Heavy-Ion Physics

Heavy-ion physics studies collisions between atomic nuclei, such as gold or lead, at extremely high energies. These experiments recreate conditions similar to the early universe moments after the Big Bang, producing a hot, dense state called quark-gluon plasma. By analyzing how particles emerge from these collisions, scientists gain insights into the fundamental forces and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. This research helps us understand the universe’s evolution and the basic building blocks of matter, offering a glimpse into states of matter not normally accessible in everyday life.