Nuclear ‘knots’ could unravel the mysteries of atoms
Structures called skyrmions might overcome hurdles in nuclear physics calculations
Knotlike structures called skyrmions might help scientists untangle the inner workings of atomic nuclei, a new study suggests.
A skyrmion is a tiny disturbance in a substance, a swirling pattern that, like a knot, is difficult to undo. In the 1960s, nuclear physicist Tony Skyrme suggested that these structures — since named after him — could represent protons and neutrons within a nucleus in theoretical calculations. But despite some initial promise, the idea hit snags. In particular, skyrmion calculations produced misshapen nuclei.