Description: The Weyl fermion is a fundamental particle in theoretical physics characterized as a solution to the Weyl equation, formulated by Hermann Weyl in 1929. This equation describes massless particles that possess a unique property: they are spin-1/2 particles that exhibit chirality, meaning they can be considered as particles spinning in a specific direction. Weyl fermions are important in the context of quantum field theory and particle physics, as they represent a type of fermion that has no mass and thus moves at the speed of light. This characteristic makes them relevant in describing phenomena in high-energy physics and in the theory of relativity. Additionally, Weyl fermions are fundamental in understanding dark matter and in the search for new particles in particle accelerators. Their study has led to significant advances in modern physics, including the exploration of new states of matter and the understanding of symmetry in fundamental interactions. In the realm of quantum computing, Weyl fermions are also being investigated for their potential to develop new types of qubits, which are the basis of quantum computing, due to their unique properties of transport and manipulation of quantum information.
History: The Weyl equation was formulated by Hermann Weyl in 1929 as part of his work in quantum field theory. In 2015, Weyl fermions were experimentally confirmed in a material known as TaAs, marking a milestone in material physics and the understanding of the topological properties of matter.
Uses: Weyl fermions have applications in particle physics and in the research of dark matter. They are also being explored in the development of new topological materials that could have applications in electronics and quantum computing.
Examples: An example of the use of Weyl fermions is found in the material TaAs, where their unique properties have been observed. Additionally, they are being investigated in the context of qubits for quantum computing, leveraging their ability to efficiently transport quantum information.
