Grant: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Individual

This research program uses computer calculations to study the physics of elementary particles. The method is called lattice field theory and it has become a standard tool for learning about quarks and gluons, which are the building blocks of protons, neutrons, and all other hadrons. My research group is using lattice field theory to advance knowledge in three specific directions. 1. After several years of studying conventional hadrons, we are now performing calculations of exotic hadrons. Although exotic candidates have been observed at many experimental facilities around the world, there is no consensus on a theoretical understanding. 2. Many of the big questions in particle physics rely on precise input from lattice field theory, and we are working as part of the international effort to refine the knowledge of two particularly important quantities: the strong coupling between quarks and gluons, and the muon's anomalous magnetic moment. 3. Astrophysical observations indicate the existence of dark matter, but the standard model of particle physics contains no dark matter particle. We are using lattice methods to study a theory of dark particles with a dark force that resembles the known theory of quarks and gluons.