Understanding how the properties of matter emerge from the constituents of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is a central goal of nuclear physics and the primary motivation behind the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The EIC will enable groundbreaking investigations into how quarks, anti-quarks, and gluons contribute to the nucleon's spin—an enduring question that remains unresolved despite extensive global research. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the EIC is poised to unlock critical insights into the structure and origins of matter.
The EIC builds upon the existing Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory, leveraging its infrastructure while incorporating innovative advancements in accelerator science and technology. Key upgrades include increasing the hadron beam current threefold, integrating a state-of-the-art electron storage ring (ESR) within the RHIC tunnel, and generating and maintaining highly polarized electron bunches from the source to the storage ring. These upgrades will enable the delivery of polarized electron beams of up to 18 GeV for collisions with polarized protons and heavy ions.
To push technical boundaries and prepare for the production stage, over 10 critical R&D initiatives have been undertaken across the EIC complex. These efforts not only form the foundation for the collider’s development but also serve as training platforms, advancing expertise in accelerator science and project management while fostering innovation.
