An Examination of STAR 2012 π0 Data at 0.8 < η < 2.0 with Longitudinally Polarized p + p Collisions at √s = 510 GeV
Faculty Sponsor
Adam Gibson-Even
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Physics
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-31-2014
Abstract
A recent global analysis of the proton spin has provided evidence for positive gluon polarization ∆g(x) for the momentum fraction range of 0.05 < x < 1. The region x < 0.05 remains relatively poorly constrained, and may provide a significant contribution to the spin of the proton. The STAR detector can be used to measure the effects of quark and gluon spins in the proton through the measurement of asymmetries in π0 production for different polarization states. The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory is uniquely able to collide polarized protons. Data from the polarized p + p run in 2012 has significantly higher integrated luminosity at a higher center of mass energy of 510 GeV than previous datasets, allowing better access to ∆g(x) at low x. The STAR endcap electromagnetic calorimeter, or EEMC, is able to detect π0’s in the range of pseudorapidity 0.8 < η < 2.0, a region at this energy where ∆g(x) for low x can be examined. Preliminary work on 2012 data will be shown.
Recommended Citation
Place, Stephen, "An Examination of STAR 2012 π0 Data at 0.8 < η < 2.0 with Longitudinally Polarized p + p Collisions at √s = 510 GeV" (2014). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 382.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/382
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Stephen Place is a junior physics major from Goshen, IN. Stephen is continuing his research with the same group from summer 2013. Stephen is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee club. He hopes to continue his physics education at graduate school.