Efficiency-Corrected Yields of K Lambda(1520) Channel in Search of High-Mass Nucleon Resonances

Description

In nuclear physics, there is a discrepancy between theory and experiment concerning the number of existing nucleon resonances. Current models predict far more states than have been observed. In particular, few searches have found excited nucleon resonances with energies above

In nuclear physics, there is a discrepancy between theory and experiment concerning the number of existing nucleon resonances. Current models predict far more states than have been observed. In particular, few searches have found excited nucleon resonances with energies above 2.2 GeV in the K Lambda channel. To investigate high-mass nucleon resonances, efficiency-corrected yields of the reaction ep --> e K+ Lambda(1520) --> e K+ K- p in the center-of-mass energy range 2.1-4.5 GeV are constructed utilizing Jefferson Lab's CLAS12 detector. This paper presents the results of an analysis searching for high-mass nucleon resonances in the K Lambda channel between 2.1-4.5 GeV.

Date Created
2023-05
Agent

Study of Excited Cascade Baryons and Preliminary Cross-Sections for Ξ(1530) Using Data from the GlueX Experiment

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Description
The spectra of predicted particles from elementary quark models (CQMs) are expansive, accurate for the low-lying spectra, but incomplete. The GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab is a vehicle to study medium energy photoproduction of hadronic states. The primary goal of

The spectra of predicted particles from elementary quark models (CQMs) are expansive, accurate for the low-lying spectra, but incomplete. The GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab is a vehicle to study medium energy photoproduction of hadronic states. The primary goal of the GlueX collaboration is to study Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD, also known as the strong nuclear force) and the nature of quark confinement. The GlueX collaboration uses a polarized photon beam incident on a liquid hydrogen target (LH2) to investigate the aftermath of photon-proton interactions.The cascade baryons, denoted by Ξ, are defined by having two, second-generation, strange quarks with an additional first-generation light quark (u or d). Experimentally, few cascades have been discovered, which is the antithesis of what most models expect. The cascades have some favorable attributes but are difficult to detect because the production cross sections are small and direct production is unlikely. Fortunately, in the 12 GeV era of the GlueX experiment, there is sufficient energy, beam time and data analysis tools for the detection of excited cascade states and their properties. From the reaction γp→K^+ K^+ Ξ^- π^0, the invariant mass spectra of Ξ^- π^0 system was surveyed for new possible resonances. The invariant mass spectrum has a strong Ξ(1530) signal with other smaller resonances throughout the spectrum. Preliminary cross sections for the Ξ(1530) that was photoproduced from the proton are presented at energies never before explored. While the Ξ(1530) couples almost exclusively to the Ξπ channel, there is an easily identifiable Ξ(1690) signal decaying Ξπ. Through the use of a simultaneous fitting routing of the Ξ*- mass spectra, I was able to observe the Ξ(1690) decaying to the KΛ, as well as to the Ξ-π0 branch. With additional statistics, a measurement of the branching ratio should be possible. Lastly, a partial wave analysis (PWA) was completed to verify that the total angular momentum of Ξ(1530) is J = 3/2 and consistent with having positive parity. Additionally, there is evidence of a potentially interesting feature slightly above the mass of the Ξ(1530) that should be more fully explored as new GlueX data becomes available.
Date Created
2022
Agent

Partial Wave Analysis of Meson Resonances That Decay $K^\ast\bar{K}$ Using Data from the GlueX Experiment

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Description
The GlueX experiment housed in Hall D of the Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory was created to map the light meson spectrum in order to contribute to the Standard Model of particle physics by strengthening our understanding of the strong interaction.

The GlueX experiment housed in Hall D of the Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory was created to map the light meson spectrum in order to contribute to the Standard Model of particle physics by strengthening our understanding of the strong interaction. GlueX is a medium-energy photoproduction experiment that utilizes a linearly polarized photon beam to create hadronic forms of matter. By mapping the light meson spectrum, the GlueX collaboration hopes to identify meson states forbidden by the Constituent Quark Model. As a main research objective, the GlueX collaboration is searching for hybrid $q\bar{q}g$ meson states that exhibit exotic quantum numbers. One hybrid meson candidate is the $\eta'_1$, which is predicted to decay to $K^\ast\bar{K}$ and have a mass near $2.3~\mathrm{GeV}$ (\citeauthor{qn_exotic_status}, \citeyear{qn_exotic_status}; \citeauthor{hybrid_mesons}, \citeyear{hybrid_mesons}). At this time, very few meson states have been identified in the $2.0~\mathrm{GeV}$ mass region. This dearth of evidence for existing states requires any tool developed to search for meson states above $2.0~\mathrm{GeV}$ must be verified by looking at known meson states. In order to search for the $\eta'_1$ hybrid meson candidate in $\gamma p \rightarrow pK^+K^-\gamma\gamma$ events, meson states decaying $K^\ast\bar{K}$ that contribute to the low mass region must be identified, defined in this document as particles having masses between $1400$ and $1600~\mathrm{MeV}$. Identifying what meson states exist in the low mass region is also critical to mapping the light meson spectrum and determining the quark-gluonic content of those meson states. The results of a partial wave analysis (PWA) of $\gamma p \rightarrow pX$ where $X\rightarrow K^\ast\bar{K}$ from $\gamma p \rightarrow pK^+K^-\gamma\gamma$ events in GlueX are presented. In the $J=0$ invariant mass distribution, the $\eta(1405)$ and $\eta(1475)$ are identified, adding to the debate as to whether two pseudoscalar mesons exist in the low mass region. For the $J=1$ distribution, the $f_1(1420)$ and $f_1(1510)$ axial vector mesons are seen, where the former helps further elaborate on the $E\iota$ puzzle of the twentieth century \citep{E_iota_puzzle}. With respect to the controversy of meson states in the low mass region, evidence for the existence of the $f_2(1430)$ meson is strengthened in the $J=2$ distribution, and the $f'_2(1525)$ state is seen. This work lays a foundation for the ASU Meson Physics Group to continue a wider search for hybrid mesons in the $\gamma p \rightarrow pK^+K^-\gamma\gamma$ reaction topology.
Date Created
2021
Agent

