Arts & Sciences Events
[PAST EVENT] Kurtis D. Bartlett: Physics Dissertation Defense
Kurtis D. Bartlett, Final Oral Examination for the Ph.D., Title: "First Measurements of the Parity-Violating and Beam-Normal Single-SpinAsymmetries in Elastic Electron-Aluminum Scattering ."
Abstract: The Qweak collaboration has made the first measurement of the parity-violating and beam-normal single-spin asymmetries in elastic electron-aluminum scattering using the Qweak apparatus and polarized electron beam of the CEBAF accelerator at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, VA. This parity-violating asymmetry measurement allows for the determination of the neutron distribution radius of aluminum. A radius determination on a light nucleus acts as a test of theoretical models used to understand the structure of neutron rich matter. The aluminum beam-normal single-spin asymmetry measurement stands to shine light on an anomaly discovered between an earlier measurement of the lead beam-normal single-spin asymmetry and theory, as aluminum is the next highest atomic mass element to have been measured. An overview of the details and results from both of the analyses discussed in this dissertation will be presented.
Bio: Kurtis D. Bartlett was born and raised in New Hampshire. His interest in physics started in high school. Upon graduating in 2008, he attended the University of New Hampshire where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 2012. Early in his undergraduate experience, he began research in the field of experimental nuclear physics as related to several ongoing projects at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia. After successfully completing his degree, he continued his interest in research by choosing to attend William & Mary to pursue a Ph.D in physics. At the start of his graduate degree, he began working for Prof. Wouter Deconinck on the Qweak experiment. After graduating, he will continue his research career as a postdoctoral research associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory.