STRONGNET · Strong Interaction Supercomputing Training Network

The research aims at a deeper understanding of properties of strongly interacting matter. This is mainly done by means of numerical simulations of the underlying theory (QCD) on supercomputers (Lattice QCD). We wish to understand QCD for its own sake and as a prototype of a strongly interacting fundamental theory. Therefore we will calculate the spectrum of mesons, baryons and of exotic states, their decays and their internal structure. We will also address questions of a purely quantum field theoretical nature that are also of interest to string theorists. In order to forward our understanding of matter under extreme conditions, i.e. at high temperatures like in the early universe and at high densities such as those inside of neutron stars we will calculate the phase diagram of QCD with light sea quarks and the equation of state at high temperatures. A sound description of QCD is indispensable for identification of physics beyond the Standard Model. Accurate calculations of certain QCD matrix elements are required. We will e.g. contribute to improving the upper limit on the CP violating so-called QCD Theta-angle and to theoretical predictions of mixing in the neutral D-Meson system. State-of-the-art supercomputers will be pushed to their limits. Hence the project includes a strong interdisciplinary component. The improvement of numerical algorithms and the optimization of software play important roles in such calculations. The development of computer hardware represents an essential part of the network activity. Interested researchers will have the chance of getting involved into this. The research provides a solid training in the analytical skills needed in quantum field theory and in particle physics phenomenology. The researchers will receive training in high performance and grid computing and in software development. Such skills are needed in academia as well as in quantitative finance, IT, oil exploration etc.