Nuclear Physics Rolling Grant
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The majority of the mass of the universe is made up of atomic nuclei that lie at the centre of the atom. The fundamental questions in nuclear physics are, 'What are the limits of nuclear existence?'; 'What are the heaviest nuclei that can be made in the laboratory?'; 'What are the limits on the angular momentum that a nucleus can sustain before fission?'; 'Do new forms of collective motion occur far from the valley of nuclear stability?' How does the ordering of quantum states, alter in highly dilute or neutron-rich matter?' The aim of this research proposal is to try to answer these questions. No one yet knows how heavy a nucleus can be; in other words, just how many neutrons and protons can be made to bind together. We will study the heaviest nuclei that can be made in the laboratory and determine their properties which will allow better predictions to be made for the 'superheavies'. For lighter nuclei we will explore in the region of the proton and neutron drip lines, which are the borders between bound and unbound nuclei. We will determine more carefully than ever before the precise location of these drip lines. As we approach the neutron drip line, only accessible for light nuclei, we will explore how the fundamental nuclear forces change their behaviour in diffuse neutron matter. On the other side of the line of stability, those at the proton drip line have so much electrical charge that they are highly unstable and try to achieve greater stability through the process of proton emission. We will investigate how nuclear behaviour is affected when protons become unbound. For these exotic systems we will also explore how the nucleus prefers to rearrange its shape, which can be a sphere, rugby ball, pear, etc. and how it stores its energy among the possible degrees of freedom. We will also investigate how the properties of these nuclei develop as we make them spin faster and faster. We will try to determine more carefully than ever before the precise nature of ultra high spin states in heavy nuclei, just before the nucleus breaks up due to fission. This programme of research will employ a large variety of experimental methods to probe many aspects of nuclear structure, mostly using instrumentation that we have constructed at several world-leading accelerator laboratories. The work will require a series of related experiments at a range of facilities in order for us to gain an insight into the answers to the questions posed above. These experiments will help theorists to refine and test their calculations that have attempted to predict the properties of nuclei, often with widely differing results. The resolution of this problem will help us to describe the complex many-body system that the nucleus represents.
Organisations
- University of Liverpool (Lead Research Organisation)
- Lund University (Collaboration)
- University of Cologne (Collaboration)
- GSI (Collaboration)
- University of Leuven (Collaboration)
- Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (Collaboration)
- University of Jyväskylä (Collaboration)
- Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (Collaboration)
- European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) (Collaboration)
- Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (Collaboration)
Publications
Yakushev A
(2014)
Superheavy element flerovium (element 114) is a volatile metal.
in Inorganic chemistry
Yakushev A
(2021)
First Study on Nihonium (Nh, Element 113) Chemistry at TASCA.
in Frontiers in chemistry
Watkins H
(2011)
Lifetime measurements probing triple shape coexistence in 175 Au
in Physical Review C
Warr N
(2013)
The Miniball spectrometer
in The European Physical Journal A
Wadsworth R.
