In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Adelaide and international collaborators have utilized lattice quantum chromodynamics to simulate the strong force within protons.

The LHC, which involves collaboration from over 10,000 scientists worldwide, is designed to test various theories of particle physics.

PhD student Joshua Crawford led calculations revealing that forces within protons can reach up to half a million Newtons, which is equivalent to the weight of ten elephants confined to a space smaller than an atomic nucleus.

This research has resulted in what may be the smallest-ever force field map of nature, published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

The findings significantly enhance our understanding of proton behavior in high-energy collisions, particularly at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The study aims to make the invisible forces within protons visible, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical physics and experimental research.

Advancing knowledge of proton structure could have significant implications for medical applications, particularly in improving proton therapy for cancer treatment by enabling more precise targeting of tumors.

Associate Professor Young has likened modern research on protons to historical advancements in understanding light, suggesting that these insights could impact future technologies.

This research has mapped the forces within a proton, providing insights into how quarks respond to high-energy photons.