(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) SEMI-DIRAC FERMIONS

(FEBRUARY-2025)

Researchers have observed a unique quasiparticle that behaves as massless in one direction and massive in another.

Sub-atomic particles: Particles smaller than atoms which make up the universe.
One of the ways to categorise sub-atomic particles: Fermions and Bosons
Fermions: Make up the matter

Example: Electrons and Protons
Classification: Dirac fermions and Majorana fermions
Dirac fermions: Fermions that may or may not have mass but are always different from their antiparticles.
Majorana fermions: Fermions that are also their own antiparticles (neutrinos are suspected to be Majorana fermions).
Bosons: Mediate the forces between matter. Example: Photons
Anyons: Particles found in two-dimensional materials whose properties lie somewhere between those of fermions and bosons.

Semi-Dirac fermions are quasiparticles that behave as massless in one direction and massive in another.
Discovery: First theorised in 2008-09, Semi-Dirac fermions were recently identified within a crystal of a semi-metal material known as ZrSiS.
Potential Implications: The Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermions could revolutionise technologies like batteries and sensors while opening new avenues for quantum physics research.

Medical Applications: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans; Radiotherapy; Medical Imaging
Space and Astrophysics: Cosmic Ray Studies; Dark Matter Research
Material Science: Nanotechnology; Superconductors
Energy and Nuclear Technology: Nuclear Power; Fusion Research
Electronics and Computing: Semiconductor Technology; Quantum Computing