02-1-1087-2009
   


Research on Relativistic Heavy and Light Ion Physics.
Experiments at the Accelerator Complex Nuclotron-M/NICA at JINR
and CERN SPS

 

Theme leaders:    A.I. Malakhov
S.V. Afanasiev


Participating countries and international organizations:
Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, CERN, China,  India, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Uzbekistan.

The problem under study and the main purpose of the research:
Study of new phenomena in multiple particle productions associated with the manifestation of the quark and gluon degrees of freedom in the interaction of relativistic nuclei. Study of nucleon and nuclear interactions at the VBLHEP accelerator complex, CERN SPS. Energy scan of interactions of nuclei at 20-158 GeV/nucleon energies and the study of their dependence on the atomic number of nuclei. To search for the critical point on the phase diagram of nuclear matter at the NA61/SHINE(SPS, CERN). Study of hadron production in hadron-nucleus interactions. Use of the obtained data for the precision calculations of neutrino spectra and fluxes in the accelerator experiments to study the neutrino oscillations. Investigation of nucleon clustering and the contribution of unstable nuclear-molecular States to the dissociation of light stable and radioactive isotopes, as well as the properties of rarefied baryonic matter in the dissociation of heavy nuclei. Experimental and theoretical study of deep subthreshold, cumulative processes, the formation of hadrons and antimatter in the transition energy region. Investigation of processes in the region of large PT (PT ≥ 1 GeV/c) in non-cumulative and cumulative kinematic regions at SPIN and FODS setups. Study of the behavior of elementary particles, nucleon resonances and nucleon fluctuations in nuclear matter on the SCAN spectrometer. Preparation of proposals of the experiments at the VBLHEP accelerator complex on the Nuclotron extracted beams and NICA Collider. Study of the short-range nucleon-nucleon correlations and the cluster structure of the nuclei using the beams of ions, polarized protons and deuterons at the internal target of the Nuclotron. 

Projects in the theme: 
 
  Name of the project Project Leaders Project code

1.

NA61 / SHINE

A.I. Malakhov
Deputies:
A.V. Dmitriev
A.A. Zajtsev

02-1-1087-1-2012/2026

2.

SCAN-3

S.V. Afanasiev
Deputy:
D.K. Dryablov

02-1-1087-2-2017/2027
 
   Projects:
 
  Name of the project Project Leaders
Status
Laboratory    Responsible from laboratories    
1. NA61 / SHINE A.I. Malakhov
Deputies:
A.V. Dmitriev
A.A. Zajtsev
Upgrade
Preparation
Data analysis
VBLHEP  V.A. Babkin, M.G.Buryakov, V.M. Golovatyuk,  R.Yu. Kolesnikov, V.A. Kireev,  V.A. Matveev, G.L. Melkumov, M.M. Rumyantsev
DLNP V.V. Lyubushkin, G.I. Lykasov, B.A. Popov, V.V. Tereschenko
Associated Personnel
NA61 / SHINE

 I.V. Azhinenko, N. Karpushkin, S. Morozov

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
The main physics goals include: search for the second-order critical end-point in the temperature versus baryon-chemical potential phase diagram (looking for nonmonotonic behavior of critical point signatures, such as transverse momentum and multiplicity fluctuations, intermittency signal, etc., when system freezes out close to the critical point), study the properties of the onset of deconfinement (search for the onset of the horn, kink, step, and dale structures in collisions of light nuclei). In recent years, the program has been extended by Pb+Pb collisions where the open charm production, as well as collective effects are studied. Based on the obtained results, few years ago NA61/SHINE introduced a concept of two onsets in nucleus-nucleus collisions at the CERN SPS energies: onset of deconfinement (beginning of QGP formation – collision energy threshold for deconfinement) and onset of fireball (beginning of formation of a large cluster which decays statistically – system-size threshold for creation of statistical system). The strong interactions program is based on beam momentum scans (13A-158A·GeV/c) with light and intermediate mass nuclei (from p+p to Xe+La).

Expected results upon completion of the project:

Data analysis of the NA61/SHINE experiment (SPS, CERN).

Studies of the birth of hadrons in hadron-nuclear interactions.

The study of the formation of charmed hadrons (mainly D-mesons) during the interaction of heavy ions in order to obtain new data on the average number of charmed quark-antiquark pairs and to understand the mechanism of the birth of open charm.

Obtaining data for precision calculation of neutrino spectra and fluxes in accelerator experiments for the study of neutrino oscillations.

Completion of the modernization of the TOF system.

Expected results of the project this year:

Processing and analysis of experimental data obtained at the NA61/SHINE installation on p+p, Be+Be, Ar+Sc, O+O, Pb+Pb collisions.

Conducting experimental studies on a beam of relativistic lead nuclei.


Investigation of anti-core formation in Ar+Ca and Xe+La collisions.

