Studies of the Proton Structure with Electron Beams

半个世纪以来，对质子内部结构的实验研究为构成该粒子的夸克和胶子的动力学提供了非凡的洞察力。然而，许多悬而未决的问题仍然存在。即使是最基本的方面，原子核质量的来源，也是不确定的。到目前为止，宇宙中最可见的质量，以及夸克如何被限制在复合粒子中的完整描述，仍然超出了我们目前的理解。PI和她的Duqune本科生将在托马斯·杰斐逊国家加速器设施中使用电子束，通过质子的基本成分来研究质子自旋的起源。该奖项支持Pi和Duqune的本科生在杰斐逊实验室的B厅利用极化电子散射在深度非弹性散射区域通过质子的部分子分布来研究质子的结构。这些测量将有助于理解质子内部单强子形成的起源。结合对氢靶的额外测量，PI将能够利用带电Kaon和pion检测来探索通过核子部分子分布对核子结构的奇异性贡献。Duqune团队将参与监测和维护两个混合环形成像切伦科夫探测器的软件，这两个探测器对颗粒识别非常重要。软件开发和物理数据分析将在Duqune进行，而电子测试和其他硬件项目将在Jefferson实验室进行。该项目将为本科生提供在课堂外继续接受培训和教育的机会。这包括在现代粒子物理探测器、高科技快速电子学和科学数据分析的设计、组装和测试方面获得经验。该奖项反映了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。

Half a century of experimental investigations into the proton's internal structure have provided remarkable insight into the dynamics of the quarks and gluons making up the particle. However, many outstanding questions remain. Even the most fundamental aspect, the origin of the mass of nuclei, is uncertain. To date, the most visible mass of the universe, as well as a complete description of how quarks are confined into composite particles remain outside our current understanding. The PI and her Duquesne undergraduate students will investigate the origin of the spin of the proton through its fundamental constituents, using electron beams at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. This award supports the PI and Duquesne undergraduate students in research aiming to study the structure of the proton through its partonic distributions using polarized electron scattering in the deep inelastic scattering regime in Hall B at Jefferson lab. These measurements will help understand the origin of single hadron formation inside the proton. Combined with additional measurements on deuterium targets, the PI will be able to probe the strangeness contribution to the structure of the nucleon through its partonic distribution using charged kaon and pion detection. The Duquesne group will participate in monitoring and maintaining the software for two hybrid Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detectors that are important for particle identification. Software development and Physics data analysis will be performed at Duquesne, while electronics testing and other hardware projects will be performed at Jefferson lab. This project will provide undergraduate students with opportunities to further their training and education outside of the classroom. This includes gaining experience in the design, assembly, and testing of modern particle Physics detectors, high tech fast electronics, and scientific data analysis.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.