Research in Theoretical Nuclear and Neutrino Physics

本项目涉及核物理、粒子物理和天体物理的理论物理。主要有两个主题：1)探索中微子在核心坍缩超新星以及早期宇宙中的作用及其自身相互作用；Ii)结合分析和数值技术探索在稳定线或远离稳定线的原子核结构。研究活动有助于国家在核科学方面的优先事项，如中微子物理和稀有同位素科学。中微子在物理学中起着至关重要的作用，中微子的性质和各种天体物理现象之间存在着令人着迷的相互作用。它们是相当特殊的粒子，看起来质量很小，与普通物质的相互作用也很微弱。中微子是一种特殊的探测天文环境的探测器，从其他观测技术（如光学和无线电观测）的角度来看，这些环境通常是隐蔽的。它们也会影响超新星，即结束大质量恒星生命的爆炸。了解稀有同位素（地球上通常不存在的短寿命原子核）的结构可以更好地理解原子核的物理学、元素的起源和基本相互作用，以及对社会的应用。该项目将直接涉及研究生，作为他们为未来科学领袖做准备的一部分。

This project addresses theoretical physics at the interface of nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics. There are two major themes: i) exploring the role of neutrinos and their self interactions in core-collapse supernovae as well as in the Early Universe; ii) exploring the structure of nuclei at or far from the line of stability using a combination of analytical and numerical techniques. Research activity contributes to the national priorities in nuclear science such as neutrino physics and rare-isotope science. Neutrinos play an essential role in physics and there is a fascinating interplay between neutrino properties and various astrophysical phenomena. They are rather special particles with their seemingly very small masses and feeble interactions with ordinary matter. Neutrinos make an exceptional probe for astronomical environments that are typically concealed from the standpoint of other observation techniques, such as optical and radio observation. They also impact supernovae, the explosions that end the lives of highly massive stars. Understanding the structure of rare isotopes (short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth) could lead to a better understanding of the physics of nuclei, origin of elements, and fundamental interactions, as well as applications for society. The project will directly involve graduate students as part of their preparation as future scientific leaders.