LHCb Experiment Uncovers Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry in Baryon Decays

A team of researchers at the CERN LHCb experiment, including scientists from Vilnius University (VU), Lithuania, has made a significant discovery regarding the asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Published in "Nature," the study reveals differences in the decays of baryons, particles composed of three quarks, where such asymmetry was previously undetected. This finding challenges the Standard Model of particle physics, which only explains a small portion of this asymmetry, suggesting a deeper, yet unknown mechanism at play. Dr. Mindaugas Šarpis of VU explains that the LHCb experiment, involving approximately 1,800 people, aims to uncover fundamental differences between matter and antimatter. The recent breakthrough identified asymmetry in the decays of Lambda-b baryons. Dr. Gediminas Šarpis, a scientific reviewer for the study, notes that this discovery, confirmed with a statistical significance of 5.2 sigmas (1 in 5 million), indicates that matter-antimatter differences may extend across similar systems. The implications of this research are substantial, as most of the matter in the universe is baryonic. The technologies developed at CERN also contribute to innovation and economic competitiveness. Lithuania's involvement in the LHCb experiment provides opportunities for researchers and students and benefits the private sector. In autumn 2024, VU was approved as a new Institute within the LHCb experiment.