The Optimization and Implementation of the Qweak Database

POSTER

Abstract

The Qweak experiment at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (J-Lab) is an attempt to precisely measure the parity violation observed in low energy electron-proton scattering events. Specifically, the weak charge of the proton will be measured to $4\%$ error, which will, in turn, be used to calculate the ``running'' Weinberg mixing angle $(\sin^{2}(\theta_w))$. Since the Standard Model makes a firm prediction for $(\sin^{2}(\theta_w))$ at low energies, the experiment presents an opportunity to test the limits of this model. Any significant variation in$(\sin^{2}(\theta_w))$ from the expected value would be indicative of new physics, while an agreement would place strict constraints upon the existing model. In order to make an exact measurement of the weak charge, large amounts of data (almost 2200 hours worth) will be gathered. A large, robust database is needed to store and organize this data, so it can be analyzed in an easy and effective manner. The optimization and implementation of this database will be discussed.

Authors

  • Udai Garimella

    Hendrix College

  • Damon Spayde

    Hendrix College