When The Strong Force Becomes Weak: Sub-Nuclear Physics In High Energy Colliders

The Department of Physics and Astronomy Colloquium: Dr. Matthew Schwartz, Johns Hopkins University, to speak on "When the Strong Force Becomes Weak: Sub-Nuclear Physics in High Energy Colliders."

Abstract:
In ordinary circumstances, the nuclear force is extremely strong. Its strength is revealed in the power of atomic bombs or the heat of the sun. However, when accelerated to high speeds in particle colliders, nuclei reveal that the strong force which binds them can be surprisingly weak. At the highest speeds, such as the ones which will be reached at the Large Hadron Collider later this year, the strong force can even be completely negligible when compared to other forces of nature. This provides a tremendous opportunity to see physics beyond-the-standard model. The key to uncovering any beyond-the-standard model scenario is to understand, as precisely as possible, how the strong force weakens. Recent progress in effective field theory has allowed unprecedented precision in studying the strong force and will be critical in applications to the LHC and future collider experiments.

Event Sponsor
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Manoa

More Information
Dr. John G. Learned, 956-2964, jgl@phys.hawaii.edu

Ongoing Events