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Emulsion photo of decay of kaon into pions
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Emulsion photo of decay of kaon into pions
The first observation of the decay of a kaon into 3 pions, recorded in special photographic emulsion by Cecil Powells team at Bristol University in 1948. The kaon produces the dense track coming in from top right. It decays at A into 3 pions. One of the pions moves away slowly, leaving a dense track, & then interacts at B. The other 2 pions are faster & leave relatively faint tracks as they move off in opposite directions towards top right & bottom left. (The distance between A & B is 25 micrometres). The kaon was the first discovered member of the family of " strange" particles, which contain a strange quark
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6283403
© C. POWELL, P. FOWLER & D. PERKINS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Emulsion Photo Emulsion Photograph Historic Image In Physics Nuclear Emulsion Particle Particle Physics Particles Photographic Pion Tracks
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a groundbreaking moment in the field of particle physics. Taken by Cecil Powell's team at Bristol University in 1948, it showcases the first observation of the decay of a kaon into three pions using special photographic emulsion. In this image, we witness the journey of the kaon as it enters from the top right, leaving behind a dense track. Upon reaching point A, it undergoes decay and transforms into three pions. One of these pions moves away slowly, leaving another distinct dense track before interacting at point B. The remaining two pions move off in opposite directions towards the top right and bottom left corners, leaving relatively faint tracks behind them. The distance between points A and B measures an astonishingly minuscule 25 micrometers. Notably, this discovery marked an important milestone in our understanding of subatomic particles known as "strange" particles due to their inclusion of a strange quark. It shed light on previously unknown aspects within nuclear physics and paved the way for further advancements in particle research. Preserved through time with historical significance, this emulsion photograph serves as a testament to human curiosity and scientific exploration. Its intricate details offer us glimpses into unseen realms that continue to shape our understanding of fundamental particles today.
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