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

不对称项几乎影响到中子星的所有宏观性质。拟议计划的一个长期目标是将目前对核不对称能量密度依赖性的理解扩展到更高的密度。通过这样做，将实现对深入恒星核心的中子星的宏观性质的理解。该计划通过国际合作，将多个已获批准的实验与未来测量仪器的开发相结合。到计划周期结束时，与密度等于或低于核饱和密度的核状态方程(EOS)的不对称项的密度相关的一些问题将得到解决。此外，还将探讨核状态方程不对称项的高密度(大于正常核密度)行为的测量。该计划将与一个强大的国际合作相结合，在世界级的设施中建立高水平的实验，以探索密度大于或小于核饱和密度的状态方程的同位旋依赖关系。几个强大的合作将参与到这项研究中；这些是与国家超导回旋实验室、日本三鹿国家天文台、圣路易斯华盛顿大学和日本东京理研的现有合作。拟议的计划为学生(研究生和本科生)提供在研究和教学相结合的环境中的培训。在该计划期间的任何给定时间，至少将有一名本科生和一名研究生被录用。学生将参加所有级别的实验计划，包括仪器建造、参与大型实验和数据分析。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.