The proton charge radius

Abstract

Nucleons (protons and neutrons) are the building blocks of atomic nuclei, and are responsible for more than 99\% of the visible matter in the universe. Despite decades of efforts in studying its internal structure, there are still a number of puzzles surrounding the proton such as its spin, and charge radius. Accurate knowledge about the proton charge radius is not only essential for understanding how quantum chromodynamics (QCD) works in the non-perturbative region, but also important for bound state quantum electrodynamics (QED) calculations of atomic energy levels. It also has an impact on the Rydberg constant, one of the most precisely measured fundamental constants in nature. This article reviews the latest situation concerning the proton charge radius in light of the new experimental results from both atomic hydrogen spectroscopy and electron scattering measurements, with particular focus on the latter. We also present the related theoretical developments and backgrounds concerning the determination of the proton charge radius using different experimental techniques. We discuss upcoming experiments, and briefly mention the deuteron charge radius puzzle at the end.

arXiv comment49 pages, 28 figures, review prepared for Rev. Mod. Phys

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