A New Method for Searching for Free Fractional Charge Particles in Bulk Matter

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel experimental approach based on an enhanced Millikan method, enabling the use of larger drops to improve the search for free fractional charge particles in bulk matter, especially from meteorites.

Contribution

The paper presents a new method that allows larger drops in fractional charge searches, facilitating the analysis of meteorite suspensions for fractional charge particles.

Findings

Enables use of 20-100 mm drops, larger than traditional methods.

Simplifies the process of analyzing meteorite suspensions.

Improves the potential for detecting fractional charge particles.

Abstract

We present a new experimental method for searching for free fractional charge in bulk matter; this new method derives from the traditional Millikan liquid drop method, but allows the use of much larger drops, 20 to 100 mm in diameter, compared to the traditional method that uses drops less than 15 mm in diameter. These larger drops provide the substantial advantage that it is then much easier to consistently generate drops containing liquid suspensions of powdered meteorites and other special minerals. These materials are of great importance in bulk searches for fractional charge particles that may have been produced in the early universe.