NA66 / AMBER. Studying fundamental properties of hadrons
AMBER (Apparatus for Meson and Baryon Experimental Research) is a new experimental facility with a fixed target on the M2 beam line of the CERN SPS. The facility is designed to perform a variety of measurements aimed at addressing fundamental questions of quantum chromodynamics, which are expected to lead to a significant improvement in the understanding of QCD as a modern theory of strong interactions.
The proposed measurements cover physics ranging from thesmallest ${Q}^2$ values, such as determining the charge radius of a proton in elastic muon-proton scattering, reactions withmoderate ${Q}^2$ values for hadronic spectroscopy, and studies of hadronic structure with high ${Q}^2$ using rigid Drell-Yan,Charmonium, and fast photon production processes. The JINR group is responsible for the modernization and operation of theHCAL1 hadron calorimeter and MW1 (Muon Wall 1) high-angle muon identification system. It is also involved, along with agroup from the University of Turin, in the production and support of the Bulk Micromegas track detectors that will replace theobsolete multi-wire chambers (MWPCs) in the SAS behind the SM2 magnet.
Expected results upon completion of the project:
- Solving the proton radius puzzle.
- New knowledge of the quark and gluon structure of mesons.
- Accurate knowledge of the yield of antiprotons in p-p and p-He processes, essential for the search for dark matter in astrophysical experiments.