Introduction to  Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) research is a fundamental pillar of theoretical and experimental physics, delving into the study of the strong nuclear force that binds quarks and gluons. Understanding the intricate dynamics of QCD is crucial in unraveling the behavior of subatomic particles and the structure of matter.

Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP):

• Investigating the state of matter, known as quark-gluon plasma, which existed moments after the Big Bang and is recreated in high-energy heavy-ion collisions, providing insights into the fundamental properties of QCD at extreme conditions.

Confinement and Asymptotic Freedom:

• Exploring the two fundamental aspects of QCD: confinement, the phenomenon preventing quarks from existing in isolation, and asymptotic freedom, the property of the strong force weakening at high energies, essential for understanding QCD interactions.

Lattice QCD and Numerical Simulations:

• Utilizing lattice QCD techniques and numerical simulations to solve QCD equations on a discrete grid, providing a powerful tool to investigate non-perturbative aspects of QCD and calculate hadron properties.

Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs):

• Studying the distributions of quarks and gluons within a proton, quantified through parton distribution functions, which are essential for predicting cross-sections and interpreting high-energy collision experiments.

Jets and Hadronization:

• Examining the process of hadronization, where quarks and gluons transform into color-neutral hadrons (jets), a phenomenon critical for understanding how quarks and gluons manifest as detectable particles in high-energy collisions.