Scientists Experimenting With Quantum Effect That Some Fear Could Cause Chain Reaction That Ends Entire Universe

Key Points:

• Physicists in China have simulated false vacuum decay in a lab-based "tabletop" experiment using a ring of Rydberg atoms, aiming to better understand the quantum tunneling process that could cause the universe to transition from a metastable "false" vacuum to a stable "true" vacuum.
• The experiment involved breaking the symmetry of the atomic ring with site-selective laser beams to create distinct false and true vacuum states, allowing researchers to observe quantum tunneling events in real time.
• Results showed that stronger symmetry-breaking lasers accelerated the simulated vacuum decay, supporting quantum field theory predictions, and revealed the formation of "bubbles" of true vacuum that facilitate transition to lower energy states.
• This work builds on previous quantum computer simulations of false vacuum decay and establishes a foundation for future experimental investigations into the fundamental physics behind potential cosmic-scale vacuum transitions.