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The Rare Symmetry Violating Processes (RSVP)
experiments will use the
Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS)
at Brookhaven National Laboratory to produce two powerful
particle beams that will be used by two experiments called MECO
and KOPIO to probe for a fundamental lack of symmetry in the
universe.
Brookhaven's Alternating Gradient Synchrotron
 The
National Science Foundation (NSF) Panel to Review Scientific
Motivation for Prospective MRE Projects says “the results of
KOPIO would have important implications for our understanding of
early universe cosmology, especially for the matter antimatter
asymmetry of the universe.” Read about KOPIO physics goals.
 Regarding
MECO, the NSF Panel
says “MECO is in a strong position to make a significant impact
on particle physics. A positive result would have a profound
effect on our understanding of the fundamental constituents of
matter and of the forces that govern their behavior.” Read about
MECO physics goals.
The sister experiments that make up RSVP share a number of key
features that make highly efficient use of the nation’s
billion-dollar investment in the Alternating Gradient
Synchrotron and Brookhaven National Laboratory. The
Department of Energy, Office of Science, Division of Nuclear
Physics supports the operation of the accelerator complex.
The
current primary mission of the AGS is to supply accelerated
heavy nuclei to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
(RHIC), a
top priority of the U.S. nuclear physics community. Yet with
modern control systems the AGS can fill the RHIC storage ring
twice per day, and still accelerate protons for RSVP experiments
for the remaining 20 hours per day. At modest incremental cost,
roughly a 10% additional capital investment, the AGS can thus
perform triple duty, pushing back the frontiers of physics on
multiple fronts and consolidating a remarkable portfolio of
scientific and educational opportunities in a single facility.
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