Isospin Symmetry and Core Polarization in Z=8 and N=8 Single Closed Shell Nuclei

Earlham College, Richmond IN

Investigators

Abstract

This project involves Earlham College undergraduates in the study of differences in proton and neutron behavior in exotic nuclei. Proton and neutron contributions to excited states can be disentangled by comparing experimental measurements that have different sensitivities to protons and neutrons. The advent of radioactive beam technology has enabled such investigations of nuclei away from stability via inverse kinematics proton scattering, electromagnetic lifetime measurements, and Coulomb excitation. The focus of this project is on collective excitations in N=8 and Z=8 single closed shell nuclei. Three measurements are planned, a gamma-ray lifetime measurement of the first excited state of Ne-18 at Florida State University (FSU) and inverse kinematics proton scattering measurements of the first excited states of Neon-18 and Oxygen-22 at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). The project will span three years and involve one to two students for 8-10 weeks per summer. Participants will to travel to the NSCL or FSU to perform experiments and will analyze the data at Earlham.