Hadron and nuclear physics with electromagnetic probes

Elucidating hadronic matter with intense electromagnetic beams

Our research utilises the world's most intense gamma and electron beams (Giga-electronVolt to Tera-electronVolt energies) to probe the fundamental structure of hadronic matter and nuclei. Our experiments investigate matter at distance scales spanning from the partonic (quarks and gluons), the hadronic (nucleons, mesons and exotic hadrons) as well as enabling precision macroscopic measurements of nuclear structure. As well as adressing fundamental and open questions about hadron physics our work impacts understanding of hadronic matter under high pressures such as neutron stars and epochs after the big bang. The group carries out experiments at a range of facilities including the Thomas Jefferson Laboratory in the USA and the Mainz microton (MAMI) in Germany. We are also leading construction of new detector systems and physics programmes for the upcoming Electron Ion Collider (EIC) - to be constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We also have a broad programme applying our cutting edge detector apparati and advanced simulation developments to adress challenges for next-generatrion medical imaging and radiotherapy.

An artists impression of an atomic nucleus showing the partonic degrees of freedom

‌