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Asked by rajathjackson to David on 18 Jun 2013.
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David Freeborn answered on 18 Jun 2013:
Hi rajathjackson,
Yes- we’re definitely looking for gravitons, but this is a particularly difficult particle to find!
Gravity is currently the only part of physics that we can’t describe with quantum theory- for some reason it doesn’t seem to behave the same way as the other forces at the quantum level. Finding a quantum theory of gravity is probably the biggest single quest in physics right now, and whoever achieves it will be seen as one of the greatest physicists of all time. It will allow us to unify all of the forces of nature in a single equation.
But until we have a quantum theory of gravity that we know works, we can’t easily predict what the properties of the Graviton will be. This makes it extremely difficult to look for- the best we can do is take the most plausible types of quantum gravity theories and see what sort of particle they predict. But there are many different possible theories. This makes the Graviton one of the most difficult particles to find.
Even worse, we know that gravity is one of the weakest forces of nature (about 1000 times weaker than any other force), which means Gravitons will only interact very, very rarely. This makes Gravitons even harder to look for!
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Comments
rajathjackson commented on :
I have a great interest in physics and will be taking research as my career. So, there’s a chance for me to take part in the hunt for the quantum theory of gravity.(and also if I’m intelligent enough to get there)
David commented on :
Hi rajathjackson- yes, the hunt for quantum gravity might take decades or even longer. It’s definitely something you’ll have a chance to help in, if you go into physics.
And these are really good questions- I’m sure you’re intelligent enough!