Majorana 1 Quantum Chip and the Neutrino Mass Search
Why in the news
Microsoft unveiled Majorana 1, and the same particle concept underpins the search for neutrino mass.
Key facts
- Majorana 1 promises to tackle industrial-scale problems within years; outside scientists were sceptical but acknowledged the potential.
- Majorana particles are their own antiparticles; meeting pairs annihilate and release energy.
- Neutrinos, the second most abundant particles, are suspected Majorana particles but rarely interact with matter. Their three flavours are electron, muon and tau; individual masses are unknown.
Beta decay types
| Process | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Neutron to proton | Electron plus antineutrino |
| Proton to neutron | Positron plus neutrino |
| Double beta decay | Two electrons, two antineutrinos |
| Neutrinoless (0vßß) | Would prove neutrino equals antineutrino |
AMoRE experiment
- Advanced Mo-based Rare process Experiment hunts 0vßß in Mo-100.
- No signal; lifetime at least 10^24 years; mass estimate below 0.22-0.65 billionths of a proton.
- An upgrade with 100 kg of Mo-100 is planned.
Significance
- Any neutrino mass challenges the Standard Model; spotting 0vßß would fix absolute mass.
Exam angle
- Majorana particle = own antiparticle.