Search
Menu
PI Physik Instrumente - Revolution In Photonics Align LW LB 3/24

Lasers Aid Supernova Search

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Aug. 12, 2009 -- One single atom of a certain isotope of hafnium found on Earth would prove that a supernova once exploded near our solar system. The problem is how to find such an atom among billions of others. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a laser technique that, in combination with standard techniques, may be able to do the job. Hafnium is a common metallic element used in nuclear reactors. However, one of its isotopes is hard to find since it is only made when a supernova explodes. This means that if the isotope, called 182Hf, were discovered on Earth, it would prove that...Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    Published: August 2009
    Glossary
    electron
    A charged elementary particle of an atom; the term is most commonly used in reference to the negatively charged particle called a negatron. Its mass at rest is me = 9.109558 x 10-31 kg, its charge is 1.6021917 x 10-19 C, and its spin quantum number is 1/2. Its positive counterpart is called a positron, and possesses the same characteristics, except for the reversal of the charge.
    ion
    An atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons and, as a result, carries a negative or positive charge.
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    182Hfatomatomic physicsBasic ScienceChandraelectronenergyGothenburgHafniumImagingionisotopelaser lightNews & FeaturesOak Ridge National LaboratoryphotonicsPontus Anderssonsolar systemSpitzersupernovaTychoLasers

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.