The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) project, under development at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, aims to explore the strong force, responsible for holding protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus. To achieve this, the EIC accelerator will exploit intense polarised electron beams colliding head-on with polarized protons or heavier atomic nuclei, allowing the ePIC detector to capture "snapshots" of the internal structure of the particles produced in the collisions, shedding light on the strong force.
In 2024, the project received approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin constructing its first components, with initial measurements expected in 2034. Italy plays a key role in the experiment through INFN, with over 120 researchers from 13 sections and associated groups involved. INFN actively contributes to the design and construction of the ePIC detector and holds leadership positions within the international scientific collaboration.
As a testament to INFN's significant and enthusiastic role in ePIC, the third ePIC Collaboration Meeting was held in Italy in January at Villa Mondragone (Monte Porzio Catone, near Frascati, Rome).
For more details: L'ELECTRON-ION COLLIDER PARLA ANCHE ITALIANO
