted through manipulation of internal states.
While the work of Hazzard and Van is primarily theoretical, its future progress may lead to the experimental identification of paratracets. Scientists are optimistic that their research will guide exploration into the new properties of matter, although the exact implications of these findings remain uncertain.