TEDGlobal>Geneva
Harry Cliff: Have we reached the end of physics?
哈利．克里夫: 我們走到物理的盡頭了嗎？
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為什麼這世界是「有」而不是「無」？為什麼這世界有這麼多新奇有趣的事物？哈利．克里夫是在歐洲核子研究組織從事有關大強子對撞機實驗的粒子物理學家，而他有壞消息要告訴尋求這些問題答案的人：儘管眾多科學家的努力（和世上最大的機器的協助），我們可能永遠無解釋所有自然的奇異之處。難道這是物理的末路嗎？快聽聽這場有關宇宙結構最新研究的精彩演講吧！
Harry Cliff - Particle physicist
Harry Cliff looks for answers to questions about the origins of the universe and the laws of nature. Full bio
Harry Cliff looks for answers to questions about the origins of the universe and the laws of nature. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:12
A hundred years ago this month,
a 36-year-old Albert Einstein
a 36-year-old Albert Einstein
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百年前的此月，
36 歲的愛因斯坦
在柏林普魯士科學院前
00:16
stood up in front of the Prussian
Academy of Sciences in Berlin
Academy of Sciences in Berlin
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發表有關時空與重力的
開創性理論：
開創性理論：
00:19
to present a radical new theory
of space, time and gravity:
of space, time and gravity:
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00:23
the general theory of relativity.
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廣義相對論。
00:27
General relativity is unquestionably
Einstein's masterpiece,
Einstein's masterpiece,
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這無疑是愛因斯坦的傑作，
00:30
a theory which reveals the workings
of the universe at the grandest scales,
of the universe at the grandest scales,
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揭露大尺度世界的運行法則，
00:34
capturing in one beautiful line of algebra
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以一則優美的公式囊括一切，
00:36
everything from why apples fall from trees
to the beginning of time and space.
to the beginning of time and space.
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從為何蘋果會從樹上掉落
到時空的起源。
00:41
1915 must have been an exciting year
to be a physicist.
to be a physicist.
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1915 年是令物理學家
興奮的一年，
興奮的一年，
00:44
Two new ideas were turning
the subject on its head.
the subject on its head.
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兩個嶄新的觀念
在物理界掀起革命。
在物理界掀起革命。
00:48
One was Einstein's theory of relativity,
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一是愛因斯坦的相對論，
00:50
the other was arguably
even more revolutionary:
even more revolutionary:
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另一個可說是
更革命性的量子力學。
更革命性的量子力學。
00:53
quantum mechanics,
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00:55
a mind-meltingly strange
yet stunningly successful new way
yet stunningly successful new way
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這是一個十分艱深
但有效的新方法，
但有效的新方法，
00:58
of understanding the microworld,
the world of atoms and particles.
the world of atoms and particles.
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讓我們理解
原子與粒子的小尺度世界。
原子與粒子的小尺度世界。
01:03
Over the last century,
these two ideas have utterly transformed
these two ideas have utterly transformed
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上個世紀這兩個理論
完全顛覆我們對宇宙的認知。
01:07
our understanding of the universe.
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01:09
It's thanks to relativity
and quantum mechanics
and quantum mechanics
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多虧這兩個理論，
我們得以了解宇宙的
構成、形成與演進。
構成、形成與演進。
01:11
that we've learned
what the universe is made from,
what the universe is made from,
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01:14
how it began
and how it continues to evolve.
and how it continues to evolve.
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01:17
A hundred years on, we now find ourselves
at another turning point in physics,
at another turning point in physics,
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百年後的今日，
我們站在物理學新的轉捩點，
但情況與當時卻相當不同，
01:21
but what's at stake now
is rather different.
is rather different.
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01:24
The next few years may tell us
whether we'll be able
whether we'll be able
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未來幾年或許會告訴我們
是否可以進一步
加深對自然的認知，
加深對自然的認知，
01:27
to continue to increase
our understanding of nature,
our understanding of nature,
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抑或將是科學史上首次
01:30
or whether maybe for the first time
in the history of science,
in the history of science,
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人類面臨無法解釋的問題，
01:33
we could be facing questions
that we cannot answer,
that we cannot answer,
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01:37
not because we don't have
the brains or technology,
the brains or technology,
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不是因為
缺乏足夠才智或科技，
缺乏足夠才智或科技，
而是物理定律阻止了我們。
01:40
but because the laws of physics
themselves forbid it.
themselves forbid it.
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01:44
This is the essential problem:
the universe is far, far too interesting.
the universe is far, far too interesting.
