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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Disentangling the EMC effect: from free to bound nucleon structure

Deep inelastic scattering experiments using electron beams on fixed targets allow for the study of the structure of nucleons. While the structure of the free proton has been well measured, the free neutron structure and the modification of nucleon structure in the nuclear environment, the EMC effect, remain open questions. Studies suggest that the EMC effect may arise due to strongly-interacting nucleon-nucleon systems, referred to as short-range correlations. The BAND experiment at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility seeks to probe the bound proton structure when in a strongly-interacting state, using spectator-tagged deep inelastic scattering. This thesis presents the results of the BAND experiment, demonstrating the proton is modified when strongly-interacting with the spectator neutron in deuterium. This thesis also explores efforts to describe inclusive and tagged deep inelastic scattering data within a uniform theoretical framework to explore nucleon structure modification effects and extract the free neutron structure.

Segarra, Efrain↗
DOE OSTI2020

Strong QCD Insights from Excited Nucleon Structure Studies with CLAS and CLAS12

Studies of the spectrum of hadrons and their structure in experiments with electromagnetic probes offer unique insight into many facets of the strong interaction in the regime of large quark-gluon running coupling, i.e. the regime of strong QCD. The experimental program within Hall B at Jefferson Laboratory based on data acquired with the CLAS spectrometer using electron and photon beams with energies up to 6 GeV has already considerably extended the scope of research in hadron physics in joint efforts between experiment and phenomenological data analysis. Impressive progress in relating the hadron structure observables inferred from the data to the strong QCD mechanisms underlying hadron mass generation has been achieved in the past decade. Furthermore, these results will be considerably extended with data from the experimental program with the new CLAS12 spectrometer that has begun data taking using electron beams with energies up to 11 GeV. With this extended kinematic reach the structure of nucleon resonances will be probed at the highest photon virtualities ever achieved in the studies of exclusive electroproduction, which will allow for the exploration of the distance scale where>98% of light hadron mass emerges from QCD in the transition of the strong interaction from the regime of quark-gluon confinement to perturbative QCD.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nucleon structure studies: DVCS on polarised protons with the CLAS12 experiment, and development of Micromegas detectors for EIC

The quark and gluon structure of nucleons is crucial for understanding the origin of their mass and spin. This information is encoded in structure function such as Generalised Parton Distributions (GPDs), which provide a three-dimensional picture of the nucleon in terms of its constituents. Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) offers the most direct access to GPDs, but their extraction requires high-precision measurements of multiple observables over a wide kinematic range. In 2022 and 2023 the CLAS12 experiment at Jefferson Lab (JLab) collected data from polarised electron scattering on a longitudinally polarised proton target, enabling the first measurement of polarised DVCS asymmetries at JLab 12GeV kinematics. This thesis will present preliminary measurement of the beam, target and double spin DVCS asymmetries from the CLAS12 polarised proton target data. Nucleon structure studies will also constitute a major part of the physics program at the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). The development of the first detector at the EIC is ongoing and it requires light Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) for its tracking system. This thesis further reports initial tests of Micromegas MPGDs with a two-dimensional readout developed for EIC.

Polcher, Samy [Univ. Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nucleon Structure Studies at Jefferson Lab and the Electron Ion Collider

The research programs of Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (JLab) and the future Electron- Ion Collider (EIC) focus on one of the main goals of strong interaction studies : understanding the structure of nucleons in terms of the quarks and gluons composing them. Their structure is encoded in functions such as Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs), which describe how quarks and gluons’ transverse position and longitudinal momentum are distributed inside nucleons. GPDs allow to obtain three-dimensional pictures of nucleons and to understand some of their fundamental properties, such as their internal pressure or the emergence of their spin from the dynamics of the partons composing them. At JLab and the EIC, electron beams are used to probe nucleons. Measurement of reactions such as Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) allows access to GPDs. The first longitudinally polarized-target experiment of the CLAS12 program at Jlab took place in 2022-2023. Combining polarized electron beams and nucleon targets, this experiment offers unique access to observables that allow the measurement of different types of GPDs. In particular, the DVCS beam- and target-spin asymmetries for protons and neutrons in deuterium will be measured for the first time. They give access to kinds of GPDs that are still poorly known, and the comparison between proton and neutron data will allow the extraction of the flavor dependence of the structure of nucleons. Specific analysis methods have been implemented to work with a polarized nuclear target and are presented in this thesis. These methods allow to obtain preliminary results for the asymmetries, waiting for the complete statistics to be available. In the long term, the experimental program for the EIC has been established with a strong emphasis on the measurement of the structure of nucleons at high energy. Measurements of reactions such as DVCS impose strict requirements on the electromagnetic calorimeter that will allow to measure the energy of the scattered electrons and photons. This calorimeter, which is under development, will be based on scintillating crystals read by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs). A new type of glass-based scintillating material was tested, evaluating the possibilities to meet the technical requirements concerning their light yield and resistance to radiation damage in particular. Several models of SiPMs have been characterized, demonstrating they can operate over the vast energy range necessary to address the physics case at the EIC and providing guidelines for developing their readout electronics.

