Development of Apparatus for Nuclear Astrophysics Utilizing Stable and Unstable Nuclear Beams

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A unique type of apparatus will be developed jointly by the University of Michigan and Notre Dame University that will permit studies of low-energy nuclear reactions key to better understanding the production of energy and synthesis of the elements in astrophysical processes. The latter include BigBang nucleosynthesis and the production of energy and heavy elements in stars and supernovae (exploding stars). Improved nuclear measurements will help clarify some of the outstanding mysteries that exist in astrophysics. The proposed apparatus will consist of a small but highintensity electrostatic ion accelerator coupled to a specially designed, high-efficiency magnetic detection device. The latter will consist of two large superconducting magnets which will be designed and built in the U.S. as a collaborative effort with a U.S. industrial partner. The apparatus proposed will be part of a Midwest low-energy nuclear accelerator facility located at the University of Notre Dame. A unique feature of the facility will be the production of relatively intense, short-lived unstable nuclear beams for the study of reactions related to explosive nucleosynthesis. The new apparatus will also be available for new types of applied research in atomic physics, biophysics and materials science. It will serve a dozen or more universities and colleges in the immediate area with extensive participation by undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty from those institutions (U. Michigan, U. Notre Dame, Oberlin College, Ohio State U., U. Indiana-So. Bend, U.W. Kentucky, Hope College, MSU, U. Illinois,...).