PRISMA+ and the future of subatomic physics at Mainz

Fri., Oct. 16, 2020 3:30 p.m. - Fri., Oct. 16, 2020 4:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Abstract: The Standard Model of particle physics describes nature at its most fundamental level in terms of the basic constituents of matter. Despite its success, it fails to explain phenomena such as the existence of dark matter or the abundance of matter over antimatter. In addition, several unexplained puzzles such as the discrepancy between the experimental value and theoretical prediction of the muon anomalous magnetic moment challenge the validity of the Standard Model and might provide first hints of "new" physics. The PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence makes unique contributions to the investigation of some of these open questions surrounding the validity of the Standard Model by searching for new particles and forces via a combination of innovative precision experiments performed on the Johannes Gutenberg University campus in Mainz, Germany, and large-scale experiments at international facilities. The construction and operation of the "Mainz Energy-recovery Superconducting Accelerator" (MESA) is one of the key goals of the cluster. MESA will allow for a new generation of low-energy precision experiments, including searches for messenger particles to the dark sector, measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factors at ultra-low momentum transfers, precision determinations of the electroweak mixing angle, and measurements of the neutron skin of heavy nuclei. This talk will give an overview of the upcoming physics program.

Speaker: Dr. David Hornidge, Mount Allison University, University of Regina