EXC 1098:  Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter (PRISMA)

• Subject Area: Particles, Nuclei and Fields ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2012 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194673446

The Cluster of Excellence PRISMA is focussed on the key questions concerning the fundamental constituents of matter and their implications for the physics of the universe. PRISMA consists of several high-profile research groups working predominantly in the areas of astroparticle, high-energy and hadron physics, nuclear chemistry, as well as precision physics with ultra-cold neutrons (UCNs) and ion traps. PRISMA will launch new flagship experiments and key initiatives, which will elucidate the nature of fundamental interactions and explore the limits of the standard model. The Cluster of Excellence comprises four research areas and four major structural initiatives: Research area A "Fundamental Interactions" is focussed on indirect searches for new physics. Key projects include the search for additional light vector bosons, which couple to the dark matter sector, new precision determinations of the weak mixing angle and precision physics with UCNs. Research area A receives support from two major structural initiatives, i.e. the construction of the Mainz Energy-Recovering Superconducting Accelerator and the establishment of the TRIGA User Facility. The latter will operate the world’s strongest pulsed source of UCNs. Large international experiments such as ATLAS, IceCube and the XENON dark matter project form the basis for research area B "Origin of Mass". Activities include the physics of the Higgs boson, searches for WIMPs and other new particles in extensions of the standard model, with important input from theory. Unravelling the complex internal structure of hadrons and providing precision hadronic input for standard model tests are key objectives of research area C "Structure of Matter", which includes the new Virtual Analysis Centre for Hadron Structure. Research area D is devoted to theoretical physics, focussing on advanced methods in quantum field theory, mathematical physics and string theory. The foundation of the Mainz Institute of Theoretical Physics will establish an international centre for theoretical physics in Germany. The PRISMA Detector Laboratory will pursue a common approach to novel detector R&D within the Cluster of Excellence. PRISMA creates six tenure-track young investigator groups and three additional full professorships in key scientific areas, which are crucial for the cluster’s research goals. A central PRISMA research fund will enable members to apply for the funding of individual research projects on a competitive basis.

• DFG Programme: Clusters of Excellence
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Spokespersons: Professor Dr. Matthias Neubert; Professor Dr. Hartmut Wittig
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Kurt Aulenbacher; Professor Dr. Volker Büscher; Professor Dr. Achim Denig; Professor Dr. Christoph Düllmann; Professor Dr. Martin Hanke-Bourgeois; Professor Dr. Werner Heil; Professorin Dr. Gabriele Monika Honecker; Professorin Dr. Barbara Jäger; Professor Dr. Lutz Köpke; Professor Dr. Frank Maas; Professorin Dr. Lucia Masetti; Professor Harvey Byron Meyer, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Wilfried Nörtershäuser; Professor Dr. Uwe Oberlack; Professor Dr. Michael Ostrick; Professor Dr. Josef Pochodzalla; Professor Dr. Martin Reuter; Professor Dr. Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler; Professorin Dr. Concettina Sfienti; Professor Dr. Stefan Tapprogge; Professor Dr. Marc Vanderhaeghen; Professor Dr. Jochen Walz; Professor Dr. Stefan Weinzierl