RUI: Studies of Nucleon Structure at Jefferson Lab

Christopher Newport University, Newport News VA

Investigators

Abstract

It is now a well-established fact that nucleons (protons and neutrons) are made up of more elementary constituents - quarks and gluons. The main physics program supported by this award aims to study the internal structure of the proton and neutron. More specifically, this research group will scatter electrons from protons and neutrons at Jefferson Laboratory to measure the electric and magnetic properties of the nucleon. The group is involved in these efforts through the design of new experiments, the construction of advanced particle detectors, and the development of novel analysis, modeling, and data acquisition software. The faculty involve students in research by providing meaningful, substantive projects to both undergraduate and graduate students. The group’s long established program of experiments embody Jefferson Lab’s fundamental mission: to elucidate the underlying structure of protons, neutrons, and mesons. They focus on experiments that will further our understanding of the quark spin structure of the proton and neutron in the non-perturbative regime. Jefferson Lab’s high-intensity polarized 12 GeV electron beam provides the opportunity for an increased physics reach; indeed, the group continues to lead efforts to extend the measurements of the proton and neutron electromagnetic form factors to the highest momentum transfers possible at Jefferson Lab, and also investigate possible modification of the proton form factor ratio within the nuclear medium. These experiments provide severe tests of the available theoretical models of nucleon structure, and at the same time serve as an impetus for the development of new and more advanced models based on Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD). This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.