What was an alchemist’s dream to turn baser metals into noble metals such as Gold has become a reality in large hydrogen collider (LHC) located near Geneva, Switzerland.

Lead ions were passed through the LHC at the speed of light and they smash each other. At times, instead of smashing, the ions pass in close proximity creating an electromagnetic pulse.

Lead has 82 protons, and when it is subjected to extreme conditions, its nuclei reach the speed of light. Their electromagnetic fields create pulses of energy, leading to interaction with the lead nuclei. These nuclei then shed three protons converting lead into a gold atom, with 79 protons.

Some other elements too emerge apart from gold — thallium, mercury.

However, the quantity produced of gold is minuscule — 29 picograms or 29 trillionths of a gram. The quantity is too small to be seen with the naked eye. The gold lasts for a microsecond and decays into other particles. It is so ephemeral.

The experiment has implications in particle physics. We get insight into interactions of particles under extreme conditions. It is a maiden experiment to detect gold production and its analysis. It is a rare event.

The detectors are able to handle head-on collisions producing so many particles. They are also sensitive to collisions where only a few particles are produced. It thus paves the way for rare electromagnetic ‘nuclear transmutation.’ It is a potential field of research. It decides also the way particle accelerators will be used in future.