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Understanding the Quark and Gluon Structure of the Nucleus

Objective

The representation of the nucleus as an aggregate of protons and neutrons has been quite successful to describe nuclear properties in the past. However, it is now the time to understand the nuclear structure in terms of quarks and gluons (i.e. the partons). We have known for more than 30 years that the quark distribution deviates by up to 20% from the standard model of nuclear physics. With time, most explanations of this phenomenon have come to fail and this major nuclear effect remains today a mystery, but clearly tells us that a description of the nucleus in which protons and neutrons are not affected by their surrounding medium is incomplete. I propose here to use several recent developments in detection technologies and in hadron physics theory to perform new experiments that will unravel the deeper structure of the atomic nucleus. The first measurement will give the 3D tomography of the nucleus in terms of quarks and gluons. Second, I lay out a strategy to measure transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions in cold nuclear matter and show how
it can help understand the gluon saturation scale, i.e. the onset of non linear behavior in the nuclear gluon structure. Third, I propose to measure reactions, in which we detect nuclear remnants, to link the nucleon and quark dynamics of the nucleus together. The proposed measurements necessitate the development of a dedicated nuclear low energy recoil tracker (ALERT), that I propose to develop and build in the IPN Orsay laboratory at the Paris-Saclay University (France). This detector will be used at the recently upgraded electron accelerator of Jefferson Lab (USA). This facility offers a unique setup with the most intense multi-GeV electron beam in the world. Together, these three unique measurements form a comprehensive program to decisively advance our understanding of the nuclear structure in terms of quarks and gluons.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2018-STG

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Host institution

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 405 881,00
Address
RUE MICHEL ANGE 3
75794 PARIS
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 405 881,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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