(2009)
THE NORTHWEST FRONTIER: SPECTROSCOPY OF
N ~
Z NUCLEI BELOW MASS 100
in ACTA PHYSICA POLONICA B
Venhart M
(2011)
Decay study of 246Fm at SHIP
in The European Physical Journal A
Venhart M
(2017)
Application of the Broad Energy Germanium detector: A technique for elucidating ß -decay schemes which involve daughter nuclei with very low energy excited states
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Venhart M
(2011)
Shape coexistence in odd-mass Au isotopes: Determination of the excitation energy of the lowest intruder state in 179Au
in Physics Letters B
Unsworth C
(2009)
The application of pulse shape analysis to in-beam EXOGAM data
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Trautmann W
(2009)
Differential neutron-proton squeeze-out
in Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics
TRAUTMANN W
(2012)
THE SYMMETRY ENERGY IN NUCLEAR REACTIONS
in International Journal of Modern Physics E
Thomson J
(2010)
Competing quasiparticle configurations in W 163
in Physical Review C
Teal C
(2008)
Triaxial strongly deformed bands in Tm 160 , 161
in Physical Review C
Taylor M
(2013)
A new differentially pumped plunger device to measure excited-state lifetimes in proton emitting nuclei
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Sulignano B
(2012)
Investigation of high- K states in 252 No
in Physical Review C
Spieker M
(2016)
The pygmy quadrupole resonance and neutron-skin modes in 124 Sn
in Physics Letters B
Sorri J
(2016)
Determination of absolute internal conversion coefficients using the SAGE spectrometer
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Sorri J
(2012)
Lessons learned with the SAGE spectrometer
in Physica Scripta
Smallcombe J
(2014)
Experimental investigation of the 0 2 + band in Sm 154 as a ß-vibrational band
in Physics Letters B
Seweryniak D
(2010)
Bridging the nuclear structure gap between stable and super heavy nuclei
in Nuclear Physics A
Seliverstov M
(2013)
Charge radii of odd-A 191-211Po isotopes
in Physics Letters B
Schumaker M
(2008)
Coulomb excitation of radioactive Na 21 and its stable mirror Ne 21
in Physical Review C
Schumaker M
(2009)
Coulomb excitation of radioactive 20, 21Na
in The European Physical Journal A
Schumaker M
(2009)
Coulomb excitation of the proton-dripline nucleus Na 20
in Physical Review C
Scholey C
(2010)
Isomeric and ground-state properties of 78 171 Pt , 76 167 Os , and 74 163 W
in Physical Review C
Description | Our programme of research aims to measure the structure (quantum states, transition matrix elements) of bound or unbound states of exotic systems near or at the limit of nuclear existence. Its goal is to address many of the key questions in this field by applying precision measurements of the physical observables that allow rigorous testing of model predictions. In particular, we wish to understand how nuclei can support the highest values of angular momentum, how the shell behaviour, the pairing fields, the single-particle and the collective structure of nuclei evolve away from stability towards the drip lines and towards the heaviest nuclear systems, and how exotic nuclear matter behaves through studies of nuclear density and nuclear correlations. New discoveries will follow major advances in instrumentation, using intense stable beams and new beams from radioactive beam facilities. |
Exploitation Route | Nuclear theory, healthy, security and energy sectors might take our findings forward. |
Sectors | Energy Healthcare Security and Diplomacy |
Description | To aid theoretical understanding of nuclear physics and indirect applications to security, energy and health. |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Energy,Healthcare,Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Standard Grant |
Amount | £182,012 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2010 |
End | 12/2012 |
Description | Standard Grant |
Amount | £34,067 (GBP) |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2009 |
End | 06/2013 |
Description | GREAT collaboration |
Organisation | University of Jyvaskyla |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | Finland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Constructed GREAT spectrometer and TDR DAQ system. Spokesperson of many experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | facility |
Impact | 24 publications |
Description | MINIBALL collaboration |
Organisation | European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) |
Department | ISOLDE Radioactive Ion Beam Facility |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Expertise on Coulomb Excitation analysis, spokespersons of 2 active ISOLDE experiments |
Impact | several publications |
Description | MINIBALL collaboration |
Organisation | Lund University |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise on Coulomb Excitation analysis, spokespersons of 2 active ISOLDE experiments |
Impact | several publications |
Description | MINIBALL collaboration |
Organisation | University of Cologne |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise on Coulomb Excitation analysis, spokespersons of 2 active ISOLDE experiments |
Impact | several publications |
Description | MINIBALL collaboration |
Organisation | University of Leuven |
Department | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise on Coulomb Excitation analysis, spokespersons of 2 active ISOLDE experiments |
Impact | several publications |
Description | R3B Collaboration (NUSTAR) |
Organisation | Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research |
