RUI: Experiments in Low Energy Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics

Indiana University, Bloomington IN

Investigators

Abstract

0072314 Hinnefeld This grant supports the involvement of the PI and undergraduate students in a program of research in experimental nuclear physics. The proposed experiments include measurements of nuclear properties, including lifetimes and decay branching ratios, that are important for understanding the synthesis of elements heavier than oxygen in explosive stellar environments, as well as investigations of the effect on nuclear reaction dynamics of the exotic structure of the nucleus helium-6, a "neutron skin" nucleus. Experiments will be carried out at the University of Notre Dame, using the FN Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator and TwinSol radioactive beam facility, and at the CYCLONE radioactive beam facility in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. In addition to contributing to an improved understanding of nucleosynthesis and of the reactions dynamics of neutron-skin nuclei, this project will provide an opportunity for undergraduate students at Indiana University South Bend to become actively involved in exciting and important research. Support is also provided in this grant for these undergraduates to attend regional scientific meetings, where they will present their results.