Speakers
Description
Short-Range Correlations (SRC) in nuclei arise when nucleons are forced into close proximity by the tensor part of the nuclear force and subsequently repelled by its short-range core. These correlations are key to understanding the underlying dynamics of nuclear forces and the properties of dense nuclear matter, such as neutron stars. They also provide crucial experimental input for exploring the quark structure of nuclei and the strong interaction within Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD).
Recent progress at Jefferson Lab has significantly advanced SRC studies through high-precision electron- and photon-scattering experiments, establishing a solid foundation for exploring their dynamics. Looking forward, new opportunities will emerge from ion–proton collisions in inverse kinematics at facilities such as GSI, JINR, HIRFL-CSR, and the upcoming High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) in China. These experiments will allow precise mapping of SRC kinematics, extend studies to radioactive isotopes, and enable searches for long-sought three-nucleon SRC signatures. Together, these efforts will open new avenues for probing the short-distance structure of nuclei and deepen our understanding of strong interactions in dense systems.