Nuclear Excitation by Electronic Processes: the generation of hot and dense plasmas
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
I propose that I spend the first year becoming intuitively competent in Quantum Field Theory, QED and QCD and all applications [in this case]. A literature review would be quickly completed on all theories and all experimental propositions. We would hopefully discuss and analyse all viable methods and narrow it down to 2 - 3; taking into account cost and likelihood of success (which would rely on the reliability of preliminary measurements). This would in turn lead to the second year, which would largely involve simulation work allowing us to accrue the laser/accelerator time required. The third year would then be spent at the required facility, diligently attaining data until a publishable statistical standard of success is reached. It would be excellent if new and useful experimental methods could be developed as a result of the NEEC observation goal.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/P510701/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1800154 | Studentship | EP/P510701/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/06/2021 | Benjamin Wallis |
| Description | After only a single observation of NEEC reported in Nature 2018, and a large disagreement in the theoretical calculations of the same scenario, discussions with world experts working on NEEC observation, and many reported failed experimental campaigns; it has become evident that a thorough meta-analysis is required based around all nuclides and experimental scenarios. This is then the main objective of the thesis, to provide a basis for readily producing new experimental campaigns. |
| Exploitation Route | The thesis can be used as a guide for designing a NEEC experiment. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy |
| Title | A method for attaching a NEEC probability to each scenario |
| Description | By using the internal conversion coefficients for a gamma ray transition one can gain insight into the the maximal possible NEEC resonance strength using the principle of detailed balance. This fact can be attached to the NEEP selection tool to further down-select suitable energetic cases, or rather choosing a distribution of these cases through charge state control temporally. A formalism is thus applied to attain the energetic resonance fraction depending on the specific scenario, and integrated accordingly, this probability is then again multiplied by various fractions depending on the NEEC signature detection array. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | A paper is being written making the code, and summarized formalism, available. |
| Title | NEEP Selection Tool |
| Description | An algorithm and database management system for selecting nuclear transitions that can be influenced by electronic processes |
| Type Of Material | Data handling & control |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Selected a nuclear transition in 84Rb which is a strong candidate for NEEC |
| Description | Collaboration with theorist Adriana Palffy |
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Department | Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Gave talk at NEEC conference and developed NEEP tool further. Extended calculations based on principle of detailed balance to all nuclear transitions and experimental cases. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Came to York for 2 day visit, gave seminar, and discussed viability 84Rb channeling experiment. Together we calculated the resonance strength for 84Rb NEEC based on the principle of detailed balance. |
| Impact | Development of the ideas for extending the NEEP selection tool. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Oral Presentation at NEEC Workshop (Lerici, Italy) Oct 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gave 20(+10) minute presentation based around producing NEEC (nuclear excitation by electron capture) conditions in a beam-channeling scenario, and some the challenges faced in optimizing the proposed NEEC experiment using an 84Rb beam at TRIUMF. Discussions were induced based around previous unpublished attempts at channeling and how 84Rb can be used for all the possible experimental scenarios. It was highlighted that the nuclear transition energy is slightly larger than previously thought, which has influenced a decision on the required beam energies for the NEEC experiment. Some parties expressed a newfound interest in using 84Rb in an electron-beam ion-trap. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lumes/neec-workshop-oct-2019/ |