The Proton Radius Puzzle- Why We All Should Care

TL;DR

This paper reviews the proton radius puzzle, discussing possible experimental inaccuracies, overlooked effects, or new physics, and emphasizes the importance of upcoming experiments to resolve the issue.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and potential explanations for the proton radius puzzle, highlighting areas needing further investigation.

Findings

Current measurements show a discrepancy in proton radius values.

Potential explanations include experimental errors, unaccounted effects, or new physics.

Upcoming experiments are expected to clarify the puzzle within a year.

Abstract

The status of the proton radius puzzle (as of the date of the Confer- ence) is reviewed. The most likely potential theoretical and experimental explanations are discussed. Either the electronic hydrogen experiments were not sufficiently accurate to measure the proton radius, the two- photon exchange effect was not properly accounted for, or there is some kind of new physics. I expect that upcoming experiments will resolve this issue within the next year or so.Ta