(c) Dr Paul Kinsler. [Acknowledgements & Feedback]

This is part of an information maze -- see the index-file for the full picture.

Bosons

Bosons are quantum objects which have integral quantum spins - that is, spins of 0, or 1, or 2, 3, ... and so on. Because of this, any number of bosons can be in the same quantum-mechanical state at the same time. This effect allows us to build lasers which produce very intense light that is also very uniform, and has a particular wavelength. Laser light is very different to the light produced by the sun or a light bulb, and its uniformity makes it ideal as a cutting tool or for use in measuring devices. Another well known boson effect is "Bose-Einstein condensation", where a large number of identical bosons inhabit the same state. This effect was first observed in liquid helium, which is a "superfluid" when cold enough to undergo Bose-Einstein condensation.

Compare bosons with fermions.

XINDEX: spin, light, fermion, index-file.

19990610 19961206 (c) Paul Kinsler

XKEYWORD: boson

Email Feedback: Dr.Paul.Kinsler@physics.org

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