WSU Scientists Harnessing the Power of Antimatter

PULLMAN — Researchers at Washington State University report that the harnessing of “antimatter” is becoming closer to reality. Although the subject has in the past been relegated to the pages of Sci-Fi novels or movies, it appears that the use of antimatter may be getting closer to every-day life.

The scientists are seeking the best way to corral and store what are called “positrons” which are a form of antimatter. Storing antimatter is a somewhat difficult task because of the fact that when antimatter comes into contact with regular matter – the stuff that containers are made of – a massive release of energy is created and the antimatter is destroyed in the process. This poses both the problem of losing the antimatter you are trying to store, and the real possibility of a dangerous explosion.

The scientists claim that the uses of antimatter in the real world are many. One of the primary possibilities is to use the energy created by antimatter to fuel industry, or cars, or even interstellar space craft.

“Realistically, the only way we are going to go into deep space is by using matter/antimatter” said Kelvin Lynn, Professor, Department of Physics.

While the possibilities are endless for the use of antimatter, we still may have to wait some time before its use is practical. However the recent discoveries by the WSU team are promising.

In the video below, two of the WSU researchers discuss the possibilities of using antimatter.