Si Detector Timing Studies for the Nab Experiment

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Description
Precision measurements of kinematic correlation parameters of free neutron decayserve as a powerful probe of the Standard Model of particle physics. A wide array of Beyond the Standard Model physics theories can be probed by precision neutron physics. The Nab experiment will

Precision measurements of kinematic correlation parameters of free neutron decayserve as a powerful probe of the Standard Model of particle physics. A wide array of Beyond the Standard Model physics theories can be probed by precision neutron physics. The Nab experiment will measure a, the electron-neutrino correlation coefficient, and b, the Fierz interference term. a is amongst the most sensitive decay parameters to λ = gA/gV , the ratio of the axial-vector and vector coupling constants in the weak force. Two important systematic considerations for the Nab experiment are average detector timing bias, which must be held to ≤ 0.3 ns, and energy calibration and linearity, which must be held to 1 part in 104 . Both systematics require an in depth understanding of charge collection in Nab’s Si detectors. Simulation of Si charge collection using numerical methods and the Shockley-Ramo Theorem has been completed. A variety of detector tests, including detector and amplification electronics acceptance testing have also been completed. Also included in this dissertation is my work with the Nab ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic system.
Date Created
2021
Agent

Meson Decay in e p → e p K+ K- and e p → e p K+ K- π0 events

Description

In the quark model, meson states consisting of a quark/anti-quark pair must obey Poincaré symmetry. As a result of that symmetry, for meson total angular momentum J, parity P, and charge conjugation symmetry C, states with JPC= 0--, 0+-, 1-+,

In the quark model, meson states consisting of a quark/anti-quark pair must obey Poincaré symmetry. As a result of that symmetry, for meson total angular momentum J, parity P, and charge conjugation symmetry C, states with JPC= 0--, 0+-, 1-+, 2+-, 3-+, 4+-, … should not be observed. A meson observed experimentally with such quantum numbers would indicate a so-called “exotic” meson state. Exotic mesons can be multi-quark states like tetraquarks, a combination of two or more gluons known as glueballs, or a hybrid meson (qqg). Theories have suggested that three possible exotic meson states with the 1-+ quantum number: π1, η1, and η‘1,. However, no conclusive evidence for the existence of these three exotic states has been observed. This research will look for new states that decay to K* K final states with an emphasis on exotic mesons. An analysis of K+ K- π0 final states will be presented, where a restriction on the K - π0 invariant mass yields an unexpected enhancement in the K+ K- π0 spectrum.

Date Created
2021-05
Agent

Analysis of the Polarization Observables H & P for gamma p -> pi^+ n

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Description
A search is underway to find baryon resonances that have been predicted, but yet remain unobserved. Nucleon resonances, due to their broad energy widths, overlap and must be disentangled in order to be identified. Meson photoproduction observables related to the

A search is underway to find baryon resonances that have been predicted, but yet remain unobserved. Nucleon resonances, due to their broad energy widths, overlap and must be disentangled in order to be identified. Meson photoproduction observables related to the orientation of the spin of the incoming photon and the spin of the target proton are useful tools to deconvolve the nucleon resonance spectrum. These observables are particularly sensitive to interference between phases of the complex amplitudes. A set of these observables has been measured using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab with linearly-polarized photons having energies from 725 to 1575 MeV with polar angle values of cos(theta) between -0.8 and 0.9 and transversely-polarized protons in the Jefferson Lab FRozen Spin Target (FROST). By fitting neutron yields from gamma p -> pi^+ n over azimuthal scattering angle, the observables \H and P have been extracted. These observables manifest as azimuthal modulations in the yields for the double-polarization experiment. Preliminary results for these observables will be presented and compared with predictions provided by the SAID Partial-Wave Analysis Facility.
Date Created
2018-05
Agent

Feasibility of Studying Photoproduction of the ηC Meson and π1(2015) Hybrid Meson Candidate

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Description
Preliminary feasibility studies for two possible experiments with the GlueX detector, installed in Hall D of Jefferson Laboratory, are presented. First, a general study of the feasibility of detecting the ηC at the current hadronic rate is discussed, without regard

