Date of Award

Winter 12-22-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics

Advisor(s)

Souder, Paul A.

Keywords

moller polarimetry, neutron skin, nuclear eos, parity violation, spin physics, weak form factor

Subject Categories

Nuclear | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics

Abstract

The Lead Radius Experiment 2 (PREX-II) and Calcium Radius Experiment (CREX) carried out in Hall A of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility were designed to measure the neutron skins of 208-Pb and 48-Ca nuclei by measuring the parity-violating asymmetry APV of the elastic scattering of polarized electrons on 208-Pb and 48-Ca targets. In order to achieve a precision measurement of the neutron skins of 208-Pb and 48-Ca it is imperative to maintain precise control over many experimental parameters–one of which is a precision measurement of the electron beam polarization (which is the largest contributor to experimental error making control a high priority). The results of the Møller polarimetry measurements taken over the PREX-II experiment averaged 89.7% ± 0.1% (stat) ± 0.89% (syst) while results from the CREX experiment were in remarkable agreement with the Compton Polarimetry results. The PREX-II experimental results returned an APV = 550 ± 16 (stat) ± 8 (sys) ppb corresponding to a 208-Pb neutron skin thickness of 0.283 ± 0.071 fm.

This dissertation will detail the author's work towards ensuring precision Møller polarimetry measurements for the PREX-II and CREX experiments, a review of associated systematics, and Møller polarimetry analysis results for PREX-II and CREX. A brief review of the PREX-II general experimental analysis and results are also provided as well as additional work done in the development efforts for the anticipated future SoLID experiments.

Access

Open Access

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Nuclear Commons

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