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以下是主要問題：
宇宙實在太多采多姿，
01:49
Relativity and quantum mechanics
appear to suggest
appear to suggest
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相對論與量子力學卻暗示：
01:51
that the universe
should be a boring place.
should be a boring place.
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宇宙應該是很空寂的，
01:54
It should be dark, lethal and lifeless.
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應該是黑暗、致命、無生氣的。
01:57
But when we look around us, we see we live
in a universe full of interesting stuff,
in a universe full of interesting stuff,
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但當我們環顧四周，
會發現我們處於一個充滿
恆星、行星、樹木與動物的新奇世界 。
02:01
full of stars, planets, trees, squirrels.
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02:04
The question is, ultimately,
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最終，問題是：
02:05
why does all this interesting stuff exist?
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為什麼有這些有趣的萬物存在？
02:08
Why is there something
rather than nothing?
rather than nothing?
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為什麼是「有」，
而不是「虛無」？
而不是「虛無」？
02:13
This contradiction is the most pressing
problem in fundamental physics,
problem in fundamental physics,
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這個矛盾在基礎物理中
最迫切的問題。
最迫切的問題。
02:16
and in the next few years, we may find out
whether we'll ever be able to solve it.
whether we'll ever be able to solve it.
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而在未來幾年，
我們也許會知道
是否有能力解決它。
是否有能力解決它。
02:23
At the heart of this problem
are two numbers,
are two numbers,
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在這問題的核心是兩個數字，
02:26
two extremely dangerous numbers.
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兩個極端危險的數字，
02:28
These are properties of the universe
that we can measure,
that we can measure,
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關乎兩項可以量測的宇宙特質。
它們非常危險，
02:31
and they're extremely dangerous
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因為假若它們之值
與現今有絲毫差異，
與現今有絲毫差異，
02:33
because if they were different,
even by a tiny bit,
even by a tiny bit,
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那我們所熟知的宇宙
便不復存在。
便不復存在。
02:35
then the universe as we know it
would not exist.
would not exist.
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02:38
The first of these numbers is associated
with the discovery that was made
with the discovery that was made
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第一個數字與在
距此數公里之外的
距此數公里之外的
歐洲核子研究組織(CERN）裡，
02:42
a few kilometers from this hall,
at CERN, home of this machine,
at CERN, home of this machine,
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人類所建造最大的科學儀器--
02:45
the largest scientific device
ever built by the human race,
ever built by the human race,
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大強子對撞機（LHC）
所做的發現有關。
所做的發現有關。
02:48
the Large Hadron Collider.
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02:50
The LHC whizzes subatomic particles
around a 27-kilometer ring,
around a 27-kilometer ring,
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LHC 在長達 27 公里的環中，
02:54
getting them closer and closer
to the speed of light
to the speed of light
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加速次原子粒子
直至接近光速，
直至接近光速，
02:56
before smashing them into each other
inside gigantic particle detectors.
inside gigantic particle detectors.
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再使它們在
巨型粒子探測器中對撞。
巨型粒子探測器中對撞。
03:01
On July 4, 2012, physicists
at CERN announced to the world
at CERN announced to the world
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2012 年 7 月 4 日，
CERN 的物理學家
向全世界宣告，
向全世界宣告，
03:05
that they'd spotted
a new fundamental particle
a new fundamental particle
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探測到新的基本粒子。
在 LHC 的一場
劇烈對撞中產生
劇烈對撞中產生
03:08
being created at the violent collisions
at the LHC: the Higgs boson.
at the LHC: the Higgs boson.
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希格斯玻色子。
03:13
Now, if you followed the news at the time,
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如果你當時
有關注這個消息，
有關注這個消息，
03:15
you'll have seen a lot of physicists
getting very excited indeed,
getting very excited indeed,
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你會發現許多
物理學家十分興奮。
物理學家十分興奮。
而你也會覺得，
03:18
and you'd be forgiven for thinking
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每次物理學家
發現新粒子都是如此，
發現新粒子都是如此，
03:20
we get that way every time
we discover a new particle.
we discover a new particle.
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沒錯。
03:22
Well, that is kind of true,
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03:24
but the Higgs boson
is particularly special.
is particularly special.
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但希格斯玻色子格外特別，
03:26
We all got so excited
because finding the Higgs
because finding the Higgs
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我們如此興奮是因為
發現希格斯玻色子，
發現希格斯玻色子，
03:29
proves the existence
of a cosmic energy field.
of a cosmic energy field.
