Two-Particle Correlations in $p$+$p$ and $p$+Au Collisions with the MPC+MPC-EX detector at RHIC-PHENIX

PHENIX has installed a Si-W preshower (MPC-EX) to the existing PbWO$_4$ electromagnetic calorimeter (MPC) in the forward $3.0<|\eta|<3.8$ direction to significantly enhance the position detection of electromagnetic showers. The enhanced position detection allows for the detection of $\pi^0$s to much higher energy and transverse momentum than with the MPC alone. Single and multi-particle production in this $\eta$ and $p_T$ region will allow PHENIX to probe lower in $x$ and higher in $Q^2$ than previously available. We present the current status of two-particle correlations in both $p+p$ and $p$+Au using where at least one of the pair is an identified $\pi^0$ in the MPC+MPC-EX and how that informs our understanding of the initial state of nuclei.