The ${Q^{p}_{\rm Weak}}$ experiment

Abstract

In May 2012, the $Q^{p}_{\rm Weak}$ collaboration completed a two year measurement program to determine the weak charge of the proton ${Q^{p}_W} = ( 1 - 4\sin^2{\theta_{W}})$ at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF). The experiment was designed to produce a 4.0 % measurement of the weak charge, via a 2.5 % measurement of the parity violating asymmetry in the number of elastically scattered 1.165 GeV electrons from protons, at forward angles. At the proposed precision, the experiment would produce a 0.3 % measurement of the weak mixing angle at a momentum transfer of Q ² = 0.026 GeV², making it the most precise stand alone measurement of the weak mixing angle at low momentum transfer. In combination with other parity measurements, $Q^{p}_{\rm Weak}$ will also provide a high precision determination of the weak charges of the up and down quarks. At the proposed precision, a significant deviation from the Standard Model prediction could be a signal of new physics at mass scales up to ≃ 6 TeV, whereas agreement would place new and significant constraints on possible Standard Model extensions at mass scales up to ≃ 2 TeV. This paper provides an overview of the physics and the experiment, as well as a brief look at some preliminary diagnostic and analysis data.