The study of the formation of enchanted hadrons in the interaction of heavy ions in order to understand the mechanism of the birth of an open charm.
 
2. SCAN-3 S.V. Afanasiev
Deputy:
D.K. Dryablov
Upgrade
Preparation
Data analysis
VBLHEP  Yu.S. Anisimov, A.A. Baldin,  B.V. Dubinchik, P.R. Kharyuzov, S.V. Kilchakovskaia, Yu.F. Krechetov, O.V.Kutinova, M. Paraypan, D.G. Sakulin, V.A. Smirnov, E.V. Sukhov, V.V. Ustinov, D.V. Ustinov, V. Vartik

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
The project is aimed at studying highly excited nuclear matter formed in dA interactions. This state of matter is studied by observing the decay of the excited nucleus into a pair of energetic particles emitted at an angle close to 1800 and with an energy resolution of 4–5 MeV. The physics programme includes the study of the η- and Δ–nuclei formation and the determination of binding energies and widths of quasi-bound states.

Expected results upon completion of the project:
Upgrade of the SCAN setup.

Analysis of the experimental data on the behavior of nucleon resonances and nucleon fluctuations in nuclei, on the search and study of properties of the bound state-meson in nuclear matter.

Expected results of the project this year:
Testing of a three-beam magnetic spectrometer SCAN.

Conducting a technical session on the internal beam of the nuclotron to adjust the detectors and debug the data collection program.

Analysis of experimental data.
 


Activities of the theme: 

  Name of the activity Leader Implementation period
Laboratory     Responsible from laboratories Status
1. BECQUEREL P.I. Zarubin
Deputy:
A.A. Zaytsev		 2024-2026
Upgrade
Preparation
Data analysis
VBLHEP D.A. Artemenkov, N.K. Kornegrutsa, M.Natarjan, V.V. Rusakova, P.A. Rukoyatkin

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
The BECQUEREL experiment is aimed at solving topical problems in nuclear clustering physics. The used method of nuclear track emulsion (NTE) makes it possible, due to its unique sensitivity and spatial resolution, to study in a unified approach multiple final states arising in dissociation of relativistic nuclei. Progress in this direction relies on computerized microscopy.
 

Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Search and study of the Hoyle state and more complex nuclear-molecular States in the dissociation of light nuclei.

Analysis of the isotopic composition of the fragmentation of heavy nuclei.

Use of automated microscopes, as well as improvement of the NE technology.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Analysis of exposures to Xe (NICA/Nuсlotron) and Kr (GSI) nuclei to study 8Be decays and the Hoyle state and accompanying α-ensembles and search for the 4α-condensate.

Estimation of the parameters of accompanying neutrons.

Mastering identification by multiple scattering of He and H isotopes on a motorized microscope.

Search for 8Be and 9B isobar-analogue states in the 9Be and 10C exposures.

Mastering the identification of ensembles of stopped α-particles in the fragmentation of nuclei from the composition of the emulsion under the action of relativistic particles.
2. Experiment FASA-3 for registration of nuclear fragments S.P. Avdeev

2024-2026

Upgrade
Preparation
Data analysis
DLNP V.I. Stegaylov
FLNR V.V. Kirakosyan, E.M.Kozulin, G.V. Mushinsky,
O.V. Strekalovsky
VBLHEP H.U. Abraamian, Z.A. Igamkulov, V. Karach, L.V. Kornyushina, P.A. Rukoyatkin, Z.A. Sadygov
Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Analysis of the experimental data on the processes of the multiple emission of intermediate mass fragments on the beams of relativistic light ions using a 4-π PHASE-3 setup for the registration of nuclear fragments.

Performing data analysis to determine the mechanism of multifragmentation and to obtain new information about the nuclear phase transitions "liquid-fog" and "liquid-gas".

Investigation of properties of hot nuclei formed in the collisions of light relativistic ions with heavy targets.

Production of the detector system  for the registration of the decay of hypernuclei.


Expected results of the activity this year:
Debugging of the QUARTUS CAEN program at the  PHASE spectrometer for registration of nuclear fragments.

Analysis of experimental data in the framework of statistical and dynamic models.

Preparation of a new project.
 
3. Investigation with light and heavy ions for applied research A.I. Malakhov

2024-2026

Realization
Preparation
Data taking
VBLHEP N.N. Agapov, Yu.S. Anisimov, A.A. Baldin, E.G. Baldina, D.K. Dryablov, M. Paraypan

Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Use of heavy and light ions for applied research.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Analysis of the results of irradiation of biological objects in accordance with Agreement of the JINR-BAS cooperation.
 

4. Upgrade of equipment the station of internal target of the Nuclotron
 S.V. Afanasiev
R.Yu.Kolesnikov

2024-2026

Upgrade
Data taking
VBLHEP Yu.S. Anisimov, D.K. Dryablov, B.V. Dubinchik, V.Vartik, A.S. Kuznetsov, S.N. Kuznetsov, D.G. Sakulin

Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Replacement of target operation control electronics from the KAMAK system to modern industrial standards.

