Innovative Technique to Explore the Structures of Atomic Nuclei

Revolutionary Method

Scientists have unveiled an innovative method for delving into the shapes of atomic nuclei and their internal components. This groundbreaking approach hinges on modeling particle production resulting from high-energy collisions between electrons and nuclear targets, a process set to unfold at the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The focus of this exploration is on collisions exclusively generating single mesons, revealing crucial insights into the expansive structure of the nucleus, including its size and shape.

The Key to Atomic Nuclei Structure Revelation

Mesons, particles composed of a quark and antiquark, take center stage in this exploration. The revelations from higher-momentum mesons shed light on nuclear structure at shorter length scales, unveiling the intricate arrangement of quarks and gluons within protons and neutrons. This new method offers a unique perspective, akin to a “deeper form of X-ray vision” for atoms.

Divergence from Traditional Approaches

Distinguishing itself from conventional methods, such as low-energy collisions between two nuclei that eject a neutron or proton, or the electromagnetic field excitation of nuclei, this innovative approach homes in on gluons’ distribution. Gluons, the particles binding quarks within larger nuclear structures, become the focal point. The method serves as a profound departure, providing a more nuanced understanding of atomic nuclei structures beyond mere electric charge distribution.

Theoretical Framework for EIC Exploration

This theoretical framework, developed collaboratively by theorists from Brookhaven National Laboratory, the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, and Wayne State University, lays the groundwork for studying nuclear structures at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The EIC, an advanced nuclear physics research facility at Brookhaven Lab, holds immense promise for unraveling atomic mysteries.

Sensitivity to Nuclear Target Structure

The research underscores that EIC collisions generating single vector mesons will play a pivotal role in deciphering the intricate atomic nuclei target structure. In instances where the target may break apart, the cross section, a metric gauging the likelihood of the process, becomes sensitive to fluctuations in the target. These fluctuations, driven by position variations in neutrons and protons, undergo significant modifications when the target is deformed, influencing the measured cross section.

Insights into Gluon Distributions

Operating at significantly higher collision energies compared to traditional nuclear structure experiments, this method becomes sensitive to gluon distributions within the nucleus. Instead of focusing solely on electric charge distribution, the goal is to measure gluon distributions, offering fresh perspectives on the disparities between the two and how gluon distribution correlates with the energy utilized for measurements. This shift in focus opens up new avenues for research at the EIC, potentially yielding vital information complementing traditional nuclear structure experiments.

Future Directions and Potential Impacts

This innovative technique introduces a new trajectory for research, promising valuable information on the evolution of atomic nuclei shapes with varying energy levels. It stands poised to provide unprecedented insights into atomic nuclei structure previously inaccessible, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of atomic intricacies.

Acknowledging the Supporters

Funding for this pioneering research comes from the Department of Energy Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the National Science Foundation, and the Research Council of Finland. Computational resources from the Open Science Grid, supported by the National Science Foundation, played a crucial role in advancing this groundbreaking study.