CAREER: Theoretical Applications of Effective Field Theories for Current and Future Experiments

University Of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

Theoretical issues of importance to current and future particle physics experiments will be examined using soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) as the central tool . Deep-inelastic scattering with heavy quarks, with extension to hadron collisions important for Higgs and single-top production, and Electroweak Sudakov logarithms will be calculated using SCET. While the existence of a low-mass gluino is disfavored, it has not yet been ruled out. Experimental signatures at the LHC due to the light gluino, if it exists, will be investigated, in the hopes of either a discovery or a way to rule out this corner of parameter space. Photoproduction and electroproduction of J/psi will be calculated, where current theoretical predictions do not fit the data well. Quarkonium decays will be calculated using SCET, where again the theory does not agree with data. The question of the universality of NRQCD matrix elements will be rigorously studied. This proposal plans the introduction of new, active teaching methods into the physics curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh. This will be followed with the extension to K-12 teachers and students. A special classroom will be created, designed to encourage active learning. This learning space will enable the traditional lecture and laboratory format to be combined. The classroom will be used for a pilot class and then integrated into the teaching of K-12 science teachers as follows. The pilot class, for the first and second semester undergraduate physics course, will be highly collaborative, hands-on, computer-rich, and interactive. In addition, lectures will be given in the Elementary Science Methods class to pre-service teachers jointly with the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education. A week long summer institute for teaching physics to K-12 teachers will be set up with the Pittsburgh Public School District. Finally, lectures through the GK-12 program at the University of Pittsburgh will be given to K-12 students.