Scientists
have proposed a thoroughgoing device
which they say could create detectable gravitational field, an advance that may
change physics and shake up Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Until
now, a scientific advance like this was a dream of science fiction, but it
could open up many new applications such as telecommunications with
gravitational waves that would allow calling the other side of the world
without going through satellite or terrestrial relays, researchers said.
At
present, scientists study gravitational fields passively. They observe and try
to understand existing gravitational fields produced by large inertial masses,
such as stars or Earth, without being able to change them as is done, for
example, with magnetic fields.
This
led Andre Fuzfa from Namur University in Belgium to attempt a revolutionary
approach – creating gravitational fields at will from well-controlled magnetic
fields and observing how these magnetic fields could bend space-time.
In his
study, Fuzfa has proposed, with supporting mathematical proof, a device with
which to create detectable gravitational fields. The device is based on
superconducting electromagnets and therefore relies on technologies routinely
used, for example, at CERN.
Although
this experiment would require major resources, it could be used to test
Einstein’s theory of general relativity. If successful, it would be a major
step forward in physics – the ability to produce, detect and, ultimately,
control gravitational fields, researchers said.
People
could then produce gravitational interaction in the same way as the other three
fundamental interactions (eg electromagnetic and strong and weak nuclear
forces), ushering gravitation into a new experimental and industrial era.
The
research was published in the journal Physical Review
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