The Muon-Ion Collider (MuIC) is an exciting new concept that promises to deliver a next-generation TeV-scale deep-inelastic (DIS) machine with a smaller footprint [1,2]. The proposed MuIC achieves this by replacing the electron beam of the electron-ion collider (EIC) with a high-energy and high-intensity muon beam, which can be converted into a muon-proton and muon-nucleus facility at Brookhaven National Lab with a center-of-mass energy of up to about 1 TeV. Similarly, a MuIC with an energy of several TeVs can be achieved by adding a muon beam to intercept the existing LHC proton beams at CERN.
The MuIC has the potential to explore the ultimate frontier of quantum chromodynamics and nuclear physics, probing small Bjorken-x to 10^{-6} and momentum transfer Q^{2} up to 10^{6} GeV^{2}. It will also provide new opportunities in studying the physics of the standard model and beyond. In addition, the MuIC will serve as a demonstrator of muon accelerator and collider technology with a compelling science program, leveraging established facilities to motivate worldwide R&D efforts.
The objective of this 2.5-day workshop is to initiate a first discussion of the MuIC concept by bringing together experts from the nuclear and particle physics communities to explore synergies and establish common interests. Specifically, the workshop aims to address three main topics: (1) key and unique physics cases in particle and nuclear physics that can be addressed by the MuIC; (2) specific considerations in the accelerator and collider design for a MuIC, as well as possible staging options; and (3) experimental challenges in detector design, machine-detector interface, and neutrino mitigation. Through this initial dialogue, our goal is to start developing a community around the MuIC concept to pursue future studies and R&Ds.
[1] D. Acosta, W. Li, “A muon–ion collider at BNL: The future QCD frontier and path to a new energy frontier of μ+μ− colliders”, Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A 1027 (2022) 166334
[2] D. Acosta et. al., “The Potential of a TeV-Scale Muon-Ion Collider”, https://arxiv.org/abs/2203.06258