In 2012 researchers intend to dramatically advance research in lattice quantum chromodynamics and other strongly coupled field theories of importance to the study of high energy and nuclear physics. This project will deepen scientists’ understanding of the interactions of quarks and gluons, the basic components of 99% of the visible matter in the universe, and will play an important role in ongoing efforts to develop a unified theory of the four fundamental forces of nature. These fundamental questions in high energy and nuclear physics are directly related to major experimental programs and milestones set out by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

To date, this project has created several ensembles of gauge configurations that have been analyzed for a rich set of experimental applications. It has already produced the most accurate determinations of the strong coupling constant and the light quark masses ever achieved. It has produced the most accurate determinations of several elements of the CKM matrix in existence. It has produced detailed spectra of the excited mesons and baryons that will be studied in Jefferson Lab experiments. It is producing new ensembles of configurations that will be of even greater importance to the experimental programs of high energy and nuclear physics.