Faculty Host: Haiyan Gao
In this talk, I will discuss one of the most elementary scattering processes: that of one relativistic electron scattering off another. Both theoretically and experimentally, relativistic electron-electron scattering, also known as Moeller scattering, has played an important role in our understanding of electromagnetic and weak interactions. I will begin with a historical introduction, highlighting some key technical and physics advancements along the way. I will then describe the E158 experiment at SLAC, which demonstrated for the first time that Moeller scattering is not mirror-symmetric and made the first measurement of the electron's weak charge. I will conclude by motivating the great importance of the opportunity to significantly improve on the accuracy of the E158 measurement that becomes possible after the 12 GeV upgrade at Jefferson Laboratory.
Coffee and cookies before the presentation at 3:15 pm, and refreshments after the presentation will both be served in Room 128.