The search for magnetic monopolies, particles with only one pole, has intrigued physicists for centuries. However, a recent study conducted by the Atlas collaboration on a large Hadron collider (LHC) has provided new data on this elusive phenomenon. study
Back in 1931, physicist Paul Dirac theorized that the existence of magnetic monopolies would be consistent with quantum mechanics. This theory gained further support in the 1970s when attempts were made to unify all the main forces of nature. It was believed that magnetic monopolies may have been present in the early universe but vanished during cosmic inflation.
The ATLAS team focused on seeking pairs of magnetic monopoles that could be produced during proton collisions. According to Dirac’s theory, these monopoles, with a charge of 1GD, could ionize matter in a similar way to highly charged objects. By analyzing data collected between 2015 and 2018 using the Atlas detector, the researchers hoped to find energy signatures left behind by magnetic monopolies or highly charged objects when passing through the detector.
Unfortunately, after analyzing the complete dataset, no traces of magnetic monopolies or highly charged objects were found. Nonetheless, the results obtained provided the most stringent restrictions to date on the production rate of magnetic monopolies.
Despite the initial absence of evidence, the Atlas experiment continues to be the most sensitive in exploring this charge range for magnetic monopoles. The Atlas physicists plan to further refine their methodology and develop new strategies for data analysis as they persist in their quest to uncover the secrets of magnetic monopolies.