Synthesis reactions of neutron-rich isotopes of light elements

One of the most complicated problems of experimental nuclear physics is the synthesis of exotic nuclei near the boundaries of stability. These nuclei, as a rule, are 10 or more neutrons away from stable nuclei, have a short lifetime (less than 1 ms) and low binding energy. All this determines special requirements to the choice of reactions for the synthesis of such nuclei and the method of their transportation and registration. Mainly, for the synthesis of exotic nuclei, reactions of fragmentation of the bombarding heavy ion, direct reactions of the types (p, d) , (d, p) , (d, n) , ( d , 3 He), etc., as well as reactions of fission and deep inelastic transfer are used.

Beta Decay Redux, Slow Neutrons, Bohr and his Realm

A large conference on nuclear physics was held in London and Cambridge from October 1–6, 1934. Six German refugee physicists were present, but Werner Heisenberg was not. Czech theoretical physicists Guido Beck and Kurt Sitte had proposed a theory of beta decay that challenged Fermi’s, which Beck presented but apparently gained no support for. On October 22, Fermi serendipitously discovered the efficaciousness of slow neutrons in producing nuclear reactions. Niels Bohr would be the greatest beneficiary of Fermi’s discovery. In 1935 Bohr, with the assistance of refugee Otto Robert Frisch, began to develop experimental nuclear physics at his institute, which after its inauguration in 1920 became a mecca for young physicists. On September 29, 1943, Bohr and his family were among the 7220 Danish and other Jews who were transported to Sweden in the greatest mass rescue operation of the war.

Applications of Nuclear and Particle Physics Technology: Particles & Detection — A Brief Overview

A brief overview of the technology applications with significant societal benefit that have their origins in nuclear and particle physics research is presented. It is shown through representative examples that applications of nuclear physics can be classified into two basic areas: 1) applying the results of experimental nuclear physics and 2) applying the tools of experimental nuclear physics. Examples of the application of the tools of experimental nuclear and particle physics research are provided in the fields of accelerator and detector based technologies namely synchrotron light sources, nuclear medicine, ion implantation and radiation therapy.

Big Physics At Small Places: The Mongol Horde Model Of Undergraduate Research

A model for engaging undergraduates in cutting-edge experimental nuclear physics research at a national user facility is discussed. Methods to involve students and examples of their success are presented.