Richard T. Jones, Associate Prof. of Physics, University of Connecticut,

Research Interests

Experiments in Particle Physics

Hadron Spectroscopy

The starting point for the study of the nuclear force is understanding the observed spectrum of nuclear particles, known collectively as hadrons. According to the theory of QCD (Quantum Chromodynamics) hadrons are actually made of more elementary particles called quarks that are bound together by a strongly attractive field called glue. Finding a tractable model for QCD at the hadron scale and testing its predictions by experiment is the challenge of hadron spectroscopy. For more background concerning this line of research, click here. Our group at the University of Connecticut is involved in the following experimental research projects in hadron spectroscopy.

Strong Interaction Phenomenology

In the analysis of experimental results, one often finds that the data admit more than one interpretation. Such ambiguities can sometimes obscure the physics that the experiment was designed to observe. While for some this may be discouraging, I find a challenge in hunting for clues to the interpretation of the data within the data themselves, an opportunity to participate in both the experimental and theoretical disciplines. Click here for more background in this line of research.

Parity-Violating Electron Scattering

Parity-violation in electron scattering arises from the interference between the dominant electromagnetic and the weak force between the electron and the target. For elastic scattering at very low deflection angles, the magnitude of the parity violation depends chiefly on the total weak ``charge'' of the target, which is predicted accurately by the Standard Model. Precise experimental measurements of this effect are thus sensitive to deviations from the Standard Model that would be the signature of new particles or interactions which are yet to be discovered. For more information on a the Qweak experiment, click here.
    Qweak   (experiment E02-020 at Jefferson Lab)

Special Topics

I find many other topics in physics interesting, beyond the scope of experiments in particle physics. Occasionally opportunities have arisen to collaborate with a student or other colleague and investigate a problem outside my immediate research track. Some of these activities are described here.
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