Weird quantum property of empty space?

In summary, astronomers studying the light emitted from a neutron star may have found evidence of a quantum effect called vacuum birefringence. This effect, predicted in the 1930s, suggests that the space around the neutron star is subject to interaction between a magnetic field and electromagnetic waves. While there are still some doubts about the observations, this could be another aspect of the strong magnetic field's influence.
  • #1
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
4,446
558
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130082804.htm

Is there any other detection's to back this up?By studying the light emitted from an extraordinarily dense and strongly magnetized neutron star, astronomers may have found the first observational indications of a strange quantum effect, first predicted in the 1930s. The polarization of the observed light suggests that the empty space around the neutron star is subject to a quantum effect known as vacuum birefringence.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
There is nothing weird about it. It is an interaction between a magnetic field and electromagnetic waves. The interaction between electric fields and electromagnetic waves (Delbrück scattering), and electromagnetic waves with electromagnetic waves (light-by-light scattering) has been seen before. This is just another (the last?) aspect to be observed - if they actuall did observe it, apparently there are still some doubts.
 
  • Like
Likes mcvaughn
  • #3
When magnetic field has energy density which is some 10000 times more than rest-mass density of lead, I bet all sorts of usually very weak effects become noticeable.
 
  • Like
Likes mcvaughn

Related to Weird quantum property of empty space?

What is the "weird quantum property of empty space"?

The "weird quantum property of empty space" refers to the phenomenon observed in quantum mechanics where even in the absence of any matter or energy, empty space is not truly empty but is instead filled with virtual particles and energy fluctuations.

How does this property affect our understanding of empty space?

This property challenges the traditional understanding of empty space as a vacuum and instead suggests that it is a dynamic and complex system with fluctuations and interactions occurring at a quantum level.

What implications does this property have in the field of physics?

It has significant implications in various areas of physics such as cosmology, quantum field theory, and particle physics. It also has potential applications in quantum computing and technology.

Can this property be observed and measured?

While the effects of this property cannot be directly observed, its existence has been indirectly confirmed through experiments such as the Casimir effect and the Lamb shift.

What is the current research and understanding of this phenomenon?

This property is still being studied and researched, and there is ongoing debate and discussion about its implications and potential applications. Scientists are also exploring ways to better understand and measure this phenomenon through experiments and theoretical models.

Similar threads

B Could singularities be just rips in the space-time fabric?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
23
Views
5K
I Core collapse of a supernova: the "void" left by the collapsed core?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
45
Views
8K
B How did this Black Hole come to exist?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Red-Shifting vs. Luminosity Question
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
870
I Two recent tests of loop quantum gravity theory
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
9
Views
587
B How did expansion take 380,000 years to let light travel freely?
    • Cosmology
Replies
13
Views
1K
I Can empty space be considered ‘elastic’ and expandable?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
28
Views
2K
B Physicists study the quantum vacuum
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I New light shed on birth of the universe
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Gravitational Wave Interference Graphical Computer Simulation
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top