Manchester Nuclear Physics Consolidated Grant 2020

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Nuclear Physics aims to understand the structure and dynamics of nuclear systems. It is the key to understanding the Universe from the first microseconds of its inception when the quark-gluon plasma prevailed, through its history of star and galaxy formation where nuclear reactions play an essential role both in the generation of energy and the creation of elements. The field also has applications that benefit society in diverse areas, from medicine and security to power production, and a strong impact on other fields of science. The Manchester group is part of the UK nuclear community which has devised a mode of operation that enables it to make leading edge contributions at an international level. Experimental work is performed at specific overseas facilities with focussed investment in the necessary instrumentation to carry out this work.

Atomic nuclei are a unique quantal laboratory in which microscopic as well as mesoscopic features, driven by effective two-body and three-body forces, can be studied. They are complex many-body systems, but often display unexpected regularities and simple excitation patterns that arise from underlying shell structure, pairing and collective modes of excitation. Such properties are also exhibited by simpler mesoscopic systems (for example, metallic clusters, quantum dots, and atomic condensates) the understanding of which draws heavily on techniques developed and honed in nuclear physics. A fundamental challenge is to understand nuclear properties ab-initio from the interplay of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces between individual nucleons. In recent years, enormous progress has been made with such programmes for light nuclei. For heavier nuclei, shell, cluster and other beyond mean field many-body techniques, based on effective interactions, provide essential frameworks for correlating experimental data, yet still lack the refinement to reliably predict nuclear properties as one moves more than a few nucleons from well-studied stable nuclei. Experimental measurements are made using the techniques of transfer reactions, gamma-ray spectroscopy and measurements of hyperfine atomic effects using lasers.

We also aim to make connections between the interactions of nucleons and the underlying theory that describes the strong force, Quantum Chromodynamics. Key quantities are the polarisabilities that describe how the structures of nucleons respond to external electric and magnetic fields. We are developing theoretical tools to determine these from experiments on the scattering of photons from hydrogen and other light nuclei. The latter are needed to learn about the the properties of the neutron since it is an unstable particle, and are also interesting for the testing of nuclear forces in few-body systems and for the calculation of muonic atom Lamb shifts.

Planned Impact

Trained manpower at postgraduate and postdoctoral levels is in great demand in nuclear, software and instrumentation industries. Young scientists trained within academic nuclear physics are the only source of independent expertise in areas concerning radioactivity and radiation detection. The importance of this expertise can only increase in the future as the UK moves into its new nuclear build programme. The Nuclear Industrial Strategy recognises the key enablers will be an increase in nuclear R&D and development of nuclear skills. Handling and disposal of nuclear wastes, reactor decommissioning and advanced reactor designs will become even more important issues in society. The research undertaken will also directly inform the teaching of undergraduates at Manchester who will benefit from advanced courses involving examples from topical, current research issues.
Since nuclear physics is the fundamental science underpinning the nuclear sector, our expertise developed in research
projects such as these allows us to host for a major postgraduate training programmes as the Coordinating Centre for NTEC (Nuclear Technology Education Consortium involving 8 UK universities providing Masters-level courses to the nuclear industry) . We deliver core and options modules for NTEC,.
All members of the group, including academics, research fellows, PDRAs and PhD students, undertake public engagement activities. The members of the academic staff have a strong track record in outreach and have built up experience and a good reputation that can be used to good effect. They are regularly featured on local, national and foreign radio stations to address general issues, as well as for the direct promotion of their research to the general public. Research staff and students are less experienced, yet highly committed, and training is encouraged. Members of the group are also active in various CERN- based public engagement activities.
Group members have also been able to influence UK and International Policy on nuclear related issues via participation in select committee activities and by representing the UK at a variety of international meetings related to the nuclear industry and skills.
Nuclear data and technological expertise in the group will be used to make measurements relevant to the nuclear industry by improving a variety of important nuclear cross sections. This will feed into the Joint European Fission-Fusion database, used throughout the nuclear industry to improve safety and economics of current and future operations, and of the design of advanced reactors and geological disposal facilities.
Group members are involved in several projects to improve SPECT imaging at the Christie hospital, with potential to commission commercial software. The group has supported medical research using short-lived positron emitters at the Wolfson Medical Imaging Centre, by joint supervision of MPhys and MSc students. We have a longer term strategy to work with a local company to develop new X-ray imaging techniques.
The group has recently spun out a company to harness CRIS laser techniques for mass spectrometry and atom counting for a range of applications. The company is set up and the next step is underway to develop a demonstration device and pursue further funding.
 