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意味著宇宙能量場的存在。
03:32
Now, you may have trouble
imagining an energy field,
imagining an energy field,
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你可能無法想像一個能量場，
03:35
but we've all experienced one.
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但我們都有這種經驗：
03:36
If you've ever held a magnet
close to a piece of metal
close to a piece of metal
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如果你拿一個磁鐵
靠近金屬片，
靠近金屬片，
03:39
and felt a force pulling across that gap,
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會感覺到之間
有一股無形的拉力，
有一股無形的拉力，
03:41
then you've felt the effect of a field.
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那麼你就是感受到
場的效應。
場的效應。
03:43
And the Higgs field
is a little bit like a magnetic field,
is a little bit like a magnetic field,
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希格斯場有點類似磁場，
03:46
except it has a constant value everywhere.
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但它在任何地方都是常數，
03:49
It's all around us right now.
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它就在我們四周，
03:51
We can't see it or touch it,
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我們無法看或感受它，
03:52
but if it wasn't there,
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但倘若它不存在，
03:54
we would not exist.
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我們便不存在。
希格斯場給予構成
我們的基本粒子質量，
我們的基本粒子質量，
03:56
The Higgs field gives mass
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03:58
to the fundamental particles
that we're made from.
that we're made from.
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如果它不存在，
04:00
If it wasn't there, those particles
would have no mass,
would have no mass,
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這些粒子便沒有質量，
原子無法形成，
04:03
and no atoms could form
and there would be no us.
and there would be no us.
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也就不會有你我。
04:06
But there is something deeply mysterious
about the Higgs field.
about the Higgs field.
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但關於希格斯場有個謎團，
04:11
Relativity and quantum mechanics tell us
that it has two natural settings,
that it has two natural settings,
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相對論與量子力學說
它有兩種自然狀態。
它有兩種自然狀態。
04:15
a bit like a light switch.
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有點像是電燈開關，
04:16
It should either be off,
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不是關--
04:18
so that it has a zero value
everywhere in space,
everywhere in space,
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也就是說它到處的值都是零，
04:20
or it should be on so it has
an absolutely enormous value.
an absolutely enormous value.
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就是開--
也就是說它到處都是個巨大定值。
04:24
In both of these scenarios,
atoms could not exist,
atoms could not exist,
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在這兩個情況下
原子都無法存在，
原子都無法存在，
04:27
and therefore all the other
interesting stuff
interesting stuff
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也因此這世上我們所見
04:29
that we see around us
in the universe would not exist.
in the universe would not exist.
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一切有趣事物將不存在。
04:33
In reality, the Higgs field
is just slightly on,
is just slightly on,
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事實上
希格斯場是稍稍打開的，
04:36
not zero but 10,000 trillion times weaker
than its fully on value,
than its fully on value,
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不是零，而是
開的值的一萬兆分之一，
開的值的一萬兆分之一，
04:41
a bit like a light switch that's got stuck
just before the off position.
just before the off position.
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有點像是卡在
「關」前面一點的電燈開關。
「關」前面一點的電燈開關。
04:46
And this value is crucial.
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這個值十分重要，
04:48
If it were a tiny bit different,
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若它與此值有絲毫不同，
04:50
then there would be
no physical structure in the universe.
no physical structure in the universe.
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在宇宙中將
不會有任何物理結構，
不會有任何物理結構，
04:53
So this is the first
of our dangerous numbers,
of our dangerous numbers,
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這就是第一個危險的數字，
04:55
the strength of the Higgs field.
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希格斯場的強度。
04:57
Theorists have spent decades
trying to understand
trying to understand
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理論學家花了
幾十年的時間嘗試理解，
幾十年的時間嘗試理解，
05:00
why it has this very peculiarly
fine-tuned number,
fine-tuned number,
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為何是如此詭異精微的數值？
05:03
and they've come up
with a number of possible explanations.
with a number of possible explanations.
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他們提出許多可行的解釋，
05:06
They have sexy-sounding names
like "supersymmetry"
like "supersymmetry"
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它們有酷炫的名字如
超對稱或巨大額外維度。
05:09
or "large extra dimensions."
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05:11
I'm not going to go
into the details of these ideas now,
into the details of these ideas now,
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我不會討論這些想法的細節，
05:13
but the key point is this:
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但重點是：
05:16
if any of them explained this weirdly
fine-tuned value of the Higgs field,
fine-tuned value of the Higgs field,
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若它們真的解釋
怪異的希格斯場強度。
怪異的希格斯場強度。
05:20
then we should see new particles
being created at the LHC
being created at the LHC
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那麼在 LHC 中我們應會觀察到
新粒子伴隨
希格斯玻色子產生，
希格斯玻色子產生，
05:24
along with the Higgs boson.