Pilleux, Noemie↗
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring the 3D nucleon structure with CLAS and CLAS12 at JLAB

Exploring the 3 dimensional structure of the nucleon can help to understand several fundamental questions of nature, such as the origin of the nucleon spin and the charge and density distributions inside the nucleon. In QCD, the 3-dimensional structure of the nucleon is described by Wigner functions. However, experimentally momentum and coordinate space have to be assessed independently. The momentum distribution can be accessed by transverse momentum dependent distribution functions (TMDs) measured in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) or Drell-Yan processes while the distribution in transverse coordinate and longitudinal momentum space is described by generalized parton distributions (GPDs) which can be accessed for example by deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) and hard exclusive meson production (DVMP). Based on the high quality data of CLAS and the recently upgraded CLAS12 detector at Jefferson Laboratory (JLAB), a detailed study of these distribution functions is being performed. With the new CLAS12 data, multidimensional, high precision studies in an extended kinematic range become possible for the first time. The talk will present the results of recent SIDIS, DVCS and DVMP studies with CLAS and CLAS12 and their impact on the understanding of the 3D nucleon structure.

Diehl, Stefan↗
DOE OSTI2020

Theoretical and Phenomenological Studies of the Nucleon Structure in High Energy Reactions

The understanding of the internal structure of the proton and other strongly interacting particles is at the forefront of modern nuclear physics research. Generalized Parton Distribution Functions (GPDs) are a powerful tool to advance the understanding of hadron structure. In addition to the information about the one- dimensional collinear momentum distributions of partons (quarks, anti-quarks, and gluons) known from studies of high energy deep-inelastic reactions, GPDs also carry information on the distribution of partons in the transverse plane, and allow us in this way to access the three-dimensional structure of the nucleon. GPDs can be studied in hard-exclusive reactions and contain also information on the energy-momentum tensor form factors which will allow us to gain insights on quantities like pressure or angular momentum distribution inside the nucleon. The goal of this thesis is to deepen our understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the nucleon. We investigate energy-momentum tensor form factors and densities, and all leading-twist GPDs in the bag model. This quark model provides a consistent theoretical framework to investigate many general concepts that have recently attracted interest, and allows one to study insightful limits like the large-Nc limit, heavy-quark limit or the non-relativistic limit. Another important aspect of this thesis is the discussion of the monopole and quadrupole contributions to the angular momentum density. Finally, the description of pseudoscalar meson production in exclusive processes in terms of GPDs is discussed in the Goloskokov-Kroll model and implemented in the PARTONS framework, a software development project which will provide direct support for experiments at the Jefferson National Lab and the future Electron-Ion Collider.

Tezgin, Kemal↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exploring the Nucleon Structure via Deep Electroproduction Processes

Understanding the internal structure of the nucleon is a fundamental goal of modern physics, which aims at a comprehensive framework describing the internal dynamics of quarks and gluons. Among other structure functions, Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) offer a powerful framework for describing the nucleon dynamics by correlating the longitudinal momentum and the transverse position of its internal partons. Such a correlation provides a three-dimensional picture of the nucleon and enables access to fundamental properties, including the internal pressure distributions and the parton’s angular momentum contribution to the nucleon's total spin, thereby playing a central role in resolving the nucleon spin puzzle. At the Thomas Jefferson National Facility (JLab), polarized electron beam experiments allow for probing GPDs through the measurement of hard exclusive processes. Among the cleanest experimental channels, we find the electro-production of a real photon through the Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) mechanism. The first data-taking period of the CLAS12 program, taking place in 2018, allowed for unique DVCS Beam Spin Asymmetry (BSA) measurements in the phase space covered by a 10.6 GeV polarized electron beam impinging on an unpolarized liquid hydrogen target. Although detecting all final-state particles ensures exclusivity of the process, conservation laws indicate that it is not mandatory. I adopt an approach omitting the direct detection of the recoil proton, providing a simplified yet effective event selection strategy that boosts statistics and gives access to a larger phase space sensitive to the underlying GPD dynamics through BSA and cross section measurements. The Double DVCS (DDVCS) process promises a dedicated mapping of GPDs. Contributing to the electro-production of a lepton pair cross-section, the DDVCS reaction extends DVCS by allowing the final-state photon to be virtual, enriching the kinematic phase space and providing unique access to the internal correlations encoded by GPDs. A feasibility study is conducted to assess the potential of future DDVCS measurements at Jefferson Lab and the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). While Jefferson Lab will provide DDVCS measurements in the valence region through the SoLID$\mu$ and $\mu$CLAS12 experimental projects, in the long term, the EIC will provide complementary measurements in the sea region, both accessing unprecedented information about GPDs in a phase space region otherwise inaccessible. Taken together, these investigations demonstrate both the current capabilities and future opportunities for probing GPDs through exclusive processes. The experimental analysis of DVCS at CLAS12 provides precise measurements within an established framework, while the phenomenological study of DDVCS opens the door to richer and more comprehensive explorations with future detectors and facilities.

