Faster-than-light neutrinos are back in the news, although with a slight reduction in speed. More research by the OPERA collaboration has uncovered two possible flaws in the original experiments.
Both flaws involve “the experiment’s pioneering use of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals to synchronize atomic clocks at each end of its neutrino beam. First, the passage of time on the clocks between the arrival of the synchronizing signal has to be interpolated and OPERA now says this may not have been done correctly. Second, there was a possible faulty connection between the GPS signal and the OPERA master clock” (Nature).
Further experimentation needs to be done to check the GPS signals, and to recheck the FTL neutrino data once that is done. What I particularly like about this experiment is the way the researchers are going about it: checking and rechecking results, consulting other scientists, opening it up for discussion, and not being afraid to say that mistakes could have been made. It’s very honest work, which I applaud.
Looking to the future, I’m certainly interested to learn what they discover. Onwards!
Pingback: Faster-Than-Light Neutrinos – No Shame | Richer Ramblings