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05:26
So far, though, we've not seen
any sign of them.
any sign of them.
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但至今為止我們一無所獲。
05:29
But there's actually an even worse example
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然而還有關於這種
05:32
of this kind of fine-tuning
of a dangerous number,
of a dangerous number,
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精細危險數字的更慘例子。
05:34
and this time it comes
from the other end of the scale,
from the other end of the scale,
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這次它來自另一個極端尺度：
05:37
from studying the universe
at vast distances.
at vast distances.
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大尺度下的宇宙學。
05:39
One of the most important consequences
of Einstein's general theory of relativity
of Einstein's general theory of relativity
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愛因斯坦廣義相對論，
最重要的結論之一是
05:44
was the discovery that the universe began
as a rapid expansion of space and time
as a rapid expansion of space and time
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發現在 138 億年以前，
時空急速膨脹而生成宇宙，
05:48
13.8 billion years ago, the Big Bang.
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這就是大霹靂。
05:52
Now, according to early versions
of the Big Bang theory,
of the Big Bang theory,
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根據大霹靂學說的早期版本，
05:55
the universe has been expanding ever since
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宇宙一直在膨脹，
05:57
with gravity gradually putting
the brakes on that expansion.
the brakes on that expansion.
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而重力使其膨脹速逐漸減緩。
06:01
But in 1998, astronomers made
the stunning discovery
the stunning discovery
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但在 1998 年，
天文學家發現
一件驚人的事實：
一件驚人的事實：
06:04
that the expansion of the universe
is actually speeding up.
is actually speeding up.
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宇宙正在加速膨脹！
06:07
The universe is getting
bigger and bigger faster and faster
bigger and bigger faster and faster
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宇宙之所以加速擴張，
06:10
driven by a mysterious repulsive force
called dark energy.
called dark energy.
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乃是受一種稱為暗能量
的神祕斥力所驅使。
的神祕斥力所驅使。
06:15
Now, whenever you hear
the word "dark" in physics,
the word "dark" in physics,
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在物理學
當你聽到「暗」時，
當你聽到「暗」時，
06:17
you should get very suspicious
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你要有警覺心，
06:19
because it probably means
we don't know what we're talking about.
we don't know what we're talking about.
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因為這很可能意味著
我們不知道自己在說什麼。
（笑聲）
06:22
(Laughter)
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我們不知道什麼是暗能量，
06:23
We don't know what dark energy is,
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06:25
but the best idea is that it's the energy
of empty space itself,
of empty space itself,
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但最好的解釋是：
它是空無空間的能量、
它是空無空間的能量、
06:30
the energy of the vacuum.
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真空的能量。
06:32
Now, if you use good old
quantum mechanics to work out
quantum mechanics to work out
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如果你用舊的量子力學
計算暗能量的強度。
06:34
how strong dark energy should be,
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06:36
you get an absolutely astonishing result.
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你會得到驚人的結果，
06:39
You find that dark energy
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你會發現它的值應該是
06:41
should be 10 to the power
of 120 times stronger
of 120 times stronger
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我們在天文學觀察到的值，
06:45
than the value we observe from astronomy.
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再乘以10 的 120 次方。
06:48
That's one with 120 zeroes after it.
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就是 1 後面加 120 個 0。
06:53
This is a number so mind-bogglingly huge
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這個數字如此龐大，
06:56
that it's impossible
to get your head around.
to get your head around.
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以至於你的腦袋會當機。
06:58
We often use the word "astronomical"
when we're talking about big numbers.
when we're talking about big numbers.
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我們常用「天文數字」
來描述巨大數字，
來描述巨大數字，
但在這兒卻不管用，
07:01
Well, even that one won't do here.
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因為它比天文學裡
的任何數字還大。
的任何數字還大。
07:03
This number is bigger
than any number in astronomy.
than any number in astronomy.
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07:05
It's a thousand trillion
trillion trillion times bigger
trillion trillion times bigger
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它是整個宇宙原子數量
的一千兆兆兆倍，
的一千兆兆兆倍，
07:09
than the number of atoms
in the entire universe.
in the entire universe.
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2640
07:12
So that's a pretty bad prediction.
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所以這是個很差勁的預估。
07:14
In fact, it's been called
the worst prediction in physics,
the worst prediction in physics,
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事實上它被稱為
物理史上最糟的預估。
物理史上最糟的預估。
07:17
and this is more than just
a theoretical curiosity.
a theoretical curiosity.
