soliton
In physics, a soliton is a solitary wave that does not
readily disperse while it is moving. A unique balance
between two physical effects--one that dissipates the
wave and one that builds up the wave--causes a soliton
to maintain its energy and form for a much longer time
than does an ordinary wave. Solitons were predicted by
the mathematical theory of Quantum Mechanics and have
only recently been observed in many physical systems.
They have been observed on the surface of water as well
as in the depths of the ocean. In theory, two colliding
solitons should pass through each other with no net
effects. Theorists also predict that a soliton may exist
on the quantum level as a discrete particle with distinct
properties, such as single magnetic charge. Recently, LASER
light has been produced in soliton form.
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