Observable Fractional Electric Charge in Broken Quantum Chromodynamics

Abstract

Quantum chromodynamics may be broken to S${\mathrm{O}(3)}^{\mathrm{g}}$ with S${\mathrm{U}(3)}^{\mathrm{c}}$ triplets becoming S${\mathrm{O}(3)}^{\mathrm{g}}$ triplets. If so, there could exist low-mass, fractionally charged diquark states that are not strongly bound to nuclei, but are rarely produced at present accelerator facilities. The breaking of quantum chromodynamics can be done with a ${27}^{\mathrm{c}}$, in which case this strong interaction theory is easily embedded in unified models such as those based on SU(5), SO(10), or E(6). Possible relevance of diquarks for fusion catalysis is described.