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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
07:46
Setting Limits on Supersymmetry Using Simplified Models
Published on: November 15, 2013
Ab initio determination of light hadron masses
1John von Neumann-Institut für Computing, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron Zeuthen, D-15738 Zeuthen and Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 22, 2008
Summary
This study used lattice quantum chromodynamics to calculate proton and neutron masses from their fundamental quark and gluon components. The results quantitatively confirm the Standard Model of particle physics and match experimental observations.
Area of Science:
- Particle Physics
- Quantum Chromodynamics
- Hadron Spectroscopy
Background:
- Protons and neutrons constitute over 99% of the visible universe's mass.
- The mass of these hadrons significantly exceeds that of their constituent quarks and gluons.
- The Standard Model of particle physics aims to explain this mass difference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a full ab initio calculation of proton, neutron, and light hadron masses.
- To verify the Standard Model's predictions regarding hadron masses.
- To achieve quantitative confirmation with controlled uncertainties.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing lattice quantum chromodynamics (Lattice QCD) for calculations.
- Extrapolating to the physical point using pion masses down to 190 MeV.
- Performing continuum extrapolation with three lattice spacings and large lattice sizes.
Main Results:
- The calculated masses of protons, neutrons, and light hadrons align perfectly with experimental data.
- This represents a quantitative confirmation of the Standard Model's description of hadron mass generation.
- Fully controlled uncertainties were achieved in the calculations.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully calculated hadron masses from first principles using Lattice QCD.
- Results provide strong quantitative evidence supporting the Standard Model.
- This work validates the theoretical framework for understanding the origin of mass in visible matter.
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