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Duke Physics Colloquium: The Proton Remains Puzzling

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Haiyan Gao (Duke University Physics Department)
Duke Physics Colloquium

"The Proton Remains Puzzling"

Nucleons (protons and neutrons) are the building blocks of atomic nuclei, and are responsible for more than 99% of the visible matter in the universe. Despite decades of efforts in studying its internal structure, there are still a number of puzzles surrounding the proton such as its spin, mass, and charge radius. The proton charge radius puzzle developed about ten years ago refers to a 5-7 sigma discrepancy between the ultrahigh precise values of the proton charge radius determined from muonic hydrogen Lamb shift measurements and the CODATA values compiled from electron-proton scattering experiments and hydrogen spectroscopy measurements. In this talk I will briefly introduce the proton spin and mass puzzles first. I will then focus on the proton charge radius puzzle, the latest experimental results, and especially the PRad experiment at Jefferson Lab and its result.

Faculty host: Joshua Socolar

Refreshments will be available before the event in room 130.

Image credit: Joanna Griffin, Jefferson Lab

Contact: Cristin Paul