- Perspective
Realizing the scientific program with polarized ion beams at the future BNL Electron Ion Collider
Phys. Rev. C 113, 060501 – Published 9 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/261w-8f38
Abstract
Polarized ion beams at the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) are essential to address some of the most important open questions at the twenty-first century frontiers of understanding of the fundamental structure of matter. Here, we summarize the science case and identify polarized , and ion beams as critical technology that will enable experiments which address the most important science. Furthermore, we discuss the required ion polarimetry and spin manipulation at the EIC. The current EIC accelerator design is presented. We identify a significant research and development effort across national and international laboratories and universities that is required over about a decade to realize the polarized ion beams and estimate (based on previous experience) that it will require about 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) over 10 years (or a total of about 200 FTE-years) of personnel, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and engineers. Attracting, educating, and training a new generation of physicists in experimental spin techniques will be essential for the successful realization. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are seen as having significant potential for both acceleration of research and development and amplification of discovery in the optimal realization of this unique quantum technology on a cutting-edge collider. The research and development effort is synergistic with research in atomic physics and fusion energy science.
