So what does this all mean? Is a time machine just around the corner?

Sadly, no. Our experiment is fully explained by standard physics.

But it does show that negative dwell time is not an artefact. However paradoxical it may seem, it has a directly measurable effect on the atomic cloud that the photon traverses. And it reminds us that there are still lands to discover on the odyssey that is quantum research.

[–] OwOarchist@pawb.social 8 points 1 month ago (1 children)

However paradoxical it may seem, it has a directly measurable effect on the atomic cloud that the photon traverses

So ... a proton exits this 'atomic cloud' before it enters?

[–] Inucune@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Are we potentially getting close to detecting if a tackyon exists?

[–] MalReynolds@slrpnk.net 7 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Seems pretty standard model still, more interesting behavior hiding in the indeterminance principle. Still, negative time hints at negative energy which could certainly change the game.

[–] OwOarchist@pawb.social 7 points 1 month ago (1 children)

negative time hints at negative energy

Energy = mass, and negative mass would have some really bonkers paradoxical behavior...

[–] MalReynolds@slrpnk.net 6 points 1 month ago

Including the aforementioned time travel via stabilization of wormholes ala Morris–Thorne...