Probing the Neutron Skin Puzzle in \(^{208}\mathrm {Pb}\): Precision Polarized Electron Scattering at Mainz
Year: 2026
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: The determination of the neutron skin thickness of \(^{208}\mathrm {Pb}\) from the PREX-II measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry \(A_{\mathrm {PV}}\) has generated considerable discussion within the nuclear physics community, revealing notable discrepancies with previous experimental results and theoretical predictions. PREX also reported a beam-normal single-spin asymmetry \(A_n\) for \(^{208}\mathrm {Pb}\), a key background to \(A_{\mathrm {PV}}\), that deviates from contemporary calculations — a discrepancy now known as the PREX anomaly. We present a new measurement of \(A_n\) in elastic electron scattering from natural lead performed at MAMI and discuss its implications for solving the PREX anomaly. We also outline the concept of the forthcoming Mainz Radius EXperiment (MREX) at MESA, designed to deliver an independent measurement of \(A_{\mathrm {PV}}\) in \(^{208}\mathrm {Pb}\) with twice the precision of PREX-II. Abstract Published by the Jagiellonian University 2026 authors
Authors: N. Kozyrev, A. Esser, K. Aulenbacher, S. Baunack, D. Becker, N. Berger, M. Boonekamp, M. Dehn, A. Del Vincio, J. Diefenbach, L. Doria, B. Gläser, W. Gradl, M. Gericke, C. Grzesik, M. Hoek, K. Imai, F. Keil, R. Krini, K. Kumar, F. Maas, H. Merkel, M. Mihovilovič, U. Müller, D. Rodriguez Pineiro, J. Pochodzalla, T. Rimke, B.S. Schlimme, T. Shao, P. Souder, S. Stengel, M. Thiel, V. Tioukine, L. Weinstock, L. Wilhelm, M. Wilfert, C. Sfienti
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7143719564
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