Searching for the light hybrid baryons

Atomic theory, well-established for almost a century, tells us that matter is made up of atoms, which are in turn made up of smaller constituents: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is an established physical model which describes protons and neutrons as being made up of smaller constituents called quarks bound together by the strong force through an exchange of particles called gluons. QCD permits us to formulate possible bound-states that have not been conclusively observed. Among these bound-states are structures called hybrid baryons, particles containing three quarks, and an intrinsic gluon. Utilizing QCD sum rules, the ground-state masses of these hybrid states may be calculated, and compared against experimental data to provide evidence for hybrid particles. With the current construction and operation of several experiments specifically designed to look for hybrid particles, experimental data will soon be abundant. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Tom Steele

Student:

Partner:

Sun Yat-Sen University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program:

Globalink Research Award