Miniature universe born in the laboratory

Scientists at the US National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) recreated some of the most important events in the universe, helping to prove or disprove many theories and predictions about the universe.

Miniature universe in the laboratory. Photo: SLAC.

Siegfried Glenzer, head of the high-energy density research unit, and his colleagues successfully recreated the impact of a meteorite with the Earth's surface. Since graphite can turn into diamond under high pressure, scientists predict that when a meteorite collides with graphite on the ground, it can create lonsdaleite.

By placing a shock wave inside a graphite sample and compressing it with an intense laser pulse, Glenzer's team transformed the graphite into lonsdaleite, a special form of diamond that is harder than regular diamond, proving the meteorite impact theory.

According to Science Alert, scientists also recreated the existence of gas giant planets like Jupiter by observing the phase transition of liquid hydrogen from a non-conductive state under normal conditions to a conductive state at high pressure and temperature.

In this experiment, Glenzer used liquid deuterium, an unstable isotope of hydrogen, and then rapidly heated and compressed it using a high-energy Janus laser. At pressures above 250,000 atmospheres and temperatures above 3,800 degrees Celsius, the scientists found that the deuterium transformed into a metallic, conductive state.

“Understanding this process helps us understand more about planet formation and the evolution of the solar system,” Glenzer said. At SLAC, researchers conduct experiments to understand planet formation, the effects of major events, and other processes in the universe.

According to VNE