The History of Antimatter
| The existence of Antimatter was first predicted when Paul Dirac combined quantum theory and special relativity in one equation. This equation, however presented two 'solutions' to the electron. Dirac interpreted this to mean that not only was there an negatively charged electron, but there was a positively charged antielectron which had all the characteristics of an electron but an opposite charge. |
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In 1932 Carl Anderson detected the first antielectron. While studying the tracks of cosmic particles Anderson noted a track left be something with the exact same mass as an electron, but with a positive charge.
It wasn't until 1955 that the first antiproton was detected. This discovery rested on the Ernest Lawrence's creation of the Bevatron which could accelerate two protons and collide them at energies of 6.2 MeV (Mega electron Volts). The detection of the antineutron came 5 years later in 1960.
| It wasn't until 1955 that the first antiproton was detected. This discovery rested on the Ernest Lawrence's creation of the Bevatron which could accelerate two protons and collide them at energies of 6.2 MeV (Mega electron Volts). The detection of the antineutron came 5 years later in 1960. |
The next step in testing the symmetry between matter and antimatter was resolved concurrently by CERN and the Brookhaven National Laboratory in 1965 with the creation of the antidueteron. A deuteron is a nucleus from by a proton and a neutron, the antidueteron was formed by combining an antiproton and an antineutron.
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The first antiatom wasn't created until 1995 by CERN. Using their unique LEAR to decelerate antiprotons, CERN managed to combine antiprotons, antineutrons and antielectrons to create 9 antihydrogen antiatoms.
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A recent advance in our understanding of Antimatter shows a lack
of symmetry which allowed for the survival of more matter than antimatter
in the big bang.
Title Page - What is Antimatter? - The History of Antimatter - The Big Bang - The Imbalance - Antimatter: Now and Later - Bibliography
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