Department | Nuclear Structure, Astrophysics and Reactions |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Collaborative research/experiments. Leadership in design and construction of detection systems (e.g. Si Tracker and associated EDAQ). Data analysis and monte carlo simulations (supervision of PhD students), scientific input (experimental proposals, authorship of publications...). Manpower (technical and research staff, PhD students) for construction of equipment and running experiments.. Presentations at collaboration meetings, workshops, conferences. |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to research large-scale facility and beam time, technical support, PhD students and research staff, etc. T. Aumann spokesperson of R3B collaboration. |
Impact | Publications. PhD theses (S. Paschalis, J. Taylor). Training of PhD students and research staff. Invitations to speak at meetings, workshops, conferences. Project leadership of Si tracker (NUSTAR-UK project grant). |
Description | R3B Collaboration (NUSTAR) |
Organisation | Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Collaborative research/experiments. Leadership in design and construction of detection systems (e.g. Si Tracker and associated EDAQ). Data analysis and monte carlo simulations (supervision of PhD students), scientific input (experimental proposals, authorship of publications...). Manpower (technical and research staff, PhD students) for construction of equipment and running experiments.. Presentations at collaboration meetings, workshops, conferences. |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to research large-scale facility and beam time, technical support, PhD students and research staff, etc. T. Aumann spokesperson of R3B collaboration. |
Impact | Publications. PhD theses (S. Paschalis, J. Taylor). Training of PhD students and research staff. Invitations to speak at meetings, workshops, conferences. Project leadership of Si tracker (NUSTAR-UK project grant). |
Description | R3B Collaboration (NUSTAR) |
Organisation | Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres |
Department | GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Collaborative research/experiments. Leadership in design and construction of detection systems (e.g. Si Tracker and associated EDAQ). Data analysis and monte carlo simulations (supervision of PhD students), scientific input (experimental proposals, authorship of publications...). Manpower (technical and research staff, PhD students) for construction of equipment and running experiments.. Presentations at collaboration meetings, workshops, conferences. |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to research large-scale facility and beam time, technical support, PhD students and research staff, etc. T. Aumann spokesperson of R3B collaboration. |
Impact | Publications. PhD theses (S. Paschalis, J. Taylor). Training of PhD students and research staff. Invitations to speak at meetings, workshops, conferences. Project leadership of Si tracker (NUSTAR-UK project grant). |
Description | TASCA Collaboration |
Organisation | GSI |
Department | KP |
Country | Ireland |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Parts of the detection system, Manpower, Data Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation, Intellectual Input |
Collaborator Contribution | Technical Support for Experiment |
Impact | Confirmation of Element 114 and New isotope 277Hs (Duellmann et al, PRL 104 2010 252701) Spectroscopy of 253No (Anderson et al, NIMA622 2010 164) |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | TASCA Collaboration |
Organisation | Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres |
Department | Helmholtz Institute Mainz |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Parts of the detection system, Manpower, Data Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation, Intellectual Input |
Collaborator Contribution | Technical Support for Experiment |
Impact | Confirmation of Element 114 and New isotope 277Hs (Duellmann et al, PRL 104 2010 252701) Spectroscopy of 253No (Anderson et al, NIMA622 2010 164) |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | TASCA Collaboration |
Organisation | Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz |
Department | Institute for Nuclear Chemistry |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Parts of the detection system, Manpower, Data Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation, Intellectual Input |
Collaborator Contribution | Technical Support for Experiment |
Impact | Confirmation of Element 114 and New isotope 277Hs (Duellmann et al, PRL 104 2010 252701) Spectroscopy of 253No (Anderson et al, NIMA622 2010 164) |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | BBC Atom |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Scientific Advisor to the BBC "Atom" Series presented by Jim Al-Khalili Greater public awareness of Superheavy Element Research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Froehlich Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research |
Results and Impact | 100 members of the Physics and Chemistry departments in Liverpool including 20-30 undergraduate students attended. We had a lively discussion. Greater awareness of Superheavy Element Research in the School of Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
Description | Nuclear Physics Master Class |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | About 10-20 six-formers attended practical activities and presentations over a number of days, including discussions in the Q&A part of the presentations. None, it is hoped that the activities raise the awareness of the impact of Nuclear Physics on daily life. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014 |
Description | PHYSOC Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | ~40 undergraduate physics students attended and lively debate ensued. Several people have expressed an interest to do a PhD with me on this subject. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010 |
Description | Teachers Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | ~20 teachers attended and we had good discussions about science and public engagement. None |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |