The Search for Extra Dimensions

Do Other Dimensions Really Exist?

There are many fundamental forces in the universe and one of them is gravity. But gravitational forces are not as strong as other forces. For example, electromagnetism is a stronger force than gravity, as the effect of the gravitational force is not felt completely due to its dispersion due to extra dimensions. For a long time, physicists have been assuming that there are four dimensions in total – one being time and three being space. Some theorists, however, proposed that there are additional dimensions to that we cannot see. However, the existence of extra dimensions is yet to be proven. It is mere speculation at the moment and researchers and scientists are working hard to discover whether they really exist or not.

The Search for Extra Dimensions

Scientists and researchers were very hopeful that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will reveal the presence of extra dimensions. This incredible gigantic experiment helps heavy particles reveal high energies in order to search for microscopic black holes, massive particle traces and energy missing due to the relocation of gravitons to the elevated dimensions. A Graviton is a particle that corresponds with gravity in a similar manner, as a photon is linked with the electromagnetic force. If the existence of extra dimensions is proven then it will be easy to explain the reasons as to why the universe is expanding rapidly and also why gravity is a weaker force as compared to others in nature.

Scientists tried to create gravitons through experiments at LHC to prove whether this elusive particle really exists. However, it maintained its elusive reputation they discovered that was not possible because even if it did exist, it may have immediately disappeared into extra dimensions. Hence, there was no explicit proof uncovered with the LHC as well. The characteristics of the missing objects need to be carefully studied to understand if it is the graviton that escapes into other dimensions or there are other particles. Researchers David Andriot and Gustavo Lucena Golmez from Max Planck Institute of Gravitational Physics located at Potsdam, Germany discovered two inexplicable effects known as breathing mode and high-frequency gravitational waves moderation which are responsible for the stretching of gravitational waves in the space.

The researchers noticed that the extra dimensions resulted in the formation of additional gravitational waves with higher frequencies. But sadly there are no observatories to detect high frequencies predicted by the researchers. However, we have the technology required to perceive the breathing mode. The shape of the space changes due to its reaction to the passage of gravity. The breathing mode can be viewed additionally through squashing and stretching; reacting to the extra gravitational waves when space contracts and expands. As per the statement was given by Lucena Gomez to the New Scientist, “We will only be able to detect if the breathing mode is happening with additional detectors.”

As per the calculations of the researchers, the extra waves created at high frequencies will conclusively indicate extra dimensions. Moreover, there is more reality and clarification for breathing mode as compared to abstract dimensions, but if detected it will be an important clue that will ensure its presence.

An explanation of our universe

In reality, there is three spatial dimensions and time is the fourth dimension. According to the theory of relativity given by Einstein, space has the ability to contract, bend and expand. If a single dimension is contracted to a size which is even smaller than an atom, we will not be able to view it. However, if a smaller scale is used then the invisible dimension may become visible. For example, if a person has to walk on a single rope, he will not be able to move right or left nor up and down. He has to walk in single dimension only. On the other hand, ants being so small can move around the rope and see multiple dimensions on it. Even though there is no proof that our researchers are hunting for other additional dimensions, the gravitational waves were observed by the scientists in 2015. Moreover, as gravity apparently is present in other dimensions, we can gain some hints about these extra dimensions by studying and observing the reaction of these waves in disparate situations. If gravity is present in the additional dimensions then it becomes weak and understanding the weak gravitational force is easier if extra dimensions are present.

In other words, if extra dimension exists then it would permit a hypothesis of the universe that is rational and inclusive. It would also provide an explanation for uncertainties related to the feature of gravity. Furthermore, it would offer clarification about the fast expansion of the universe. As explained by Lucena Gomez, the existence of extra dimensions in the universe will shrink or stretch space-time in a unique manner that normal gravitational waves would not do.

Physicists will be very excited if they discover any hint to validate the existence of extra dimensions, as it would be easier for them to explain the universal laws with a distinct and reasoned theory. If it was possible to resolve the conflicts between the general principles of relativity and quantum field, theories, for instance, instantaneous transport and communication, anti-gravity, faster than light travel, transmutation of matter, etc. would have been possible too. As of now, there is no appropriate answer but mastering the gravitational wave’s behaviour would be an astounding move in the right direction.

There is also an alternative way to reveal extra dimensions; i.e., through producing microscopic black holes. What is detected will depend upon certain factors, like the mass of the black hole, the number of extra dimensions, energy at which the black holes will appear and the size of the dimension. If there is an appearance of micro black holes due to collisions generated by LHC, they would fragment at a faster speed. They would deteriorate into supersymmetric particles or the standard model, resulting in a creation of events accommodating extraordinary tracks number in detectors which could be spotted easily. Discovery of any of these subjects will increase the possibility of the existence of extra dimensions. We live in a fascinating era, where soon to come scientific discoveries can lead us to even greater heights than we have ever imagined.