Department of Physics and Astronomy

Nuclear and Particle Physics Seminar

Monday, August 30

12:30pm-1:30pm

Stevenson Center, Room 6333

Dan Magestro

Ohio State University

Mysterious Bose-Einstein Correlations in Elementary and Nuclear Collisions

Since its discovery more than 40 years ago, Bose-Einstein correlations (BEC) among identical particles has provided a tool for studying the space-time structure and evolution of all types of subatomic collisions. In e+e- and p+p- collisions BEC probes different aspects of hadronization, while in heavy ion collisions extensive studies of BEC (a.k.a. HBT interferometry) have placed important constraints on the lifetime and final size of the expanding system. I will present recent results from BEC studies in both domains at an introductory level. In particular, I will emphasize a few unfortunate "puzzles" that have arisen from experimental measurement. While these mysteries have shaken our confidence, I will discuss future studies that promise to restore our faith.