UNH Today

Researchers from the University of New Hampshire have published a groundbreaking study in Physics Letters B, a leading journal in nuclear physics. Led by postdoctoral researcher David Ruth and co-authored by UNH professor Karl Slifer and others, the paper provides new insights into the hyperfine splitting effect, which governs how electrons interact with atomic nuclei.

The study builds on previous research by incorporating real data collected at the Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Virginia, enhancing existing models.

“This new research brings us closer to understanding the way atoms are put together by telling us how the internal structure of the proton affects its behavior inside an atom,” says Ruth. “While this research doesn’t directly aim to create new technologies, its importance lies in answering fundamental questions about the building blocks of matter.”

One of the major findings is that how quarks and gluons – smaller particles that combine to form protons -- behave when they’re far apart is  more important than scientists previously thought. By providing more accurate data, the work reduces uncertainty in understanding the proton’s internal structure and how it interacts with electrons in an atom. The results will guide future experiments and may even contribute to unforeseen discoveries that could transform everyday life.

“The result is already helping to motivate a new experiment further measuring this quantity and other related aspects of the proton's internal structure,” says Ruth, who, along with Slifer, is part of that additional research group. “It has already been approved to run at Jefferson Lab.”