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而這不單是理論上的事，
07:20
If dark energy were
anywhere near this strong,
anywhere near this strong,
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若暗能量到處都是如此強，
07:23
then the universe
would have been torn apart,
would have been torn apart,
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宇宙早就被撕碎了，
07:25
stars and galaxies could not form,
and we would not be here.
and we would not be here.
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星星與星系也不會形成，
我們也不會存在。
07:29
So this is the second
of those dangerous numbers,
of those dangerous numbers,
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這就是第二個危險的數字：
07:31
the strength of dark energy,
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暗能量強度。
07:33
and explaining it requires an even more
fantastic level of fine-tuning
fantastic level of fine-tuning
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解釋它需要比我們在
希格斯場見到的
希格斯場見到的
07:36
than we saw for the Higgs field.
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更加精細的微調。
07:38
But unlike the Higgs field,
this number has no known explanation.
this number has no known explanation.
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但與希格斯場不同的是，
對於這個數字
沒有任何已知的解釋，
沒有任何已知的解釋，
07:45
The hope was that a complete combination
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而希望繫於：
愛因斯坦的相對論--
07:47
of Einstein's general
theory of relativity,
theory of relativity,
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07:49
which is the theory
of the universe at grand scales,
of the universe at grand scales,
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大尺度描述宇宙的理論
07:52
with quantum mechanics, the theory
of the universe at small scales,
of the universe at small scales,
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與量子力學--
小尺度描述宇宙的理論，
07:55
might provide a solution.
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兩者的大一統
可以提供解答，'
可以提供解答，'
07:57
Einstein himself
spent most of his later years
spent most of his later years
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愛因斯坦晚年大多時間致力於
08:00
on a futile search
for a unified theory of physics,
for a unified theory of physics,
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大一統論的尋找，
但並未成功。
但並未成功。
08:03
and physicists have kept at it ever since.
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而往後的物理學家也是如此。
08:06
One of the most promising candidates
for a unified theory is string theory,
for a unified theory is string theory,
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其中一個較有希望
的候選者是弦論，
的候選者是弦論，
08:10
and the essential idea is,
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它的主要思想是：
08:12
if you could zoom in on the fundamental
particles that make up our world,
particles that make up our world,
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如果你能極近觀察
構成世界的基本粒子，
構成世界的基本粒子，
08:15
you'd see actually
that they're not particles at all,
that they're not particles at all,
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你會發現它們根本不是粒子，
08:18
but tiny vibrating strings of energy,
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而是細小振動的能量弦。
不同的振動頻率
對應不同的粒子。
對應不同的粒子。
08:21
with each frequency of vibration
corresponding to a different particle,
corresponding to a different particle,
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08:25
a bit like musical notes
on a guitar string.
on a guitar string.
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有點像是吉他弦的音階，
08:28
So it's a rather elegant, almost poetic
way of looking at the world,
way of looking at the world,
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這是以極高雅
甚至如詩的方式
甚至如詩的方式
來看這個世界。
08:32
but it has one catastrophic problem.
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但它有個致命傷：
08:35
It turns out that string theory
isn't one theory at all,
isn't one theory at all,
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2896
弦論根本不是一個理論，
08:38
but a whole collection of theories.
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而是許多理論的集合，
08:40
It's been estimated, in fact,
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事實上估計約有
08:42
that there are 10 to the 500
different versions of string theory.
different versions of string theory.
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十至五百個不同的弦論，
08:46
Each one would describe
a different universe
a different universe
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每一個都描述不同的宇宙
08:48
with different laws of physics.
174
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與不同的物理定律。
08:50
Now, critics say this makes
string theory unscientific.
string theory unscientific.
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批評者表示這使弦論不科學，
08:53
You can't disprove the theory.
176
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你無法證明它的對錯。
但有人腦筋一轉說：
08:55
But others actually
turned this on its head
turned this on its head
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08:57
and said, well,
maybe this apparent failure
maybe this apparent failure
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或許這顯見的失敗是
08:59
is string theory's greatest triumph.
179
527680
2336
弦論最大的成功。
09:02
What if all of these 10 to the 500
different possible universes
different possible universes
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3376
若這十至五百個
理論描述的宇宙，
理論描述的宇宙，
09:05
actually exist out there somewhere
181
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2216
確實在多重宇宙的某處存在，
09:07
in some grand multiverse?
182
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2120
剎那間我們就可以解釋
09:10
Suddenly we can understand
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那兩個怪異精細的危險數字。
09:12
the weirdly fine-tuned values
of these two dangerous numbers.
of these two dangerous numbers.
