At a Glance
- Researchers have discovered a new series representation for the irrational number π by studying string theory and high-energy particle quantum scattering.
- The new formula resembles the π representation proposed by the 15th-century Indian mathematician Sangamagrama Madhava, now refined using modern physics and mathematics.
- The study emerged from attempts to simplify quantum particle interaction models by reducing calculation parameters by combining tools like the Euler-Beta Function and Feynman Diagram.
- The researchers’ method improved understanding of quantum processes and provided a more efficient way to calculate π, showcasing the interplay between theoretical physics and mathematical constants.
- While the discovery’s practical applications are still unclear, the research underscores the value of pure theoretical exploration, drawing inspiration from historical advancements that led to unforeseen practical innovations.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have made a groundbreaking discovery while exploring the applications of string theory in understanding physical phenomena. Their study has led to a novel series representation for the irrational number π, offering a more straightforward method to extract π from complex calculations related to quantum scattering of high-energy particles.
The new formula, developed by Arnab Saha and Aninda Sinha from the Center for High Energy Physics (CHEP) at IISc, closely resembles the representation of π proposed by Indian mathematician Sangamagrama Madhava in the 15th century. This historical series for π has now been revisited and refined through the lens of modern physics and mathematics.
The study published in Physical Review Letters sheds light on how the team’s focus on high-energy physics and string theory unexpectedly led to a fresh perspective on the mathematical constant π. Sinha’s group, delving into the complexities of particle interactions at the quantum level, aimed to streamline models by reducing the number of parameters involved in their calculations.
By combining mathematical tools like the Euler-Beta Function and the Feynman Diagram, the researchers devised an efficient model to describe particle interactions. This innovative approach enhanced their understanding of quantum processes and unveiled a new series representation for π, offering a more efficient way to calculate this fundamental constant.
While the practical applications of this theoretical breakthrough are yet to be fully realized, Sinha emphasizes the intrinsic value of pure theoretical exploration. Drawing parallels to past scientific advancements that unexpectedly led to practical innovations, the team’s work exemplifies the joy of pushing the boundaries of theory for the sake of discovery and potential future applications.
References
- Indian Institute of Science. (2024, June 18). Physicists find a new way to represent π. Phys.Org; Indian Institute of Science. https://phys.org/news/2024-06-physicists.html
- Saha, A. P., & Sinha, A. (2024). Field Theory Expansions of String Theory Amplitudes. Physical Review Letters, 132(22), 221601. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.221601
