MIT Researchers Make Groundbreaking Discovery of Neutronic Molecules

MIT researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of ‘neutronic molecules,’ revealing that neutrons can bind to nanoscale atomic clusters known as quantum dots. This finding could offer valuable insights into material properties and quantum effects, potentially leading to the development of innovative tools for exploring quantum-level phenomena. Unlike protons and electrons, neutrons are subatomic particles that lack electric charge, making them impervious to the electromagnetic force that governs most interactions between radiation and materials. However, MIT researchers have now demonstrated that neutrons can be induced to adhere to quantum dots—comprising tens of thousands of atomic nuclei—solely through the strong force. This unexpected revelation opens up new possibilities for investigating material properties at the quantum level, particularly those stemming from the strong force, and for exploring novel forms of quantum information processing devices.