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3576
在多重宇宙大多地方，
09:15
In most of the multiverse,
185
543760
1296
暗能量太強以致宇宙會被撕裂，
09:17
dark energy is so strong
that the universe gets torn apart,
that the universe gets torn apart,
186
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2976
或希格斯場太弱以致原子無法形成。
09:20
or the Higgs field is so weak
that no atoms can form.
that no atoms can form.
187
548080
3336
09:23
We live in one of the places
in the multiverse
in the multiverse
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2176
我們在多重宇宙的一隅，
剛好這兩數字是恰當的。
09:25
where the two numbers are just right.
189
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2376
09:28
We live in a Goldilocks universe.
190
556040
2360
我們住在
「金髮宇宙」（適當的宇宙）。
「金髮宇宙」（適當的宇宙）。
這個想法十分具爭議性，
09:31
Now, this idea is extremely controversial,
and it's easy to see why.
and it's easy to see why.
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4856
原因十分簡單，
09:36
If we follow this line of thinking,
192
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1896
如果我們順著這條思路，
那我們遠永無法回答以下問題：
09:38
then we will never be able
to answer the question,
to answer the question,
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為什麼是
「有」而不是「虛無」？
「有」而不是「虛無」？
09:40
"Why is there something
rather than nothing?"
rather than nothing?"
194
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09:43
In most of the multiverse,
there is nothing,
there is nothing,
195
571320
2176
在多重宇宙大多處什麼也沒有，
我們住在其中一個少數地方，
09:45
and we live in one of the few places
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573520
1816
剛好物理定律允許存在物質。
09:47
where the laws of physics
allow there to be something.
allow there to be something.
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更糟的是我們無法
檢驗多重宇宙的想法，
檢驗多重宇宙的想法，
09:51
Even worse, we can't test
the idea of the multiverse.
the idea of the multiverse.
198
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3136
我們無法去其他宇宙，
09:54
We can't access these other universes,
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2136
所以無法得知它是否存在。
09:56
so there's no way of knowing
whether they're there or not.
whether they're there or not.
200
584680
3240
10:01
So we're in an extremely
frustrating position.
frustrating position.
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3336
所以我們處於
一種令人氣餒的狀況。
一種令人氣餒的狀況。
但那不代表
多重宇宙不存在，
多重宇宙不存在，
10:05
That doesn't mean
the multiverse doesn't exist.
the multiverse doesn't exist.
202
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10:07
There are other planets,
other stars, other galaxies,
other stars, other galaxies,
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2576
既然有其他行星、恆星與星系，
10:10
so why not other universes?
204
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為何其他宇宙不行？
10:12
The problem is, it's unlikely
we'll ever know for sure.
we'll ever know for sure.
205
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問題是我們不太可能
證實它的真實性。
證實它的真實性。
多重宇宙的想法
已經出現一陣子。
已經出現一陣子。
10:16
Now, the idea of the multiverse
has been around for a while,
has been around for a while,
206
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3336
10:20
but in the last few years,
we've started to get the first solid hints
we've started to get the first solid hints
207
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3256
在最近幾年
我們開始有幾個
較具體的跡象，
較具體的跡象，
10:23
that this line of reasoning
may get born out.
may get born out.
208
611360
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顯示這條思路或許行得通。
儘管對第一次 LHC 運行
的高度期待，
的高度期待，
10:27
Despite high hopes
for the first run of the LHC,
for the first run of the LHC,
209
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3376
我們在尋找新的物理理論：
10:30
what we were looking for there --
210
618680
1572
10:32
we were looking
for new theories of physics:
for new theories of physics:
211
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超對稱或巨大額外維度，
10:34
supersymmetry or large extra dimensions
212
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以解釋詭異精細的
希格斯場強度。
希格斯場強度。
10:36
that could explain this weirdly
fine-tuned value of the Higgs field.
fine-tuned value of the Higgs field.
213
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4216
10:40
But despite high hopes, the LHC
revealed a barren subatomic wilderness
revealed a barren subatomic wilderness
214
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4216
但儘管高度期待，
LHC 顯示出只有希格斯波色子的
荒涼次原子世界。
10:44
populated only by a lonely Higgs boson.
215
632760
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我的實驗報告
一篇接著一篇都寫著，
一篇接著一篇都寫著，
10:48
My experiment published paper after paper
216
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10:51
where we glumly had to conclude
that we saw no signs of new physics.
that we saw no signs of new physics.
