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Superstrings

When particles become so small that they approach the smallest possible size in the Universe, something strange happens. They become multi-dimensional rubber strings.

Posted by Tormod Guldvog
13 September, 2001 04:09:31

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In quantum physics, there is a measurement known as the Planck Scale (10^-35 meters). This is, to make it short, the tiniest space which any object can fill before it becomes pure energy.

At this scale, something strange happens to the laws of physics. Instead of just disappearing into oblivion, objects at this scale become multidimensional strings which represent all the properties of the object. By vibrating, twisting and turning in all dimensions, this so-called superstring actally exists on the border of space and time. And four dimensions are not enough: superstring theory demand at least 11 different dimensions to work.

Strange as it may sound, this implies that superstrings are objects which exist outside our perception of space-time. These cosmic guitar strings seem to create a harmony consisting of ripples through time.

And the fascinating possibility is that these vibrations may actually bring together all the observed forces in the universe: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak forces (the forces which hold an atom together).

The superstring theory is controversial, and so far this is a purely theoretical matter. But by studying superstrings, scientists may eventually find a theory which can explain everything we observe in the Cosmos.

Related Links

SUPERSTRINGS! Tutorial
http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~jpierre/strings/tutor.htm
An introduction to superstring theory by John M. Pierre at University of California at Santa Barbara.

Introduction to String Theory
http://viswiz.gmd.de/~nikitin/course/
A technical course for the more mathematically adept among us.

The Second Superstring Revolution
http://theory.caltech.edu/people/jhs/strings/index.htm
A web site about new discoveries in superstring theory.

Strings and Singularities
http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/quantum/53.html
New Scientist's Guide to the Quantum World.

The Symphony of Everything
http://www.msnbc.com/news/201650.asp?cp1=1
An MSNBC special on superstrings, richly illustrated and simple to understand.

The Official String Theory Web Site
http://www.superstringtheory.com/
Well, an entire web site dedicated to superstring theory. Links, discussion, articles and more.

The Superstring Theory
http://spaceboy.nasda.go.jp/note/Kagaku/E/kag107_superstring_e.html
A brief presentation of superstring from NASDA's Cosmic Information Center. It has a good illustration.

From Ellipses to Superstrings: A Brief History of Unification
http://www.sciborg.uwaterloo.ca/physics/p13news/number_4/superst.html
"The history of physics is the history of unification," writes Douglas Hayhoe, Ph.D., in this paper.

Introduction to Superstrings
http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/GraduateAdmissions/greene/greene.html
Brian Greene has written this article on superstrings. Text only.

Introduction to String Theory
http://fy.chalmers.se/tp/Egroup/stringtheory.html
This is a presentation of superstrings, forming part of a class presentation. This is a good introduction for beginners.