Baryonic asymmetry: why does matter dominate antimatter?

Baryonic asymmetry remains one of the most profound enigmas of contemporary physics. Our observable universe is almost exclusively made up of matter, whereas particle physics predicts an initially symmetric universe, where matter and antimatter should have appeared in equal quantities. This matter-antimatter imbalance raises fundamental questions about the origin of the matter that makes up … Read more

Supersymmetry: does every particle have a double?

For several decades, particle physics has been intensively exploring the fundamental mysteries that govern our Universe. Among the most fascinating and promising theories, supersymmetry stands out as a bold proposition. This theory suggests that for each known particle in the Standard Model, there exists a double, a “superpartner,” endowed with particular properties. This innovative principle … Read more

QCD on the network: calculating strong nuclear interactions

Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) on lattice today stands as an essential pillar for deeply understanding the strong nuclear interactions that bind quarks and gluons within nucleons. This method, combining complex theories of particle physics and computational prowess, slices spacetime into a discrete grid to make previously unimaginable numerical calculations accessible. The precise study of the forces … Read more

Quark-gluon plasma: the state of matter in the first moments

The quark-gluon plasma represents one of the most fascinating enigmas of particle physics, capturing the attention of researchers aiming to uncover the mysteries of the primordial universe. This state of matter, existing at extreme temperatures and densities, allows for probing the fundamental composition of matter even before classical particles such as protons and neutrons exist … Read more

The CP violation: why is there matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe?

In the vastness of the observable universe, a paradox arises for physicists: why does matter dominate antimatter when the fundamental laws of physics seem to favor an almost perfect symmetry between the two? This cosmic imbalance, called matter-antimatter asymmetry, has intrigued particle physics specialists for decades. At the heart of this enigma, CP violation appears … Read more

The disintegration of the proton: is ordinary matter stable?

At the heart of fundamental questions in particle physics, the stability of ordinary matter remains a fascinating mystery. Since the early hypotheses put forward in the 20th century, the possible decay of the proton intrigues physicists, as it would challenge our understanding of the very stability of the universe. The proton, a key element of … Read more

The Higgs boson: the particle that gives mass to all others

The Higgs boson is one of the most fascinating and fundamental discoveries in modern physics. The entanglement of this particle with the Higgs field that is invisible permeates our entire universe and determines how the most elementary objects acquire their mass. Dominating debates and research for several decades, this particular boson is the key that … Read more

Quark stars: exotic matter at extreme density

Quark stars embody one of the most fascinating mysteries of contemporary astrophysics. These celestial bodies, intriguing and enigmatic, defy the classical laws of matter under conditions where extreme density pushes the limits of nuclear physics. Composed not of isolated neutrons but of a dense sea of deconfined quarks, these stars represent an exotic form of … Read more

Majorana fermions: particles that are their own antiparticles

In the mysterious depths of particle physics, Majorana fermions hold a special place. These particles, unique in their kind, challenge classical understanding by being their own antiparticle — a characteristic that upends the traditional view of matter and antimatter. From the development of their theory by Ettore Majorana in the 1930s to recent experimental advances, … Read more

Cosmological magnetic monopoles

Magnetic monopoles are among the most fascinating enigmas of modern physics, captivating both astrophysicists and particle physics theorists. At the heart of contemporary cosmology, these hypothetical particles dissociate classical magnetic duality by postulating the existence of objects carrying a unique magnetic pole, as opposed to the familiar dipoles of conventional physics. Their discovery would transform … Read more