Hadron Physics Opportunities at FAIR

TL;DR

This white paper proposes a comprehensive, decade-long research program at FAIR to explore fundamental questions of strong interaction physics, hadron structure, and related astrophysical phenomena using advanced accelerator and detector technology.

Contribution

It outlines a novel, coordinated research roadmap integrating experimental and theoretical efforts at FAIR to address key questions in hadron physics and QCD.

Findings

Mapping of baryon and meson spectra, including exotic states.

Development of high-precision measurements of hadron interactions.

Integration of nuclear and astrophysics data to constrain neutron star models.

Abstract

This White Paper outlines a coordinated, decade-spanning programme of hadron and QCD studies anchored at the GSI/FAIR accelerator complex. Profiting from intense deuteron, proton and pion beams coupled with high-rate capable detectors and an international theory effort, the initiative addresses fundamental questions related to the strong interaction featuring confinement and dynamical mass generation. This includes our understanding of hadron-hadron interactions and the composition of hadrons through mapping the baryon and meson spectra, including exotic states, and quantifying hadron structure. This interdisciplinary research connects topics in the fields of nuclear, heavy-ion, and (nuclear) astro (particle) physics, linking, for example, terrestrial data to constraints on neutron star structure. A phased roadmap with SIS100 accelerator start-up and envisaged detector upgrades will yield precision cross sections, transition form factors, in-medium spectral functions, and validated theory inputs. Synergies with external programmes at international accelerator facilities worldwide are anticipated. The programme is expected to deliver decisive advances in our understanding of non-perturbative (strong) QCD and astrophysics, and high-rate detector and data-science technology.