Scientists have understood for a significant period that light can appear to emerge from a substance before actually entering it, a phenomenon thought to be a distortion of waves caused by matter.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have shown, through new quantum experiments, that “negative time” is not just a concept but actually exists in a concrete physical form that warrants further study.
The results, which have not been released in a peer-reviewed publication, have garnered global interest and doubt.
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The researchers stress that these fascinating findings underscore a unique aspect of quantum mechanics, rather than a fundamental shift in our comprehension of time.
Aephraim Steinberg, a University of Toronto professor specializing in experimental quantum physics, finds it challenging to discuss the topic with other physicists as they often misunderstand him.
Steinberg suggests using “negative time” to prompt more thorough conversations about the enigmas of quantum physics, despite its science fiction-like nature.
Atoms full of energy
The team started studying how light and matter interacted for a long time.
When photons move through atoms, some are taken in by the atoms and later released. This process alters the atoms, causing them to temporarily enter a higher energy state before going back to their original state.
The team led by Daniela Angulo suggested measuring how long the atoms stayed excited. Steinberg clarified that this duration turned out to be negative, indicating a time less than zero.
Before the experiment, physicists noticed that although the average time for a thousand cars to enter a tunnel may be at noon, the first cars could actually exit a bit earlier, such as at 11:59 a.m., a detail that was previously seen as unimportant.
Angulo and his colleagues showed a comparison to checking carbon monoxide levels in the tunnel after the initial cars had passed and noting a decrease in the readings at the front.
Unaltered relativity
The optimization of the experiments lasted for over two years, ensuring that the lasers were precisely calibrated to avoid any result distortion.
No one is suggesting that time travel is possible, according to Steinberg and Angulo. They clarify that the idea of something traveling back in time is a misinterpretation.
In quantum mechanics, particles such as photons act in a diffuse and probabilistic manner instead of adhering to strict rules.
Instead of adhering to a set pattern of absorption and release, these exchanges happen across a range of potential lengths, some of which may defy common understanding.
The researchers stated that this does not go against Einstein’s theory of special relativity, which states that nothing can exceed the speed of light. These photons did not contain any information, allowing them to bypass any universal speed restrictions.
Controversial finding
The idea of “negative time” sparked interest and doubt, particularly among well-known figures in the scientific field.
German theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder criticized the research in a YouTube video that has been viewed by over 250,000 individuals. She explained that the concept of negative time in the experiment does not relate to the passage of time, but rather serves as a description of how photons move through a medium and how their phases shift.
Angulo and Steinberg argued that their research fills important gaps in explaining why light’s speed is not always consistent.
Steinberg recognized the debate over the bold title of his article, but emphasized that the experimental findings were not disputed by any reputable scientists. He mentioned that they chose the most effective way to present the results and highlighted that the discoveries pave the way for further investigation into quantum phenomena, despite the lack of clear practical applications.
“I don’t currently have a solution to connect what we’re studying to your specific needs,” he confessed, managing expectations by cautioning against too much optimism.