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Description
The following project concerns investigation of strong forces governing interactions of fundamental constituents of matter: quarks and gluons and the underlying basic theory describing these interactions - Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).We are especially interested in the so-called High Energy Physics (HEP), which involves experiments that collide hadrons accelerated to velocities close to the speed of light in large facilities. Hadrons are extremely complex systems formed by elementary quarks and gluons (partons) located in a region of space-time. The way these partons are distributed inside the hadrons typically needs to be determined experimentally, as the standard QCD tool the perturbation theory is inapplicable whereas the effective QCD models are not precise enough and hard to apply for barionic systems. Collisions of hadrons injected in accelerators give information on the dynamics of the strong interactions. In the present project we investigate particle production in proton-nucleus (pA) and proton-proton (pp) collisions in the small-x regime. The first part consists in the investigation of angular correlations between two particles produced in pA collisions. Our goal is to explain the related experimental data in terms of the basic theory and the CGC theory. The second objective aims to investigate the quantum interference contributions that exists in two particle production, which are neglected in general phenomenological analysis. We want to compute the scattering amplitudes using different existing formalisms and calculate the corresponding cross sections. The third objective attempts to connect the small-x physics and elastic scattering of hadrons.The idea is to study the proton-proton elastic scattering using microscopic models containing information of partonic distribution and quantum effects using the apparatus developed for small-x physics.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges in the field of High Energy Physics (HEP), particularly regarding the interactions of quarks and gluons within hadrons, governed by Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). One key challenge was understanding angular correlations and quantum interference contributions in particle production, aiming to provide explanations within the framework of QCD and the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) theory. Additionally, the project sought to investigate the distribution of partons within hadrons, especially in the small-x regime where traditional QCD tools are insufficient. Furthermore, the project aimed to connect small-x physics in the elastic scattering of hadrons, utilizing microscopic models to study proton-proton interactions.
The project conducted research into various aspects of particle production in proton-nucleus (pA) and proton-proton (pp) collisions, focusing on the small-x regime. Activities included theoretical investigations, computational simulations, and analysis of experimental data from colliders like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Outputs included theoretical frameworks for understanding angular correlations and quantum interference in particle production, as well as insights into the dynamics of hadronic interactions in different collision scenarios.
The project achieved significant results in advancing our understanding of fundamental interactions within hadrons and their implications for high-energy collisions. By elucidating angular correlations and quantum interference contributions, the project contributed to theoretical models that can explain experimental data more accurately. These outcomes are beneficial for both theoretical physicists, who gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of strong interactions, and experimental physicists, who can refine their analyses and interpretations of collider data.