Description Argonne National Laboratory 
Organisation Argonne National Laboratory
Department Physics Division
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input, performing experiments, data analysis, writing publications
Collaborator Contribution Facility provision and intellectual input
Impact Publications.
 
Description CRIS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Leuven
Department Institute for Nuclear and Radiation Physics
Country Belgium 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have designed and constructed the beam line and laser laboratory. We developed new techniques and designed equipment upgrades. We have provided staff and equipment.
Collaborator Contribution They have provided funding for equipment and manpower.
Impact See publication list.
Start Year 2010
 
Description HELIOS 
Organisation Argonne National Laboratory
Department Physics Division
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Gas detector system and electronics, intellectual input
Collaborator Contribution Intellectual input, silicon detector arrays, electronics
Impact Publications
 
Description HELIOS 
Organisation Western Michigan University
Department Department of Physics
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Gas detector system and electronics, intellectual input
Collaborator Contribution Intellectual input, silicon detector arrays, electronics
Impact Publications
 
Description ISOLDE 
Organisation European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Department ISOLDE Radioactive Ion Beam Facility
Country Switzerland 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Scientific ideas and planning
Collaborator Contribution Scientific ideas and planning
Impact Continuing scientific collaboration in potential future projects.
Start Year 2007
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation Chalmers University of Technology
Country Sweden 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation Daresbury Laboratory
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Department CERN - ISOLDE
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Leuven
Country Belgium 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Manchester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Santiago de Compostela
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of Surrey
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of York
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description ISS Collaboration 
Organisation University of the West of Scotland
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The collaboration was formed following the successful commissioning of the ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer at CERN. David Sharp is collaboration spokesperson. Along with Sean Freeman they have provided scientific leadership to the collaboration in addition to contributing detectors during the initial construction of the spectrometer.
Collaborator Contribution The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Daresbury Laboratory along with KU Leuven in Belgium are core members who constructed the spectrometer at CERN. Liverpool and Manchester provided detectors, Liverpool also contributed a superconducting solenoid, KU Leuven and Daresbury contributed infrastructure. The collaboration has grown since commissioning to involve Chalmers (Sweden) Santiago de Compostela (Spain), and Universities of Birmingham, York, Surrey, UWS and Sheffield Hallam who are scientific users of the device. Chalmers have also contributed new detectors and infrastructure. All members pay a yearly MoU fee for maintenance of the spectrometer.
Impact None as yet
Start Year 2022
 
Description Jyvaskyla 
Organisation University of Jyvaskyla
Department Accelerator Laboratory
Country Finland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Intellectual input - apparatus.
Collaborator Contribution Facility provision / beam time
Impact Academic outputs
 
Description STFC Daresbury 
Organisation Daresbury Laboratory
Department Nuclear Physics Support Group
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Detector development
Collaborator Contribution Joint grant application, electronics and daq, target manufacture.
Impact Publications. Equipment production.
 
Description TUM 
Organisation Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
Department Faculty of Physics
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Physics ideas, analysis, writing papers.
Collaborator Contribution Beam time, access to experimental facilities.
Impact Research papers
Start Year 2011
 
Description TUM 
Organisation Technical University of Munich
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Physics ideas, analysis, writing papers.
Collaborator Contribution Beam time, access to experimental facilities.
Impact Research papers
Start Year 2011
 
Company Name Artemis Analytical 
Description Artemis Analytical provides carbon dating analysis that uses quantum technology with the aim of reducing time waiting for results. 
Year Established 2016 
Impact The company has yet to start trading. At the moment we have filed two patents to protect inventions that built on research at CERN during the fellowship. The company is in the process of securing its IP position, conducting market research and structural planning and seeking equity investment. It is hoped to start trading in 2018.
Website https://www.artemis-analytical.com/