- In particle physics, asymptotic freedom is a property of some gauge
- theories that cause interactions between particles to become asymptotically weaker as the energy scale increases and the corresponding length scale decreases. Asymptotic freedom is a feature of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the quantum field theory of the strong interaction between quarks and gluons, the fundamental constituents of nuclear matter. Quarks interact weakly at high energies, allowing perturbative calculations. At low points, the interaction becomes strong, leading to quarks and gluons’ confinement within composite hadrons. QCD has verified the quantum field theory.
- In theoretical physics, quantum field theory (QFT) is a theoretical framework that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics; QFT is used in particle physics to construct physical models of subatomic particles.
- The odderon is a combination of subatomic particles rather than a new fundamental particle – but it does act like the latter in some respects and the way it fits into the basic building blocks. It helps fill in some of the gaps in the modern idea of quantum chromodynamics or QCD, the hypothesis of how quarks and gluons interact at the minor level. This state of matter at the most miniature scale is the basis for holding things together. The Odderon particle briefly forms when protons collide in high-energy collisions; if it doesn’t shatter, it bounces off one another to scatter. Protons are made up of quarks and gluons that briefly form Odderon and Pomeron particles.
- Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory of the strong interaction between quarks and gluons, the fundamental particles that make up composite hadrons such as the proton, neutron, and pion. QCD is a quantum field theory called a non-abelian gauge theory, with symmetry group SU(3). The QCD analog of electric charge is a property called color. Gluons are the theory’s force carrier, just as photons are for the electromagnetic force in quantum electrodynamics. The theory is an integral part of the Standard Model of particle physics. A large body of experimental evidence for QCD has been gathered over the years.