Mathematics Faster Than Light Particles – Science Spectrum

You can think of the phenomenon described by the formula a bit like the sonic boom of an aircraft moving faster than the speed of sound. If a charged particle collides with a medium in which it is moving faster than the local speed of light, radiation with the properties described in the Frank Tamm formula is produced. It is created by atoms polarized by the charged particle that oscillates. If they are moving slowly enough, these light waves interfere and cancel each other out. However, with particles faster than light, this no longer works – and Cherenkov radiation is produced.

Illuminated nuclear power plant

You can also observe them, for example, as a blue glow in the cooling ponds of nuclear power plants. Radioactive fuel elements release fast electrons that can travel faster than light in the cooling water.

Cherenkov radiation is also naturally generated. Cosmic radiation from space triggers nuclear reactions in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in showers of particles that move very quickly, sometimes faster than the speed of light. They produce “Cherenkov flashes”, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can certainly be detected with a suitable telescope.