Exploring Advanced Physics in Virtual Reality: A New Frontier
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Hello, I’m Micah, an enthusiast of advanced physics experiments. I'm initiating a collaborative space where we can engage globally under the northern lights in a virtual reality environment known as Spatial.io.
Today, I plan to integrate a section of a particle accelerator within this virtual setting.
If I succeed in bringing this concept to Virtual Reality, any physicist can join in discussions about it. They can suggest improvements or modifications while others can voice their confusion. This feedback loop will help us continually refine our shared experience.
Initial Attempt: A Learning Curve
My first attempt to use the particle accelerator file in a 3D builder was unsuccessful. So, I turned to Blender to import and then export it in the correct format. Unfortunately, the file required repairs and was devoid of color—it was just black and white—and too large for the Spatial platform.
Since this is a weekend project, I opted to upload smaller, artistic particles instead, which are significantly lighter in file size. Baby steps, right?
After a few missteps—like inadvertently altering the environment instead of merely importing the model—I finally made it work.
Motivation Behind This Project
If there’s already a worldwide advanced physics lab in augmented and virtual reality that encourages participation, I’d love to know about it. I might even lend a hand to its creators. My experience in augmented and virtual reality spans nearly a decade, and having visited the European Center for Nuclear Research, I haven't encountered anything like this.
Insights from Existing Literature
The University of Illinois has developed several physics visualization tools.
Physics VR Apps
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Applied Technologies for Learning in the Arts & Sciences
atlas.illinois.edu
I couldn't find a way to join others through the provided link, but I did discover a particle accelerator app from 2015, which was prototyped by Ilija Vukotic with contributions from Rob Gardner, Edward Moyse from the University of Massachusetts, Dale Mertes from the University of Chicago, and Abha Eli Phoboo.
Currently, the most immersive experience of CERN's facilities can be found on their official website. A Proceedings of Science Paper indicates that a more expansive shared experience is necessary.
Numerous enthusiasts passionate about particle physics have discussed the possibilities of virtual reality in this domain at the annual Snowmass conference. This notion is supported by the European Journal for Physics. While it’s not that no one has attempted this, visionaries have been pursuing it since the 1990s, but the technology wasn’t ready. There have been some explorations of virtual reality in museums, though they likely face the same obstacles as those in particle accelerator settings. A crucial aspect of the experience is allowing participants to influence the environment, which could potentially be achieved through robotics.
Some of this was explored at a Human Robot Interaction event, accessible through IEEE, Universitat Hamburg, and Data Science Hamburg.
Inspiration for This Endeavor
For the past decade, my passion for quantum mechanics has fueled my belief that such a project is essential. Recently, I discovered an opportunity to create a dark matter installation at a Science Gallery.
DARK MATTERS - The Science Gallery Network
OPEN CALL LIVE Science Gallery at University of Melbourne invites you to propose projects…
sciencegallery.org
The concept that the universe may be predominantly composed of something undetectable sparked my desire to create a space where people can collaborate on scientific inquiries from anywhere in the world. While I assume this idea isn't entirely new, I brewed a strong coffee and submitted the following proposal.
My Vision for an International Virtual Lab
The proposed virtual lab will allow anyone to delve into dark matter research alongside global scientists. Visitors, students, and citizen scientists will gather in virtual reality on headsets, augmented reality on mobile devices, and personal computers to share their curiosity. Artists, musicians, and scientists will collaborate on projects aimed at presenting innovative ideas in physics, paving the way for a novel, spatially immersive approach to scientific publishing. Demonstrations will include:
- Touching dark matter.
- Experiencing an immersive black hole that can be entered and exited.
- Exploring a particle accelerator.
The lab will have a physical and virtual presence in Melbourne, Australia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Our initial meeting point will occur in a virtual environment, and we will develop an online community. Stay tuned for more updates.
Moving Forward
I’m not waiting for feedback from the Science Gallery; I’m diving into the creation process. I’m unsure of the exact steps, but we must begin somewhere. Join me on this exciting journey—reach out! You likely possess knowledge that could be immensely beneficial.
About Me
About
Introduction Hi, I'm Micah! I'm an extremely driven Product Design leader, researcher, and workshop facilitator with 8+ years of experience…
www.lightmache.com
References for 3D Models
“Run 331742, Event 1873900334” (https://skfb.ly/6UFMB) by physics.atlas.vr is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
“Particles Cubed” (https://skfb.ly/opUPD) by Tycho Magnetic Anomaly is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).