Alvarado, Juan [Université Paris-Saclay: Gif-sur-Y↗
DOE OSTI2025

Recent progresses in few-nucleon structure and dynamics in chiral effective field theory

The most recent progresses made within the framework of chiral effective field theory for few-nucleon structure and low-energy reactions are here presented. In particular, for the 𝐴 = 2 sector, the study of muon capture on deuteron is reviewed. Then, the results obtained using the Hyperspherical Harmonics ab-initiomethod for the 4He monopole form factor and the 3He(®𝑛, 𝑝) 3H parity-conserving asymmetry are described.

Marcucci, Laura [University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physical implications of the extrapolation and statistical bootstrap of nucleon structure function ratios F 2 n F 2 p for mirror nuclei He 3 and H 3

A nuclear physics example of statistical bootstrap is used on the MARATHON nucleon structure function ratio data in the quark momentum fraction regions x B → 0 and x B → 1. The extrapolated F 2 ratio as quark momentum fraction x B → 1 is $\frac{F^n_2}{F^p_2}$ → 0.4 ± 0.05 and this value is compared to theoretical predictions. The extrapolated ratio when x B → 0 favors the simple model of isospin symmetry with the complete dominance of sea quarks at low momentum fraction. At high- x B , the proton quark distribution function ratio d/u is derived from the F 2 ratio and found to be d/u → 1/6. Our extrapolated values for both the $\frac{F^n_2}{F^p_2}$ ratio and the d/u parton distribution function ratio are within uncertainties of perturbative QCD values from quark counting, helicity conservation arguments, and a Dyson-Schwinger equation with a contact interaction model. In addition, it is possible to match the statistical bootstrap value to theoretical predictions by allowing two compatible models to act simultaneously in the nucleon wave function. Finally, one such example is nucleon wave functions composed of a linear combination of a quark-diquark state and a three-valence quark correlated state with coefficients that combine to give the extrapolated F 2 ratio at x B = 1.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Studies in Nuclear and Nucleon Structure, and Neutrino Physics

We have provided training to students in skill sets relevant to job placement in areas of national needs. These trainings are tuned towards placing graduating students in the workforce related to sciences at national laboratories, national security, information systems, and data sciences. The support for undergraduate students will address the academic retention shortfalls by providing opportunities in mentored research experiences.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Isomers in Tl 203 and core excitations built on a five-nucleon-hole structure

Isomers with three- and five-nucleon-hole configurations have been established in 203 Tl These include newly identified levels with a three-nucleon-hole structure: I π = (15/2 – ) with T 1/2 = 7.9(5) ns and I π = (35/2 – ) with T 1/2 = 4.0(5) ns. In addition, five-nucleon-hole states have also been established: I π = (39/2 – ) with T 1/2 = 1.9(2) ns and I π = (49/2 + ) with T 1/2 = 3.4(4) ns. The previously determined long-lived decay, T 1/2 = 6.6(3) μs from this work, is associated with isomerism of the I π = (29/2 + ) state. Levels above this long-lived isomer have been identified through a delayed-prompt γ–γ coincidence measurement. Five-nucleon-hole states with excitation energies E x ≈ 7 MeV have been established as well as possible octupole excitations of the 208Pb core built on these levels. Furthermore, the level scheme of 203 Tl is extended up to E x ≈ 11 MeV with the inclusion of 25 new transitions. Empirical and shell-model calculations have been performed to aid in the description of the observed states which are found to be of intrinsic character.

190 ≤ A ≤ 219↗
DOE OSTI2021

From Gargamelle to MINERvA: exploring the structure of the nucleon with neutrinos

Neutrino scattering experiments have been exploring the structure of the nucleon with Deep-Inelastic Scattering for over 50 years. Although hints of nucleon structure were available using CERN’s first neutrino beam in the 1960s, the study actually started quantitatively in the early 1970s with the Gargamelle heavy liquid bubble chamber that produced first neutrino confirmation of scaling. This study of nucleon structure continued with both bubble chambers and more massive electronic detectors that, with higher energy neutrino beams and $Q^2$ reach, examined the breaking of this scaling while testing Quantum Chromodynamics. Here, a significant factor when including neutrino explorations of nucleon structure in the overall picture is that to gather significant statistics, neutrino experiments have had to use heavier nuclear targets. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the structure of the nucleon in the nuclear environment is indeed different than the free nucleon structure. Understanding this modified structure has played an important part in the experimental and theoretical exploration of nucleon structure by neutrinos and is one of the important goals of the on-going MINERvA experiment at Fermilab.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