The Study of Nuclear Physics with Intermediate Energy Probes

University South Carolina Research Foundation, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of the research program at the University of South Carolina is to investigate the structure of protons and neutrons (collectively known as nucleons), and other subatomic particles. The properties of subatomic particles - such as their mass or the manner in which they are produced - hold key information on the fundamental forces of nature. Using powerful microscopes comprised of beams of photons or electrons, our experiments are able to probe the behavior of forces inside the atomic nucleus. These endeavors are accomplished using particle detectors located in Hall-B at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in Newport News, Virginia. The University of South Carolina JLab group consists of three professors, two postdoctoral scientists, five graduate students, and four undergraduate students. We are devoted to education and therefore invest a significant portion of our research time involving students and young research scientists in our experiments to provide a component of their education that is not available in the classroom.