Dr. Francis Robicheaux

Auburn University

Making and Holding(?) Atomic Anti-matter

Monday, April 9, 2007

4:30 p.m.

Cardwell 102

Recently, two groups succeeded in making and detecting the anti-matter version of the hydrogen atom. I will describe the basic features of these experiments and what is known about the properties of the anti-hydrogen atoms. The anti-hydrogen is formed in a peculiar environment: a cold plasma in a very strong magnetic field. We have performed several calculations that give insight into how the anti-hydrogen is formed. We also predict most of the important properties of the atoms. I will finish with a discussion of the next generation experiments, just started at CERN, that will attempt to trap the anti-hydrogen.