Physicists at CERN have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying a previously undetected force within the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). This invisible force, dubbed a resonant ‘ghost,’ has eluded detection until now.

Published in the journal Nature Physics, the research conducted by scientists at CERN in Switzerland and Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany unveils the existence of a 3D shape that shifts over time, requiring a 4D system of equations for accurate measurement and modeling.

The SPS, a nearly four-mile ring dating back to the 1970s, remains a vital component at CERN. In 2019, it underwent an upgrade with a new ‘beam dump’ to manage high-powered beams. The discovery of the resonant ghost is crucial for future work at the facility.

The resonant ghost’s existence is attributed to resonance, where energy and waves interact to create loci of amplified energy. This phenomenon, known as beam degradation, poses a significant challenge in accelerator physics, particularly as proton beams become more energized and robust. The complex systems affected by harmonic interference extend to experiments involving particle interactions within vessels, such as nuclear fusion research in tokamaks.

Understanding and mapping these resonant ghosts are essential for the success of future experiments and the advancement of accelerator physics. This discovery sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play within particle accelerators and paves the way for innovative solutions to mitigate beam degradation and harmonic interference.