This image shows the intrinsic shape of the deuteron by combining the results from three recent nuclear physics experiments. Image courtesy of JLab
The simplest nucleus in nature is that of the hydrogen isotope, deuterium. Known as the "deuteron," the nucleus consists of one proton and one neutron. Due to its simplicity, the deuteron is an ideal candidate for tests of our basic understanding of nuclear physics. Recently, scientists have been studying the intrinsic shape of the deuteron. Dominated by three components describing the interactions of the quark components of the neutron and proton, its shape is not spherical. Recent tests have shown no deviations in the predictions of standard nuclear physics.