Physicists at Rice University have achieved a breakthrough by capturing the temperature profile of quark-gluon plasma, the ultra-hot state of matter believed to have existed just microseconds after the Big Bang. This plasma, which reached temperatures of a trillion degrees, gives scientists a glimpse into the earliest moments of our universe.
Unveiling the Primordial Universe
Researchers used rare electron-positron emissions from atomic collisions to measure the plasma’s temperature at different phases. Their findings confirm theoretical predictions about the evolution of quark-gluon plasma and provide a more detailed view of how matter behaves under extreme conditions. This research not only advances our understanding of the early universe but also refines the “QCD phase diagram,” an essential tool for mapping the behavior of matter at high energy densities.
Implications for Future Discoveries
This new precision in measuring the plasma’s heat helps scientists better understand the fundamental forces and particles that shaped our universe. The study opens the door to further exploration of extreme states of matter and could lead to new physics discoveries.
Sources:
ScienceDaily Article