Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics

Rosati M. (PI), Iowa State University

The Iowa State Experimental Nuclear Physics Program studies nuclear matter under extreme conditions using the PHENIX Detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC).  Using collisions of heavy nuclei we study jets of particles that emerge from these collisions and heavy quarks to determine the nature of the hot, dense, low viscosity matter produced in these collisions.  Through these investigations we hope to gain a better understanding of the fundamental interaction between particles that interact via the strong nuclear force, known as Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).  While this is basic research, history teaches us that a detailed understanding of the fundamental forces in nature can lead to exciting, unpredictable advances in technology that can revolutionize our society and improve our way of life.  The Iowa State Experimental Nuclear Physics group is also actively developing plans for new physics measurements with the EPIC detector at the future Electron-Ion Collider, a proposed nuclear physics facility that will further elucidate the structure of strongly interacting matter.