Preliminary feasibility studies for two possible experiments with the GlueX detector, installed in Hall D of Jefferson Laboratory, are presented. First, a general study of the feasibility of detecting the ηC at the current hadronic rate is discussed, without regard for detector or reconstruction efficiency. Second, a study of the use of statistical methods in studying exotic meson candidates is outlined, describing methods and providing preliminary data on their efficacy.
Date Created
2015-05
Agent

Measurement of the two-photon exchange contribution to lepton-proton scattering with OLYMPUS

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Description
The OLYMPUS experiment measured the two-photon exchange contribution to elastic electron-proton scattering, over a range of four-momentum transfer from \(0.6 < Q^2 < 2.2\) \((\mathrm{GeV/c})^2\). The motivation for the experiment stemmed from measurements of the electric-to-magnetic form factor ratio

The OLYMPUS experiment measured the two-photon exchange contribution to elastic electron-proton scattering, over a range of four-momentum transfer from \(0.6 < Q^2 < 2.2\) \((\mathrm{GeV/c})^2\). The motivation for the experiment stemmed from measurements of the electric-to-magnetic form factor ratio of the proton \(\mu G_E/G_M\) extracted from polarization observables in polarized electron-proton scattering. Polarized electron-proton scattering experiments have revealed a significant decrease in \(\mu G_E/G_M\) at large \(Q^2\), in contrast to previous measurements from unpolarized electron-proton scattering. The commonly accepted hypothesis is that the discrepancy in the form factor ratio is due to neglected higher-order terms in the elastic electron-proton scattering cross section, in particular the two-photon exchange amplitude.

The goal of OLYMPUS was to measure the two-photon exchange contribution by measuring the positron-proton to electron-proton elastic scattering cross section ratio, \(\sigma_{e^+p}/\sigma_{e^-p}\). The two-photon exchange contribution is correlated to the deviation of the cross section ratio from unity.

In 2012, the OLYMPUS experiment collected over 4 fb\(^{-1}\) of \(e^+p\) and \(e^-p\) scattering data using electron and positron beams incident on a hydrogen gas target. The scattered leptons and protons were measured exclusively with a large acceptance spectrometer. OLYMPUS observed a slight rise in \(\sigma_{e^+p}/\sigma_{e^-p}\) of at most 1-2\% over a \(Q^2\) range of \(0.6 < Q^2 < 2.2\) \((\mathrm{GeV/c})^2\). This work discusses the motivations, experiment, analysis method, and the preliminary results for the cross section ratio as measured by OLYMPUS.
Date Created
2016
Agent

Spin observables in [eta] meson photoproduction on the proton

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Description
A series of experiments using a polarized beam incident on a polarized frozen spin target

(FROST) was conducted at Jefferson Lab in 2010. Results presented here were taken

during the second running period with the FROST target using the CEBAF Large Acceptance

Spectrometer

A series of experiments using a polarized beam incident on a polarized frozen spin target

(FROST) was conducted at Jefferson Lab in 2010. Results presented here were taken

during the second running period with the FROST target using the CEBAF Large Acceptance

Spectrometer (CLAS) detector at Jefferson Lab, which used transversely-polarized

protons in a butanol target and a circularly-polarized incident tagged photon beam with

energies between 0.62 and 2.93 GeV. Data are presented for the F and T polarization observables

for h meson photoproduction on the proton from W = 1.55 GeV to 1.80 GeV.

The data presented here will improve the world database and refine theoretical approaches

of nucleon structure.
Date Created
2016
Agent

Data Analysis Techniques, Differential Cross Sections, and Spin Density Matrix Elements for the Reaction Gamma p -> phi p

Description

High-statistics measurements of differential cross sections and spin density matrix elements for the reaction γp → ϕp have been made using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. We cover center-of-mass energies (√s) from 1.97 to 2.84 GeV, with an extensive

High-statistics measurements of differential cross sections and spin density matrix elements for the reaction γp → ϕp have been made using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. We cover center-of-mass energies (√s) from 1.97 to 2.84 GeV, with an extensive coverage in the ϕ production angle. The high statistics of the data sample made it necessary to carefully account for the interplay between the ϕ natural lineshape and effects of the detector resolution, that are found to be comparable in magnitude. We study both the charged- (ϕ → K+K-) and neutral- (ϕ → K[0 over S]K[0 over L]) K[⎯⎯⎯ over K] decay modes of the ϕ. Further, for the charged mode, we differentiate between the cases where the final K- track is directly detected or its momentum reconstructed as the total missing momentum in the event. The two charged-mode topologies and the neutral-mode have different resolutions and are calibrated against each other. Extensive usage is made of kinematic fitting to improve the reconstructed ϕ mass resolution. Our final results are reported in 10- and mostly 30-MeV-wide √s bins for the charged- and the neutral-modes, respectively. Possible effects from K+Λ* channels with pK[⎯⎯⎯ over K] final states are discussed. These present results constitute the most precise and extensive ϕ photoproduction measurements to date and in conjunction with the ω photoproduction results recently published by CLAS, will greatly improve our understanding of low energy vector meson photoproduction.

Date Created
2014-05-27
Agent