Speaker: Timothy Rinn

Host: Marzia Rosati 

Title: Studying matter under extreme conditions

Abstract: The field of nuclear physics has long focused its exploration on understanding the fundamental properties of the nucleus and its constituents. In high energy nuclear physics, relativistic heavy ion collisions are used to achieve extreme temperatures and densities. Under these conditions the colliding nuclei can effectively melt and form a state of deconfined nuclear matter called the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP). By studying this medium, we can gain insights into properties of the strong nuclear force which are not readily apparent from the first principles of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). In this colloquium, I will discuss recent results using the ATLAS detector at the LHC and sPHENIX at RHIC, highlighting measurements which explore the nature of the QGP by measuring modifications to “jets” of high momentum particles in heavy ion collisions relative to proton-proton collisions. Additionally, I will discuss future insights that can be gained from the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider facility. Finally, this talk will cover an application of particle detector technologies to develop transparency in dynamic special nuclear material experiments."

Bio: Timothy Rinn is a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory working in experimental nuclear physics. His research activities have focused on understanding the strong force through both fundamental research into the properties of the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) and applied research into the properties of special nuclear material. He received his PhD from Iowa State University in 2018, where he studied the properties of the QGP through open heavy flavor measurements with the PHENIX collaboration. After completing his PhD, Tim spent several years at both UIUC and BNL building and commissioning the sPHENIX electromagnetic calorimeter. In parallel, he focused on pursuing precision jet measurements with the ATLAS experiment, and helped shape the sPHENIX Jet program through his time as Jet Topical Group convener in sPHENIX. In his current role, Tim is the PI for the Neutron Diagnosed Subcritical Experiment system at Los Alamos."