217
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4480
我們遺憾宣布
沒有新物理的跡象。
沒有新物理的跡象。
危機指數已經到達頂端。
10:56
The stakes now could not be higher.
218
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10:59
This summer, the LHC began
its second phase of operation
its second phase of operation
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這個夏天 LHC
開始第二次運作，
開始第二次運作，
能量幾乎是第一次的兩倍。
11:02
with an energy almost double
what we achieved in the first run.
what we achieved in the first run.
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11:05
What particle physicists
are all desperately hoping for
are all desperately hoping for
221
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粒子學家迫切希望的
11:07
are signs of new particles,
micro black holes,
micro black holes,
222
655960
2776
是新粒子、微型黑洞
或完全意料之外的訊號，
11:10
or maybe something totally unexpected
223
658760
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從 LHC 激烈碰撞中產生。
11:12
emerging from the violent collisions
at the Large Hadron Collider.
at the Large Hadron Collider.
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倘若如此，
我們便可以繼續這趟
我們便可以繼續這趟
11:16
If so, then we can continue
this long journey
this long journey
225
664520
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11:18
that began 100 years ago
with Albert Einstein
with Albert Einstein
226
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由愛因斯坦開始的、
超過百年的旅程，
超過百年的旅程，
11:21
towards an ever deeper understanding
of the laws of nature.
of the laws of nature.
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669480
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朝著對自然律
更深刻的認知邁進。
更深刻的認知邁進。
11:25
But if, in two or three years' time,
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673760
2016
但若兩三年下來，
在 LHC 第二次長期關機前，
11:27
when the LHC switches off again
for a second long shutdown,
for a second long shutdown,
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3336
我們除了希格斯玻色子外
一無所獲。
一無所獲。
11:31
we've found nothing but the Higgs boson,
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679160
2296
那麼我們或許
就進入新的物理紀元：
就進入新的物理紀元：
11:33
then we may be entering
a new era in physics:
a new era in physics:
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11:37
an era where there are weird features
of the universe that we cannot explain;
of the universe that we cannot explain;
232
685320
4776
一個有我們無法解釋
現象的時代。
現象的時代。
11:42
an era where we have hints
that we live in a multiverse
that we live in a multiverse
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一個有跡象顯示
我們活在
我們活在
我們能力範圍外的
多重宇宙時代。
多重宇宙時代。
11:45
that lies frustratingly
forever beyond our reach;
forever beyond our reach;
234
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3776
11:49
an era where we will never be able
to answer the question,
to answer the question,
235
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一個我們永遠無法回答
為什麼是「有」
而不是「虛無」的時代。
而不是「虛無」的時代。
11:52
"Why is there something
rather than nothing?"
rather than nothing?"
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謝謝！
11:55
Thank you.
237
703360
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（掌聲）
11:56
(Applause)
238
704600
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12:03
Bruno Giussani: Harry,
even if you just said
even if you just said
239
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Bruno Giussani（BG）：Harry，即使你剛有說
12:06
the science may not have some answers,
240
714120
1856
科學或許有無法解釋的事情，
我還是想問你幾個問題：
12:08
I would like to ask you a couple
of questions, and the first is:
of questions, and the first is:
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第一個是
建造像 LHC 是
一個世代的計畫，
一個世代的計畫，
12:11
building something like the LHC
is a generational project.
is a generational project.
242
719040
3016
12:14
I just mentioned, introducing you,
that we live in a short-term world.
that we live in a short-term world.
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剛介紹你時我有提到，
我們活在短週期的世界裡，
你對這個世代的人花這麼多時間
12:18
How do you think so long term,
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建造這樣的機器有什麼看法？
12:21
projecting yourself out a generation
when building something like this?
when building something like this?
245
729280
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Harry Cliff（HC）：我很幸運在 2008 年
12:24
Harry Cliff: I was very lucky
246
732640
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12:26
that I joined the experiment
I work on at the LHC in 2008,
I work on at the LHC in 2008,
247
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當一切剛開始起步時，
便加入這個研究團隊。
12:28
just as we were switching on,
248
736920
1381
這個團隊中有
研究它超過三十年的人，
研究它超過三十年的人，
12:30
and there are people in my research group
who have been working on it
who have been working on it
249
738325
3251
他們人生全投入在這機器上。
12:33
for three decades,
their entire careers on one machine.
their entire careers on one machine.
