nuclear physics pion reaction breakthrough

Nuclear Physics Breakthrough: New Calculation Links Disparate Pion Reactions

Introduction to the Groundbreaking Lattice QCD Calculation

A physicist at the early stage of their career has made a mathematical breakthrough linking timelike and spacelike from factors, offering new pathways to understanding force. This innovative lattice QCD calculation establishes a connection between two  previously unrelated  reactions involving the pion, the lightest particle influenced by the strong interaction.

Felipe Ortega-Gama's Early research and Mentorship at Jefferson Lab

Undergraduate Research and Mentorship at Tecnológico de Monterrey

During his undergraduate studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, Felipe Ortega-Gama participated in the U.S. Department of Energy's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships program at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Under the mentorship of Raúl Briceño, a staff scientist at the lab's Center for Theoretical and Computational Physics and a professor at Old Dominion University, Ortega-Gama contributed to research in theoretical physics.

Introduction to Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)

Under the guidance of Raúl Briceño, he was introduced to quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theoretical framework describing the strong interaction. This force is responsible for binding quarks and gluons into protons, neutrons, and other hadronic particles. Researchers use lattice QCD, a numerical approach to solving QCD equations, to generate predictions that aid in analyzing experimental data on hadronic interactions.

The Pivotal Moment in Ortega-Gama's QCD Journey

A Moment of Realization for Ortega-Gama

"Raúl Briceño presented a plot displaying both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements of various particle masses, all closely aligned," Ortega-Gama recalled amazed by the precision of these predictions. "That was the moment I realized that QCD could accurately forecast particle properties with remarkable accuracy."

This pivotal moment sparked Ortega-Gama's interest in QCD and led him to Jefferson Lab. Despite the impressive agreement between theory and experiment in the plot, physicists have yet to fully harness QCD to compute all possible properties of quarks, gluons, and the particles they compose.

Advancing QCD with Lattice Calculations

Ortega-Gama's Ph.D. Research at William & Mary

During his Ph.D. studies at William & Mary, Ortega-Gama leveraged the university's strong collaboration with Jefferson Lab to resume working with Raúl Briceño and engage with Jozef Dudek, a senior scientist holding a joint appointment at both institutions, to deepen his understanding of QCD.

Breakthrough in Pion Reactions: Unifying Spacelike and Timelike processes

Orgega-Gama, as the lead author of a lattice QCD study published in Physical Review D, uncovered a fundamental connection between two pion-mediated processes previously thought to be distinct.

Computational Synergies in QCD Analysis

Understanding Spacelike vs. Timelike processes

The spacelike process involves an electron being scattered off a pion, while the timelike process occurs when an electron and its antiparticle collide and produce two pions upon annihilation.

"Although these two processes appear distinct at first glance," Dudek explained, "they are governed by the same fundamental physics. Their Feynman diagrams are essentially rotated versions of one another. Felipe's work demonstrates their connection through a unified calculation at the level of quarks, and gluons."

Unifying Spacelike and Timelike Reactions

This computational approach successfully unifies the description of both spacelike and timelike processes, highlighting the inherent interconnectivity of QCD-governed reactions. While experimental observations previously hinted at this relationship, it is now firmly supported by mathematical validation.

The Challenges and Innovations of QCD Calculation

Addressing Computational Constraints in QCD Research

Ortega-Gama's prior research provided the foundation for this groundbreaking calculation. In experimental settings, post-collision particles travel outward indefinitely until they are detected, effectively reaching a 'theoretical infinity' beyond the strong interaction's influence. In numerical calculations, however, computational constraints necessitate confining these particles within a finite volume, only marginally larger than the strong interaction's effective range.

"This presents a challenge—how can we effectively relate the constrained results obtained from a finite computational box to the infinite-volume outcome observed in experimental detectors?" Ortega-Gama explained.

Collaboration and Advancements in QCD Formalism

Developing a Mathematical Formalism for Finite-Volume Calculations

Briceño, Dudek and other experts in the field have developed a mathematical formalism—an analytical approach that ensures finite-volume numerical calculations can be extended to predict infinite-volume outcomes.

Ortega-Gama's Role in Advancing QCD Formalism

Ortega-Gama, working alongside Briceño, advanced this formalism to enable the calculation of form factors for hadrons that, in contrast to the pion, decay via the strong interaction.

Building a Strong Research Foundation through Mentorship

Collaborative Work with Briceño and Dudek

"Felipe had already produced remarkable formalism papers before this publication," Dudek noted. "In our field of lattice QCD, the most accomplished researchers are those who excel in both theoreticla formalism and numerical computations. Felipe demonstrates exceptional skill in both domains at the highest level."

Weekly Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

As Ortega-Gama's Ph.D. advisor, Dudek held weekly meetings with him throughout the project to refine calculations and exchange ideas.

Ortega-Gama said, "At each stage of the calculation, I could collaborate with him, allowing us to tailor the code to our study's specific needs."

Interrelations in Nuclear Physics: The Hadron Spectrum Collaboration

Leveraging Collaborative Research Resources

Senior members of the Hadron Spectrum (HadSpec) collaboration, Dudek and Briceño, contribute to lattice QCD computations of hadronic properties, with Ortega-Gama leveraging the collaboration's computational infrastructure.

Ortega-Gama noted that this project emerged through discussions with various members of the collaboration.

Contributions from Robert Edwards and Optimizing Codebases

HadSpec member Robert Edwards, a staff scientist at Jefferson Lab's Theory Center, has developed an extensive suite of codes that optimize lattice QCD calculations. Ortega-Gama utilized both this codebase and Edward's expertise in his research.

Advancing Career and Moving Forward in QCD Research

Ortega-Gama's Postdoctoral Role at UC Berkeley

As a result of these collaborations, Ortega-Gama has advanced to his current role as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, where he began in September 2024. He continues his work on QCD calculations alongside Briceño, now a professor at UC Berkeley.

The Role of Significant Research Projects in Career Advancement

"Having such a significant research project played a crucial role in easing the transition from Ph.D. student to postdoctoral scholar," Ortega-Gama remarked.

Source

Discover how groundbreaking nuclear physics research is reshaping our understanding of the strong force!

Explore further insights on related topics at:

• Human Health Issues — Exploring the intersection of science and human health.
• FSNews365 — Stay informed with the latest science and technology news.
• Earth Day Harsh Reality  — Discover environmental impacts of scientific innovations.

Read the full article now and join the conversation on scientific breakthroughs!