Characterization of the Density Dependence of the Asymmetry Term of the Nuclear EOS

不对称项几乎影响中子星的所有宏观性质。该计划的长期目标是将目前对核不对称能量的密度依赖性的理解扩展到更高的密度。这样，就可以更深入地了解中子星的宏观特性。该计划通过国际合作，将多个经批准的实验与未来测量仪器的开发结合起来。到项目结束时，将解决核状态方程（EOS）不对称项在密度等于核饱和密度及以下时的密度依赖问题。除此之外，还将探讨核EOS不对称项的高密度（大于正常核密度）行为的测量。该计划将与强大的国际合作相结合，在世界一流的设施中建立高水平实验，以探索密度大于或小于核饱和密度时EOS的同位旋依赖性。几个强有力的合作将参与这项研究；这些都是与国家超导回旋加速器实验室、日本三高国家天文台、圣路易斯华盛顿大学和日本东京理化研究所的现有合作。该计划为学生（研究生和本科生）提供了一个整合研究和教学的环境。在项目期间的任何给定时间，至少有一名本科生和一名研究生将被雇用。学生将参与实验计划的各个层面，包括设备的建设，参与大规模的实验，和数据分析。这一培训将为辐射探测、教育、美国竞争力和国家安全等重要领域的下一代物理学家做出贡献。

The asymmetry term affects nearly every macroscopic property of the neutron star. A long-term goal of the proposed program is to extend current understanding of the density dependence of the nuclear asymmetry energy to higher densities. In doing so, understanding of the macroscopic properties of neutron stars deeper into the core of the star will be achieved. The program combines multiple approved experiments with development of apparatus for future measurements via an international collaboration. By the end of the program period, a number of problems pertaining to the density dependence of the asymmetry term of the nuclear equation-of-state (EOS) at densities equal to the nuclear saturation density and below will have been solved. In addition to this, the measurement of the high-density (greater than normal nuclear density) behavior of the asymmetry term of the nuclear EOS will be approached. This program will be integrated with a strong international collaboration to establish high-level experimentation at world-class facilities to explore the isospin dependence of the EOS at densities greater than and less than the nuclear saturation density.Several strong collaborations will be engaged in this research; these are existing collaborations with the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, the National Astronomical Observatory in Mitaka, Japan, Washington University in St. Louis, and RIKEN in Tokyo, Japan. The proposed program provides training for students (graduate and undergraduate) in an environment that integrates research and teaching. At any given time during the program, at least one undergraduate and one graduate student will be employed. Students will be expected to participate in the experimental program at all levels including construction of apparatus, participation in large-scale experiments, and data analysis. This training will contribute to the next generation of physicists in a field important to radiation detection, education, American competitiveness, and national security.