Antimatter is primarily used in advanced medical imaging and cancer treatments, with future potential in energy generation, scientific research, and even theoretical propulsion systems[1][2].
- Medical imaging: Positron Emission Tomography (PET scans) use positrons, a form of antimatter, to create highly detailed images for diagnosing and monitoring diseases like cancer[1][2][6].
- Cancer treatment: Research explores how antimatter can deliver precise radiation, particularly with antiprotons, to target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue; treatments such as boron neutron capture therapy and antiproton radiotherapy are under investigation[1].
- Scientific research: Antimatter studies help scientists test fundamental laws of physics, deepen our understanding of the universe, and investigate matter-antimatter symmetry[4][6][7]. CERN researchers have implemented antimatter-based quantum bits (qubits) for extremely precise measurements and quantum information experiments[3].
- Potential energy source: Matter-antimatter annihilation releases immense energy (about 9 million times more than nuclear reactions), so antimatter is investigated for futuristic power generation—although practical use is limited by difficult production and storage[1].
- Theoretical propulsion: Concepts exist of using antimatter for spacecraft propulsion, taking advantage of its huge energy density, but current technology is not yet viable for large-scale use[2].
References
- [1] What Is Anti-Matter? – Quantum Zeitgeist
- [2] If Antimatter Is So Short-Lived, Why Do Scientists Still Create It? – Science ABC
- [3] CERN Researchers Demonstrate Antimatter Qubit – The Quantum Insider
- [4] A Quantum Leap for Antimatter Measurements – CERN
- [6] ANTIMATTER: A review of its role in the universe and its applications – IOP Institute of Physics
- [7] Antimatter – Wikipedia
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