In:
The British Journal for the History of Science, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 24, No. 4 ( 1991-12), p. 405-433
Abstract:
In order to formulate a fundamental quantum field theory of nuclear forces that explains their strength, range, and exchange character, while at the same time accounting for the weak β-decay interaction, Hideki Yukawa introduced a new kind of quantum field. In contrast to the real field of quantum electrodynamics (QED), which he took as his model, Yukawa's U -field was complex, and in contrast to the neutral massless photon of QED, the U -field's ‘heavy’ (i.e. massive) quanta were charged, carrying the electronic charge (positive and negative). The theory was proposed in November 1934 and published a few months later; however, its advantages were ignored, and for more than two years it went unnoticed, probably because there was no direct experimental evidence for the existence of U -quanta.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0007-0874
,
1474-001X
DOI:
10.1017/S000708740002762X
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1991
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2017943-1
SSG:
24
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