Science and Technology News

Vacuum Birefringence

September 2 , 2026 9 hrs 0 min 24 0

Scientists found strong evidence of vacuum birefringence around the magnetar 1E 1547.0−5408, supporting a prediction of quantum electrodynamics (QED).
Vacuum birefringence occurs when an extremely strong magnetic field makes empty space behave like a crystal and changes the polarisation of light.
The IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) satellite detected X-ray polarisation of up to 80% from the magnetar, located about 14,700 light-years away.
The study also used NICER (Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer) and Australia’s Murriyang radio telescope.
Magnetars are neutron stars with extremely powerful magnetic fields, making them natural laboratories for studying this quantum effect.