Speaker
Description
Low-energy QCD, the theory within the Standard Model that describes the strong interaction, still lacks fundamental experimental input to advance its understanding. Among these contributions, kaonic atom X-ray spectroscopy stands out as a unique gateway for probing the interaction between antikaons and nucleons at threshold energy. This research has significant implications for particle and nuclear physics, as well as astrophysics, particularly in understanding neutron stars and their equation of state.
Kaonic atoms can also be exploited to perform precision QED measurements, such as those providing the charged kaon mass—an open puzzle in particle physics.
By combining the exceptional quality of the low-energy kaon beam provided by the DAΦNE collider at INFN-LNF (Italy) with cutting-edge experimental techniques, such as fast and highly precise X-ray spectroscopy detectors like Silicon Drift Detectors, the SIDDHARTA-2 collaboration has performed groundbreaking measurements of a series of kaonic atom X-ray transitions, including the first-ever measurement of kaonic deuterium.
I will introduce the SIDDHARTA-2 scientific case, the experiment, and the results obtained in measuring various kaonic atoms, such as helium-4 and neon, along with a preliminary outcome on kaonic deuterium.
I will also present future plans, including the EXKALIBUR proposal, as the experiments at the DAΦNE collider represent a unique opportunity to finally unravel the secrets of the strong interaction in the strangeness sector.