Hadron Structure
The structure of hadrons can be investigated in more detail using the generalized parton distributions (GPDs).
GPDs provide quantitative information on both the longitudinal and transverse distributions of partons inside
the nucleon and their intrinsic and orbital angular momenta. GPDs are an essential ingredient of hard exclusive
processes such as deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS), deeply virtual meson production (DVMP), time-
like Compton scattering (TCS), exclusive heavy-vector-meson production (HVMP), and single diffractive hard
exclusive processes (SDHEPs). They also contribute to high-energy hadron collisions at the LHC through the
central exclusive production (CEP) processes such as exclusive dilepton production with a leading proton. At
zero skewness, GPDs connect with the electromagnetic and axial form factors (FFs), which also makes them an
essential ingredient of different types of elastic scattering involving hadrons. Therefore, studying GPDs can shed
light on various aspects of hadron structure.
Standard Model (SM) Physics
The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is a comprehensive framework that describes the fundamental particles and their interactions. It incorporates three of the four known fundamental forces: electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions. The model successfully explains phenomena involving quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons, and predicts particles such as the W and Z bosons and the Higgs boson, all of which have been experimentally confirmed. Despite its successes, the Standard Model does not include gravity and leaves several questions unanswered, motivating searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) Physics
Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) physics seeks to address the limitations and unanswered questions of the Standard Model, such as the nature of dark matter, neutrino masses, and the hierarchy problem. Theories and models in BSM physics include supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and grand unified theories. Experimental searches for BSM physics involve high-energy collisions, precision measurements, and astrophysical observations. Discovering new particles or interactions would significantly advance our understanding of the fundamental structure of the universe.
Dark Sector
The dark sector refers to hypothetical components of the universe that do not interact with electromagnetic radiation, making them invisible to current detection methods. This includes dark matter, which constitutes approximately 27% of the universe’s mass-energy content, and dark energy, which drives the accelerated expansion of the universe. The dark sector is investigated through indirect methods, such as gravitational effects on visible matter, cosmic microwave background measurements, and direct detection experiments. Understanding the dark sector is crucial for a complete theory of cosmology and particle physics.
Exotic Hadrons
Exotic hadrons are particles composed of quarks and gluons that do not fit into the traditional classifications of mesons and baryons. Examples include tetraquarks (four-quark states) and pentaquarks (five-quark states). These particles provide a deeper understanding of the strong interaction, described by Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), and challenge existing models by exhibiting properties and behaviors not explained by conventional hadron structures. Recent discoveries of exotic hadrons at particle accelerators like the LHC have opened new avenues of research in hadron spectroscopy and QCD.
Higgs Physics
Higgs physics revolves around the study of the Higgs boson, a fundamental particle predicted by the Standard Model and discovered in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Higgs boson is responsible for imparting mass to other fundamental particles through the Higgs mechanism, a process integral to the unification of the electromagnetic and weak forces. Research in Higgs physics aims to explore its properties, such as mass and coupling strengths, and to investigate potential deviations from Standard Model predictions that could indicate new physics.
In-Medium Effects
Investigation of in-medium properties of hadrons is of great importance. It’s very instructive to search for hadronic properties under extreme conditions. It’s believed that there maybe occur some crossover/transition to quark-gluon plasma (QGP) as a new phase of matter after some critical temperature, density, and magnetic field. Determination of critical point(s) in 3-D, T- $\rho$ – B space is one of the objectives of QCD. Within this collaboration, we aim to investigate different properties of hadrons at hot, dense, and magnetized medium in order to get a possible sign to transition to QGP phase and get further information on QCD phase diagram.
QCD
Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory of the strong interaction, one of the four fundamental forces in nature, which governs the behavior of quarks and gluons. QCD explains how quarks are confined within protons, neutrons, and other hadrons through the exchange of gluons. This theory predicts phenomena such as asymptotic freedom, where quarks interact weakly at high energies, and confinement, where they are bound tightly at low energies. Experimental evidence supporting QCD includes deep inelastic scattering experiments and observations of jet formation in high-energy collisions.
Experiment in Particle Physics
Experiments in particle physics aim to uncover the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions. High-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), smash particles together at near-light speeds, allowing scientists to study the resulting collisions and detect rare particles. These experiments test predictions of the Standard Model, search for new particles and interactions, and investigate phenomena such as quark-gluon plasma and neutrino oscillations. Cutting-edge detectors and sophisticated data analysis techniques are crucial for interpreting the vast amounts of data generated in these experiments.
Astro-Cosmo Particles
Intersection of cosmology, astrophysics and particle physics is a great place to find answers to the fundamental problems we face in physics. This field investigates particles such as neutrinos, cosmic rays, and dark matter candidates, which play crucial roles in the universe’s evolution and structure. Experiments detecting neutrinos from the Sun and supernovae, measuring cosmic microwave background radiation, and searching for dark matter through direct and indirect methods provide valuable data. Understanding astro-cosmo particles helps answer fundamental questions about the universe’ origin, composition, and fate.
Model Building
Model building in theoretical physics involves creating and refining mathematical frameworks that describe physical phenomena and predict new outcomes. This process is essential for extending the Standard Model and proposing BSM theories. Model building requires consistency with known experimental data and often utilizes symmetry principles, field theory, and phenomenological constraints. Successful models can guide experimental searches and provide deeper insights into the fundamental forces and particles that govern the universe.