Ab Initio Nuclear Theory for Neutrinoless Double-beta Decay

Perhaps the most complicated quantum systems in the universe, the many facets of atomic nuclei are intertwined with some of the most profound questions in nature. The aim of nuclear structure theory is to develop a unified first-principles, or ab initio, picture for all atomic nuclei starting from only the fundamental forces at work. This problem is particularly daunting, as we must first construct these forces consistent with the underlying symmetries of strong and electroweak interactions. Then we must develop methods to solve the nuclear many-body problem in a controlled and systematically improvable manner. At the same time we will incorporate advanced machine-learning and AI algorithms for rigorous uncertainty quantification.

In this project, we will attack one of the most critical questions in beyond-standard-model physics involving nuclei: the nuclear matrix element (NME) for neutrinoless double-beta decay, and its connection to new theories of physics beyond the so-called Standard Model, which is crucial to extract the absolute neutrino mass from a hypothetical discovery and guide strategic planning for next-generation searches in Canada and worldwide. All results will directly impact the hundreds of millions of dollars of Canadian investment into all such experimental efforts at TRIUMF and SNOLAB.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jason Holt

Student:

Partner:

University of Washington

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

TRIUMF INC.

Program: