Exploring Nuclear Structure with Fast Neutrons

  • Yates, S (PI)
  • McEllistrem, Marcus (CoI)

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Intellectual Merit The research of the nuclear structure group at the University of Kentucky (UK) is focused on timely, related topics in nuclear spectroscopy, including neutron-induced reactions, neutron-emitting reactions, and neutron scattering. Most of this work will utilize monoenergetic fast neutrons produced at the University's accelerator laboratory and the y-ray and neutron detection capabilities developed in this laboratory. Collaborative research with colleagues from other institutions is emphasized. The broad-based research program will include selected studies of a) nuclei undergoing shape transitions, b) decays from collective excitations, c) the roles of protons and neutrons in collective modes, d) nuclear shell structure, and e) data relevant to rare decay modes. Lifetime measurements with the Doppler-shift attenuation method and 7-7 coincidence measurements, for which the methodology has been developed over many years in our laboratory, provide crucial information in many of these investigations. Studies of isospin symmetry with helium-ion-induced reactions define a complementary research direction for our program. Additional projects that are particularly appropriate to the capabilities of the UK accelerator laboratory will be pursued. Broader Impacts Education at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels continues to be an integral part of all activities in our laboratory and, of course, graduates of this program are trained nuclear scientists who are important in meeting our national needs. Providing a supportive professional experience for students in nuclear science at the University of Kentucky is an ongoing, vital component of our program, and these students enthusiastically participate in national and international scientific meetings and the activities of professional societies. Female students continue to form a large component of our research group. Research at a small accelerator laboratory, such as ours, permits the mentoring of young scientists on a daily basis.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date7/1/106/30/14

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