The Q_Weak^p Experiment: A Search For Physics Beyond The Standard Model Via A Measurement Of The Proton's Weak Charge
The Qweak collaboration is currently preparing a measurement of the proton's weak charge QWp = (1–4 sin2thetaW) at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF). The experiment has been designed to produce a 4.1% measurement of the weak charge, via a 2.5% measurement of the parity violating asymmetry in the number of elastically scattered 1 GeV electrons from protons, at forward angles. At the proposed precision, the experiment would produce a 0.3% measurement of the weak mixing angle at a momentum transfer of [approximate] = 16 GeV, making it the most precise stand alone measurement of the weak mixing angle at low momentum transfer. In combination with other parity measurements, Qweak will also provide a high precision determination of the weak charges of the up and down quarks. Our proposed measurement of QWp will be performed with significantly smaller statistical and systematic errors than existing low Q2 data. Any significant deviation from the Standard Model prediction at low momentum transfer (Q2) would be a signal of new physics, whereas agreement would place new and significant constraints on possible Standard Model extensions. The experiment is currently being installed. Commissioning of the experiment will begin in May 2010 and the first production data will be taken in the Fall of 2010.
- Research Organization:
- Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF), Newport News, VA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-06OR23177
- OSTI ID:
- 984826
- Report Number(s):
- JLAB-PHY-09-1031; DOE/OR/23177-1262; TRN: US1006048
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings: VIII Latin American Symposium On Nuclear Physics And Applications, Vol. 1265; Conference: 8th Latin American Symposium On Nuclear Physics And Applications, 15-19 Dec 2009, Santiago, Chile
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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