Physicists build simulator, hope to stand up beautiful Standard Model

Physicists have built a quantum simulator to study the Standard Model of particle physics – a theory concerning the electromagnetic, weak, and strong nuclear interactions, as well as classifying all the subatomic particles known. The simulator includes lasers and four calcium ions, according to new research published in Nature [ …

[Ugotta B. Kiddingme]

wow

came to make a snarky comment along the lines of "c'mon lads! This is for SCIENCE! We can afford more than four calcium ions."

Then read the article, picked up my jaw, and slunk away in awe. Hooray science.

[Anonymous Coward]

The bit that was left out (it may be in the paywalled paper) is how they are going to validate their generated models. Without that information the results could just be pie in the sky.

[Paul Kinsler]

how they are going to validate their generated models

As an experiment, it /is/ an embodiment of the process of validating scientific models. If the experimental analogy works, we all cheer; if it fails, we try to work out why.

[arctic_haze]

Next thing after Brexit

Just after Brexit we should abolish science. John Bull needs no scientific gibberish.

And too many scientists are foreigners, anyway.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Next thing after Brexit

Just after Brexit we should abolish science. John Bull needs no scientific gibberish.

Please do, dear chap, please do. We could use your scientists over here, and will be glad to sell you anything they'll develop. Provided that you can afford it, of course.

[arctic_haze]

Re: Next thing after Brexit

I am an "oversees" scientist (from the English point of view) who cooperates with colleagues both in England and Scotland. I feel sorry for the English ones (who all told me how a Brexit would screw their work) and I congratulate the Scottish ones their unavoidable independence!

[Sureo]

The ions just want to get out...

... and become normal atoms, but they keep getting tormented with lasers.

[DNTP]

Re: The ions just want to get out...

Well how do you know what an atom feels. Maybe to them being ionized feels like having a pint, and the laser is like being at a laser light show.

[roselan]

quantumception

Studying quantum physics with a quantum computer is cheating!

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: quantumception

"If you ain't cheatin' you ain't tryin'."