Speaker
Description
Measurements of single single spin asymmetries (AN ) in spin-polarized proton-proton collisions are a relatively straightforward experimental measurement that offers insight into the structure of the proton. However, AN integrates over both initial and final state effects, making the interpretation of a single measurement in terms of the underlying physical processes difficult. The RHIC experiments have provided a wealth of AN measurements for more than a decade, with exciting new measurements on the horizon. In this talk I will review the history of single-spin asymmetry measurements from the RHIC experiments and highlight how they have challenged our understanding of fundamental QCD and driven theoretical development. Future measurements in RHIC Run-17, as well as the prospect of expanded measurements with improved forward instrumentation offer the promise a continued window into the unsolved problem of proton structure.
