Coannihilation: The Transformative Process in Particle Physics

Coannihilation is a process in particle physics where two or more particles annihilate each other, resulting in the creation of new particles. In this process, the particles are not just destroyed, but they also transform into other particles through a chain of interactions.

For example, when an electron and a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) collide, they can coannihilate, producing a photon or a pair of neutrinos. Similarly, when a proton and an antiproton collide, they can coannihilate, producing a pion or other particles.

Coannihilation is an important concept in particle physics because it helps us understand the behavior of particles at high energies and how they interact with each other. It also plays a key role in many astrophysical phenomena, such as the formation of stars and the evolution of the universe.