Hadron Structure and Lattice QCD

Baylor University, Waco TX

Investigators

Abstract

Research in theoretical elementary particle physics will explore and clarify the internal structure of the particles, known as hadrons, which interact with each other by means of the strong nuclear force. The research will use numerical techniques in which the continuum of space is replaced by a discrete lattice of points. The numerical calculations will be carried out on the supercomputers at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Computer algorithms will be investigated for the extraction of subtle new physics effects caused by the admixture of strange quarks in the proton. This can lead to a better understanding of the internal structure of hadrons and to better techniques for similar calculations. In addition, an important new algorithm for simulating quark dynamics will be thoroughly investigated. This algorithm has the potential to increase the efficiency of such simulations and to more directly simulate the underlying physics.