Nuclear Structure and Reactions: Theory and Experiment
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Brighton
Department Name: Sch of Computing, Engineering & Maths
Abstract
Nuclear physics research is undergoing a transformation. For a hundred years, atomic nuclei have been probed by collisions between stable beams and stable targets, with just a small number of radioactive isotopes being available. Now, building on steady progress over the past 20 years, it is at last becoming possible to generate intense beams of a wide range of short-lived isotopes, so-called 'radioactive beams'. This enables us vastly to expand the scope of experimental nuclear research. For example, it is now realistic to plan to study in the laboratory a range of nuclear reactions that take place in exploding stars. Thereby, we will be able to understand how the chemical elements that we find on Earth were formed and distributed through the Universe. At the core of our experimental research is our strong participation at leading European radioactive-beam facilities: FAIR at GSI, Darmstadt, Germany; SPIRAL at GANIL, Caen, France; and ISOLDE at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. While we are now contributing, or planning to contribute, to substantial technical developments at these facilities, the present grant request is focused on the exploitation of the capabilities that are now becoming available. To achieve our physics objectives, we also need to use other facilities, including stable-isotope accelerators, since these can provide complementary capabilities. Experimental progress is intimately linked with theory, where novel and practical approaches are a hallmark of the Surrey group. A key and unique feature (within the UK) of our group is our blend of theoretical and experimental capability. Our science goals are aligned with current STFC strategy for nuclear physics, as expressed in detail through the Nuclear Physics Advisory Panel. We wish to understand the boundaries of nuclear existence, i.e. the limiting conditions that enable neutrons and protons to bind together to form nuclei. Under such conditions, the nuclear system is in a delicate state and shows unusual phenomena. It is very sensitive to the properties of the nuclear force. For example, weakly bound neutrons can orbit their parent nucleus at remarkably large distances. This is already known, and our group made key contributions to this knowledge. What is unknown is whether, and to what extent, the neutrons and protons can show different collective behaviours. Also unknown, for most elements, is how many neutrons can bind to a given number of protons. It is features such as these that determine how stars explode. So, we need a more sophisticated understanding of the nuclear force, and we need experimental information about nuclei with unusual combinations of neutrons and protons to test our theoretical ideas and models. Therefore, theory and experiment go hand-in-hand as we push forward towards the nuclear limits. An overview of nuclear binding reveals that about one half of predicted nuclei have never been observed, and the vast majority of this unknown territory involves nuclei with an excess of neutrons. The focus of our activity addresses this 'neutron-rich' territory, exploiting the new capabilities with radioactive beams. Our principal motivation is the basic science, and we contribute strongly to the world sum of knowledge and understanding. Nevertheless, there are more-tangible benefits. For example, our radiation-detector advances can be incorporated in medical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we provide an excellent training environment for our research students and staff, many of whom go on to work in the nuclear power industry, helping to fill the current skills gap. On a more adventurous note, our special interest in nuclear isomers (energy traps) could lead to novel energy applications. Furthermore, we have a keen interest in sharing our specialist knowledge with a wide audience, and we already have an enviable track record with the media.
Organisations
Publications
Steer S
(2011)
Isomeric states observed in heavy neutron-rich nuclei populated in the fragmentation of a 208 Pb beam
in Physical Review C
Gottardo A
(2012)
New isomers in the full seniority scheme of neutron-rich lead isotopes: the role of effective three-body forces.
in Physical review letters
Benzoni G
(2012)
First measurement of beta decay half-lives in neutron-rich Tl and Bi isotopes
in Physics Letters B
Triguero C
(2012)
Trap-assisted separation of nuclear states for gamma-ray spectroscopy: the example of 100 Nb
in Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics
Al-Dahan N
(2012)
Multiple ß - decaying states in 194 Re: Shape evolution in neutron-rich osmium isotopes
in Physical Review C
Söderström P
(2013)
Shape evolution in 116 , 118 Ru: Triaxiality and transition between the O(6) and U(5) dynamical symmetries
in Physical Review C
Gottardo A
(2013)
New µs isomers in the neutron-rich 210 Hg nucleus
in Physics Letters B
Denis Bacelar A
(2013)
The population of metastable states as a probe of relativistic-energy fragmentation reactions
in Physics Letters B
Morales A
(2013)
ß -delayed ? -ray spectroscopy of 203 , 204 Au and 200 - 202 Pt
in Physical Review C
Morales A
(2014)
ß -decay studies of neutron-rich Tl, Pb, and Bi isotopes
in Physical Review C
Description | We have measured the shape of some neutron-rich zirconium nuclei (Zr104 and Zr106). The results have been compared with the shapes calculated by state-of-the-art models. Our results will be used to modify and refine the models. |
Exploitation Route | Our results will be used to modify and refine state-of-the-art models. This was the first experiment using an array of lanthanum bromide detectors at a fragmentation facility. Many other experiments which use the technique are now being planned. |
Sectors | Energy |
URL | https://www.brighton.ac.uk/research-and-enterprise/research/life-health-and-physical-sciences/research-groups/nuclear-physics/fission-fragments-produced-in-the-relativistic-fission-of-238u.aspx |
Description | University of Brighton, PhD studentship |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Brighton |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2009 |
End | 03/2013 |
Description | Computer codes used to generate a 3-D model of a bicycle with a rider, and transform it to show a view as expected in the Special theory of Relativity accounting for the "Terrell Rotation" distortions. Fortran program does creation of bike and distortions. Python code post-processes output of Fortran code to include doppler effect and intensity beaming. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
URL | https://surrey.figshare.com/articles/software/Gamow_s_Bike_Relativistic_Transformation_Code/8337056 |
Description | Computer codes used to generate a 3-D model of a bicycle with a rider, and transform it to show a view as expected in the Special theory of Relativity accounting for the "Terrell Rotation" distortions. Fortran program does creation of bike and distortions. Python code post-processes output of Fortran code to include doppler effect and intensity beaming. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
URL | https://surrey.figshare.com/articles/software/Gamow_s_Bike_Relativistic_Transformation_Code/8337056/... |