Dinko Počanić

Research: Precision experimental tests of fundamental symmetries in subatomic systems: exploring the boundaries of the Standard Model of elementary particle and interactions, primarily at low energies.

Main experimental projects:

• Measurement of the hadronic contribution to the running of α(t), the electronagnetic coupling: the MUonE experiment at CERN. The MUonE experiment aims to evaluate α_had(t) to sub-percent relative precision in a precise measurement of the small-angle muonic Bhabha scattering at 160 GeV using the M2 North Area beam line at CERN. For more information, see the MUonE home page.  This experiment received approval from the CERN SPSC for Phase I beam time in 2025.
• Study of neutron decay correlation parameters a and b: the Nab experiment at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source/ORNL (spokesperson). Nab has finished commissioning at SNS and is currently taking data; for more information see the Nab/pNab project home page. Continuing this research program, the subsequent pNab experiment will focus on the A and B spin asymmetry parameters.
• Precision measurement of the muon precession frequency: the Muon (g-2), E989 eperiment at Fermilab. The goal of E989 is to measure the muon magnetic moment anomaly to the precision of 0.14 parts per million. Data acquisition was completed in 2023 and analysis of the final Run 4-6 data is under way. Results from Runs 1, 2 and 3 data analysis have been published. For more information visit the Muon (g-2) experiment home page.
• Study of rare pion and muon decays: the PiBeta and PEN experiments at PSI (spokesperson); for more information see the PiBeta and PEN project home pages. Data taking for the PiBeta experiment is completed, data analysis is mostly finished; several processes remain under analysis. The PEN experiment is in the data analysis stage.

For an up to date list of publications see D.P.'s entry in the inSPIRE database;

University service and professional recognition:

• Director, Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics: 2011 – present,
• Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: 2014 – 2020,
• Physics Department Chair: 2005 – 2010,
• Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Office: Room 165, Physics Building

Last updated on: 15-Jan-2025.