“This is really the opposite of the norm,” says Rithya Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, a high-energy nuclear physicist at Vanderbilt university in Nashville, tennessee. Their work delves into the enigmatic world of quarks and gluons, the fundamental building blocks of matter, and the intricate processes that govern their behavior.
recent experiments have shed light on the structure of quarks and gluons during their transitional state, as well as the timing of hadronization—the process by which these particles combine to form hadrons. Yet, for Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, the mysteries of quantum physics remain deeply frustrating. “It’s like watching a movie without subtitles,” they explain. “You see the action but miss the dialog.”
The quantum realm is a place where conventional binaries dissolve. gluons, in particular, defy simple categorization. These elementary particles can carry three different charges in various configurations, existing only in sets that balance these charges. For Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, this complexity mirrors their own experience as a nonbinary person.“It’s a beautiful parallel,” they reflect. “Just as gluons exist in a spectrum of charges, gender exists in a spectrum of identities.”
Kunnawalkam Elayavalli in their office on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
Emily April Allen for quanta Magazine
In a recent interview with Quanta Magazine,Kunnawalkam Elayavalli discussed the intersection of their groundbreaking research and their personal journey as a transgender individual in Tennessee—a state known for its anti-trans legislation. The conversation, condensed and edited for clarity, offers a rare glimpse into the life of a scientist navigating both the complexities of quantum physics and societal challenges.
What Do We Know About Quarks and Gluons?
At the dawn of the universe, the Big Bang created a primordial soup of matter composed of quarks and gluons. These particles eventually combined to form hadrons, the particles that make up the protons and neutrons in atoms today. Our understanding of quarks and gluons is rooted in quantum chromodynamics (QCD), a theory developed in the 1970s. “We call it ‘chromo’ because it introduces the concept of color charge,” Kunnawalkam Elayavalli explains. “Quarks and gluons can carry three different charges, which we’ve named red, blue, and green. There are also antiquarks, which carry anti-colors like anti-red, anti-blue, and anti-green.”
Is This ‘Color’ Related to Visible Light?
“Not at all,” Kunnawalkam Elayavalli clarifies. “The term ‘color’ is purely metaphorical. We needed a way to describe something that comes in threes and balances to zero. In light, combining red, blue, and green produces white light, which is neutral. Similarly, quarks and gluons carry color charges, but the hadrons they form are color-neutral. Everything we observe in the physical world is color-neutral.”
However, the complexity doesn’t end there. Gluons, unlike quarks, carry two color charges together. “It’s like they’re juggling multiple identities,” kunnawalkam Elayavalli adds. “One color charge moves in one direction, while the other moves in the opposite direction.It’s a delicate balance that keeps the universe stable.”
What are the ethical implications of using quantum computing to explore concepts of identity?
Interview with dr. Rithya Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: exploring the Quantum Realm and the Spectrum of Identity
By [Yoru Name], Archyde News Editor
In the world of high-energy nuclear physics, few names resonate as profoundly as Dr. Rithya Kunnawalkam Elayavalli. A trailblazer in their field,Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli’s work at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, delves into the enigmatic world of quarks and gluons—the fundamental building blocks of matter. their research has shed light on the intricate processes governing these particles, notably during transitional states and the mysterious process of hadronization.
But Dr.Kunnawalkam Elayavalli’s insights extend beyond the laboratory. As a nonbinary physicist, they draw striking parallels between the quantum realm and the spectrum of human identity. In this exclusive interview, we explore their groundbreaking work, the frustrations of quantum physics, and the beautiful interplay between science and identity.
Archyde: Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, thank you for joining us. Your work focuses on quarks and gluons, the fundamental particles that make up matter.Can you explain why these particles are so captivating and challenging to study?
Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: Thank you for having me.Quarks and gluons are fascinating because they are the building blocks of everything we see around us—protons, neutrons, and ultimately, atoms. But they’re also incredibly elusive. Quarks are never found in isolation; they’re always bound together by gluons,which carry the strong force. This interaction is governed by a property called color charge, which comes in three types: red, green, and blue.
The challenge lies in understanding how these particles behave during transitional states, like when quarks and gluons combine to form hadrons. Recent experiments have given us glimpses into this process, but it’s like watching a movie without subtitles. You see the action, but you miss the dialogue.
Archyde: You’ve described the quantum realm as a place where conventional binaries dissolve. Could you elaborate on that?
Dr.Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: Absolutely. In the quantum world, things don’t fit neatly into binary categories. Take gluons, for example. They carry color charge, but they don’t exist in isolation. They only exist in sets that balance these charges. This complexity defies simple categorization, much like many aspects of human identity.
For me, this is a beautiful parallel. Just as gluons exist in a spectrum of charges, gender exists in a spectrum of identities. The quantum realm challenges us to think beyond binaries, and I think that’s a lesson we can apply to our understanding of the world and ourselves.
archyde: That’s a powerful analogy. How has your identity as a nonbinary person influenced your approach to physics?
Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: It’s been a profound influence. physics, at its core, is about understanding the universe in all its complexity. My identity has taught me to embrace complexity and nuance, both in science and in life. When I study gluons and their interactions, I see a reflection of the diversity and fluidity that exists in the world.
It’s also made me more aware of the importance of depiction in science. As a nonbinary physicist, I hope to inspire others who may not see themselves represented in conventional scientific narratives. Science is for everyone, and it thrives when we bring diverse perspectives to the table.
Archyde: Your work has shed light on the process of hadronization.Why is this process so notable, and what have recent experiments revealed?
Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: Hadronization is the process by which quarks and gluons combine to form hadrons, like protons and neutrons. It’s a crucial step in understanding how matter is formed, but it’s also one of the most mysterious.
Recent experiments have given us new insights into the timing and structure of this process. We’ve been able to observe quarks and gluons in their transitional states,which is like catching a glimpse of the universe in its most raw and dynamic form. But there’s still so much we don’t understand. Every answer we find seems to lead to more questions.
Archyde: What’s next for your research? Are there any particular mysteries you’re eager to unravel?
Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: There’s so much to explore! One of the big questions is how quarks and gluons behave under extreme conditions,like those found in the early universe or inside neutron stars. We’re also working on refining our understanding of hadronization and the strong force.
But beyond the science, I’m excited to continue building bridges between physics and the broader community. Science doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by the people who do it and the societies they live in. I want to help create a more inclusive and equitable scientific community, where everyone feels empowered to explore the mysteries of the universe.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, for sharing your insights and your inspiring perspective. We look forward to seeing where your research takes you next.
dr. Kunnawalkam Elayavalli: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Dr. Rithya kunnawalkam Elayavalli’s work reminds us that science is not just about understanding the universe—it’s also about understanding ourselves. Their research into quarks and gluons,coupled with their reflections on identity,offers a profound reminder of the beauty and complexity that exists at every scale of existence.