Creating software for new electronics. Production of a target based on the carbon isotope 13C.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Preparing the station for operation in the spring Nuclotron Run.

 

5. Test of the detectors for
measurements and control
the luminosity at the collider
NICA


 G.D. Milnov

2024-2026

R&D
Technical Proposal 
VBLHEP R.A. Akbarov, K.U. Abraamyan, T.Y. Bokova, Z.A. Igamkulov, L.V. Kornyushina, I.I. Migulina, A.Z. Sadygov, Z.Y. Sadygov, V.I. Shokin
FLNP E.I. Litvinenko

Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Creation of a detector and development of algorithms for configuring beam reduction in the NICA collider.

Expected results of the activity this year:

Preparation of a technical project for luminosity measurement at the NICA collider.

Production of two planes for the luminosity measurement detector.

6. Study of the multiparticle correlations at modernized internal targetstation at Nuclotron V.P. Ladygin

2024-2026

Preparation
Data taking 
VBLHEP I.S.Volkov, Yu.V. Gurchin, A.Yu. Isupov, V.A.Kireev, N.B. Ladygina, K.S.Legostaeva, A.I. Malakhov, S.G. Reznikov,  A.A. Terekhin, A.V. Tishevsky
Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
 
The study of multiparticle correlations is one of the ways to study the dynamics of nuclear-nuclear collisions. One of the goals of research on the internal target of the Nuclotron is to evaluate the contribution of short-range 2-nucleon correlations for C+A and Xe+A collisions.
 

Expected results upon completion of the project:
Experimental and theoretical research on the project program.

Expected results of the project this year:
Processing of experimental data obtained on a 124Xe beam with an energy of 3 GeV/nucleon 3.8 GeV/nucleon.  

 

7. Search and investigation of a new charged particle in the 2-120 MeV mass range V.A. Nikitin

2024-2026

Data analysis

VBLHEP M.Kh. Anikina, A.V. Beloborodov, V.S. Rikhvitsky, A.Yu. Troyan, A.A. Zaicev
 
Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Search and investigation of a  charged particle in the 2-120 MeV mass range.


Expected results of the activity this year:
Addition of existing results with new data.

 
8. Acquisition, processing and digitation of information from bubble chamber and other fixed target experiments in the conditions of registration of multiple particle production in an energy range of 1-300 GeV A.A. Baldin
V.V. Glagolev

2024-2026

Data analysis

 
VBLHEP S.G. Arakelyan, E.G. Baldina, A.V. Belyaev, A.V. Beloborodov, Ver.V. Bleko, Vit. V. Bleko, D.N. Bogoslovsky, S.A. Chetverikov, A.P. Ierusalimov, V.V. Ilyushchenko, P.R. Kharyuzov, E.A. Klevcov, D.S. Korovkin, N.E. Kukharev, V.A., Pukhaeva, O.V. Rogachevsky, A.B. Safonov, A.Yu. Troyan, Yu.A. Troyan
 
Expected results upon completion of the activity: 
Collection, processing and digitization of the film information obtained using bubble chambers and in electronic experiments with fixed targets under the conditions of registration of multiple birth of particles in the energy range of 1-300 GeV.

Preparation of an education programme for highly qualified students for the NICA project.


Expected results of the activity this year:
Analysis of bubble chamber data, search and research of new phenomena based on the JINR LIT supercomputer.

Replenishment of the experimental data base in the field of relativistic nuclear physics.

Refinement of the results obtained on a propane two-meter chamber, and analysis of data on the results of the NA61/SHINE experiment.

Collaboration
 
Country or International Organization City Institute or laboratory
Armenia Yerevan Foundation ANSL
    YSU
Belarus Minsk INP BSU
Bulgaria Blagoevgrad AUBG
  Sofia INRNE BAS
    Inst. Microbiology BAS
    SU
CERN Geneva CERN
China Beijing CIAE
    IHEP CAS
  Wuhan CCNU
India Jaipur Univ.
  Mumbai BARC
Mongolia Ulaanbaatar IPT MAS
Romania Bucharest IFIN-HH
    UB
  Magurele ISS
Russia Belgorod BelSU
  Chernogolovka ISMAN RAS
  Moscow ITEP
    LPI RAS
    MSU
    NRC KI
  Moscow, Troitsk INR RAS
  Protvino IHEP
  Saint Petersburg FIP
  Smolensk SSU
  Tomsk TPU
  Vladikavkaz NOSU
    VTC "Baspik"
Slovakia Bratislava IP SAS
  Kosice UPJS
Uzbekistan Jizzakh JDPU
  Samarkand SamSU
  Tashkent Assoc. P.-S. PTI