RUI:Probing Subatomic Physics via Lepton Interactions

詹姆斯·麦迪逊大学粒子和核物理小组(JMU-PNP)的研究计划专注于开发一张准确的核子3D图像，并测量对我们理解亚原子世界至关重要的基本量，如质子的电荷半径和反常Muon磁矩。后者拥有探索超越标准模型的物理学的希望。考虑到核子的微小尺寸，大约是十亿分之一米，这些都不是微不足道的任务，因为它们需要定制的探测器、创新的技术和内部开发的软件。JMU-PNP小组在这些领域有着长期的卓越记录。通过沉浸在这一最先进的中能核物理研究中，PI为本科生提供了出色的教育体验。为与这项研究相关的硬件、软件和大数据挑战开发解决方案，构成了培养本科生、促进科学和超越大学教育的伟大教学工具。JMU-PNP小组成员在杰斐逊实验室(在A、B和C大厅进行实验)有强大的存在。在本奖项期间，该小组旨在完成核子三维图像的活动包括基于机器学习的结构函数和概化部分子分布研究，以及开放奇异性产生和强子形成机制的研究(B大厅的实验E12-06-117，发言人中有小组成员)。作为解决“质子电荷半径之谜”的努力的一部分，该小组加入了PRAD-II合作，小组的一名成员在为建造这个探测器争取资金的努力中发挥了关键作用。为了支持未来的核物理实验，JMU-PNP研究将继续拥有强大的硬件和软件开发部分。这包括组装和测试JMU为SBS ECAL量热计设计的分压器；为PRAD-II量热计采购和鉴定PMT，并对数据分析工作流程中必不可少的几个软件包(模拟、电荷对称背景、辐射校正)执行拖延已久的维护和现代化工作。该小组还将在费米实验室g-2实验中保持重要的存在，该实验有望发现超越标准模型的物理。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The research program of the James Madison University Particle and Nuclear Physics Group (JMU--PNP) is focused on developing an accurate, 3D picture of the nucleon and on measuring fundamental quantities essential to our understanding of the subatomic world such as the charge radius of the proton and the anomalous muon magnetic moment. The latter holds the promise of probing physics beyond the Standard Model. Given the minuscule size of the nucleon, roughly a millionth of a billionth of a meter, these are not trivial tasks, as they require custom-built detectors, innovative techniques, and in-house developed software. The JMU-PNP group has a long record of excellence in these areas. Through immersion in this state-of-the-art research in intermediate energy nuclear physics, the PIs offer an outstanding educational experience for undergraduate students. Developing solutions for the hardware, software, and big data challenges associated with this research constitute great teaching tools in the formation of undergraduate students, promoting science and educating beyond the university. JMU-PNP group members have a robust presence at Jefferson Lab (experiments in Hall A, B, and C). For the duration of this award the group’s activities aimed at completing the 3D picture of the nucleon include Machine Learning-based structure function and generalized parton distribution studies, and the study of open strangeness production and hadron formation mechanisms (experiment E12-06-117 in Hall B, with group members among the spokespeople). As part of the effort of solving the “proton charge radius puzzle”, the group has joined the PRad-II collaboration, and a group member plays a key role in the effort to secure funding for building this detector. To support future nuclear physics experiments JMU-PNP research will continue to have a strong hardware and software development component. This includes assemble and test the JMU-designed voltage dividers for the SBS ECAL calorimeter; procure and characterize the PMTs for the PRad-II calorimeter and perform long-overdue maintenance and modernization work on several software packages (simulation, charge symmetric background, radiative corrections) essential in the data analysis workflow. The group will also maintain a significant presence in the Fermilab g-2 experiment, which holds the promise of uncovering physics Beyond the Standard Model.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.