Precision Measurements and Tests of Fundamental Interactions and Symmetries using Spin (Exp.)

Our research is centered on understanding the internal structure of nucleons. At the heart of this effort lies Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), the fundamental theory of the strong interaction. Testing the features of QCD across all relevant distance scales remains one of the most exciting frontiers in modern nuclear and particle physics. We explore key questions such as:

• How do strange quarks contribute to the charge and magnetism of the nucleon?
• What roles do quarks, gluons, and orbital angular momentum play in the spin of the nucleon?

In recent years, our research has expanded to include precision tests of discrete symmetries and fundamental particle properties. We are part of a collaboration (BL3) measuring the neutron lifetime using the beam method, an experiment taking place at NIST. This work aims to shed light on the discrepancy between the "bottle" and "beam" lifetime measurements.

Additionally, we collaborate with researchers at Argonne National Laboratory to improve current limits on the permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of ²²⁵Ra. This atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics experiment contributes to constraining theoretical models that attempt to explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.

Finally, we use high-precision ellipsometry—including Faraday and Kerr effect measurements—to study the electric and magnetic polarizability of various systems. This research helps us better understand how light interacts with matter in electromagnetic environments. Ultimately, these techniques may be applied to probe possible interactions with dark matter.

Specific research areas:

• Studies of the Neutron Spin Structure at Jefferson Lab
• Development of Precision Magnetometers for Spin-Polarized Targets (Research Assistant position available)
• BL3: A New Experiment to Measure the Lifetime of the Neutron Using the Beam Method at NIST
• Search for a Permanent Electric Dipole Moment of ²²⁵Ra Using Modern AMO Techniques at ANL
• Development of a Spin-Polarized ^6,7Li Source for the EIC (Research Assistant position available)
• Precision Ellipsometry at UK with Possible Applications to DM Searches
• Measurements of Ion Binding Energies on Dielectric Surfaces in Cryogenic Environments 

If you are interested in any of these topics, please get in touch with me.

Present Graduate Students:

• Jiachen He - Working on the development of a precision magnetometer using non-linear resonant Faraday rotation
• Razzakul Islam - Working on measurements of binding energies of ions in cryogenic environments
• Swejyoti Mitra - Working on an improved measurement of the ²²⁵Ra permanent electric dipole moment

Complete list of publications (INSPIRE)

Complete list of publications (ADS)