250
741600
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我想第一次有關
LHC 的談話
LHC 的談話
12:36
So I think the first conversations
about the LHC were in 1976,
about the LHC were in 1976,
251
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3176
是在 1976 年。
12:39
and you start planning the machine
without the technology
without the technology
252
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2696
在沒有所需科技
來建造它的狀況下，
來建造它的狀況下，
人們開始設計它。
12:42
that you know you're going to need
to be able to build it.
to be able to build it.
253
750160
2416
90 年代初期
設計工作認真開始時
設計工作認真開始時
12:44
So the computing power
did not exist in the early '90s
did not exist in the early '90s
254
752600
2536
電腦運算能力還嚴重不足，
12:47
when design work began in earnest.
255
755160
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其中一個偵測
這些碰撞的偵測器，
這些碰撞的偵測器，
12:48
One of the big detectors
which record these collisions,
which record these collisions,
256
756804
2216
當時他們不認為有科技
12:51
they didn't think there was technology
257
759044
1852
可以抵抗 LHC 內部
形成的輻射，
形成的輻射，
12:52
that could withstand the radiation
that would be created in the LHC,
that would be created in the LHC,
258
760920
2856
所以原本在這中間有一塊鉛
12:55
so there was basically a lump of lead
in the middle of this object
in the middle of this object
259
763800
2736
，偵測器則散佈四周，
12:58
with some detectors around the outside,
260
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1576
但後來我們有發展出新科技。
13:00
but subsequently
we have developed technology.
we have developed technology.
261
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我們必須依賴人們的聰慧，
13:02
So you have to rely on people's ingenuity,
that they will solve the problems,
that they will solve the problems,
262
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一切問題會被解決，
只是可能是十年或更久之後。
13:05
but it may be a decade
or more down the line.
or more down the line.
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BG：兩三個星期前中國宣布
13:07
BG: China just announced
two or three weeks ago
two or three weeks ago
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他們計畫建造一個
13:09
that they intend to build
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13:11
a supercollider twice the size of the LHC.
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比 LHC 大兩倍的超級對撞機，
13:14
I was wondering how you
and your colleagues welcome the news.
and your colleagues welcome the news.
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我想知道你與同事們對
這新聞的看法。
這新聞的看法。
13:17
HC: Size isn't everything, Bruno.
BG: I'm sure. I'm sure.
BG: I'm sure. I'm sure.
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HC：Bruno，大小不代表一切。
BG：我知道、我知道。
13:20
(Laughter)
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（笑聲）
13:22
It sounds funny for a particle
physicist to say that.
physicist to say that.
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聽粒子物理學家
這樣說蠻有趣的。
這樣說蠻有趣的。
13:24
But I mean, seriously, it's great news.
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不過認真地，它是個好消息！
建造像 LHC 的機器
13:26
So building a machine like the LHC
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需要全世界國家的投入，
13:29
requires countries from all over the world
to pool their resources.
to pool their resources.
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沒有國家可以
負擔如此的花費，
負擔如此的花費，
13:32
No one nation can afford
to build a machine this large,
to build a machine this large,
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或許除了中國。
13:34
apart from maybe China,
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因為他們可以動用
13:35
because they can mobilize
huge amounts of resources,
huge amounts of resources,
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大量資源、人力、金錢
13:37
manpower and money
to build machines like this.
to build machines like this.
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來建造這樣的機器。
所以這是好消息吧！
13:39
So it's only a good thing.
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13:41
What they're really planning to do
is to build a machine
is to build a machine
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他們計畫建造的是
可以詳細研究
希格斯玻色子並給我們
希格斯玻色子並給我們
13:43
that will study the Higgs boson in detail
and could give us some clues
and could give us some clues
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像是超對稱的新想法
是否為真的線索。
是否為真的線索。
13:46
as to whether these new ideas,
like supersymmetry, are really out there,
like supersymmetry, are really out there,
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13:49
so it's great news for physics, I think.
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所以我想對物理界來說是好消息。
BG：謝謝
HC：謝謝
HC：謝謝
13:51
BG: Harry, thank you.
HC: Thank you very much.
HC: Thank you very much.
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（掌聲）
13:53
(Applause)
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Harry Cliff - Particle physicistHarry Cliff looks for answers to questions about the origins of the universe and the laws of nature.
Why you should listen
Harry Cliff works on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and is a member of the LHCb collaboration, a large international team searching for signs of new particles and forces of nature in high-energy particle collisions. He is the Fellow of Modern Science at the Science Museum in London and curated their “Collider” exhibition as well as the more recent “Einstein’s Legacy”, which explores the scientific and cultural impact of Albert Einstein’s life and work.
Harry Cliff | Speaker | TED.com