Global InformationX17 particle information
| Composition | Elementary particle |
|---|---|
| Family | Boson |
| Interactions | Fifth force |
| Status | Unconfirmed |
| Symbol | X17 |
| Theorized | 2015 |
| Mass | 17.01±0.16 MeV[1] |
| Mean lifetime | 10−14 s[2] |
| Decays into | one electron and one positron |
| Electric charge | 0 e |
The X17 particle is a hypothetical subatomic particle proposed by Attila Krasznahorkay and his colleagues to explain certain anomalous measurement results; these anomalous measurements are known as ATOMKI anomaly or beryllium anomaly or X17 anomaly.[2][3] The particle has been proposed to explain wide angles observed in the trajectory paths of particles produced during a nuclear transition of beryllium-8 atoms and in stable helium atoms.[4] The X17 particle could be the force carrier for a postulated fifth force, possibly connected with dark matter,[4] and has been described as a protophobic (i.e., ignoring protons)[5] vector boson with a mass near 17 MeV.[4]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
DOI-2019was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Krasznahorkay, A.J.; et al. (26 January 2016). "Observation of anomalous internal pair creation in 8Be: A possible indication of a light, neutral boson". Physical Review Letters. 116 (42501): 042501. arXiv:1504.01527. Bibcode:2016PhRvL.116d2501K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.042501. PMID 26871324. S2CID 206268170.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
SA-20191209was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c Cockburn, Harry (21 November 2019). "Scientists may have discovered fifth force of nature, laboratory announces". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
- ^ Wolchover, Natalie (7 June 2016). "Evidence of a 'fifth force' faces scrutiny". Quanta Magazine. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
A lab in Hungary has reported an anomaly that could lead to a physics revolution. But even as excitement builds, closer scrutiny has unearthed a troubling backstory.