The ultimate purpose of computational science in the fields of particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics is to elucidate the history of the creation of matter, in a manner that bridges the three fields. Our aim is to conduct precise large-scale calculations using a supercomputer in order to investigate phenomena on scales ranging from that of elementary particles to the universe itself. We will combine the results obtained with those of large-scale experiments and observational data, in an effort to elucidate the history of the creation of matter.
To realize these aims, Priority Issue 9 to be Tackled by Using the Post-K Computer, which will begin operation in fiscal 2020, will develop simulation code to verify the Standard Model of particle physics, and investigate superstring theory, particle interactions, the structure of heavy nuclei, and stellar explosions, and so unlock the mysteries of the evolution of the universe. We anticipate that in five to ten years from now, mankind will have a vastly deeper understanding of the basic laws and evolution of the universe.
Computational science has already become an indispensable research methodology in the fields of particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. In fact, it has become a driving force in these fields, through analyzing data obtained from experiments and observations, calculating phenomena that cannot be solved using standard theory, and simulating phenomena that are not conducive to experiments.
The Joint Institute for Computational Fundamental Science (JICFuS) has conducted nuclear calculations using quantum chromodynamics, simulations of neutron star mergers, and research on the generation of density fluctuations in dark matter, under HPCI SPIRE Field 5 “The origin of matter and the universe” implemented in fiscal 2015 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology–Japan. Moving forward, JICFuS will contribute to the overall development of particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics using computational science, with a priority on conducting precise calculations and generating data in collaboration with large-scale experimental and observational projects such as J-PARC, KAGRA, the Subaru Telescope, and SuperKEKB.