Overview of JLab Primakoff Program

The Primakoff effect, a process of high-energy photo- or electro-production of mesons in the Coulomb field of a target offers a powerful experimental tool to explore the confinement QCD and the new physics beyond the standard model. This process has distinguishable characteristics: (1) it is a coherent process; (2) the differential cross section is peaked at extremely forward angles; and (3) the cross section increases with the beam energy. These characteristics serve as natural kinematic filters to distinguish the Primakoff signal from the other nuclear backgrounds. There has been a comprehensive Primakoff program at JLab 6 and 12 GeV. The future JLab 22 GeV upgrade will greatly expand the physics scope and experimental sensitivities of this program. An overview and the future perspective of JLab Primakoff program will be presented.