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Nuclear structure and reactions: theory and experiment

核结构和反应：理论和实验

基本信息

批准号：
ST/F012012/1
负责人：
Philip Malzard Walker
金额：
$ 287.41万
依托单位：
University of Surrey
依托单位国家：
英国
项目类别：
Research Grant
财政年份：
2008
资助国家：
英国
起止时间：
2008 至无数据
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=ST%2FF012012%2F1
关键词：
Nuclear structure reactions theory experiment

项目摘要

Nuclear physics research is at the dawn of a new era. For almost a hundred years, atomic nuclei have been probed by collisions between stable beams and stable targets, with just a small number of radioactive isotopes being available. There has been steady progress over the past 20 years in the development of beams of radioactive isotopes. Now it is becoming possible to generate intense beams of a wide range of short-lived isotopes, so-called 'radioactive beams', and thus vastly to expand the scope of experimental nuclear research. For example, it is becoming possible to study in the laboratory a range of nuclear reactions that take place in exploding stars. Thereby, we will be able to understand how the chemical elements that we find on Earth were formed and distributed through the Universe. At the core of its experimental research, the Surrey group is participating strongly in the development of two European radioactive-beam facilities: FAIR at GSI, Darmstadt, Germany, and SPIRAL at GANIL, Caen, France. While we are contributing to substantial technical developments at these facilities, the present grant request is focused on the exploitation of the capabilities that are already becoming available. To achieve our physics objectives, we also need to use several different facilities, including stable-isotope accelerators, since these can provide complementary capabilities. Experimental progress is intimately linked with theory, where novel and practical approaches are a hallmark of the Surrey group. In the world-wide development of nuclear physics, there is a close connection between theory, experiment, and radiation detection techniques. A key feature of the Surrey group, unique within the UK, is our strength in all three of these areas. Our science goals are aligned with current STFC strategy for nuclear physics. We wish to understand the boundaries of nuclear existence, i.e. the limiting conditions that enable neutrons and protons to bind together to form nuclei. Under such conditions, the nuclear system is in a delicate state and shows unusual phenomena. It is very sensitive to the properties of the nuclear force. For example, weakly bound neutrons can orbit their parent nucleus at remarkably large distances. This is already known, and the Surrey group made key contributions to this knowledge. What is unknown is whether, and to what extent, the neutrons and protons can show different collective behaviours. Also unknown, for most elements, is how many neutrons can bind to a given number of protons. We need a more sophisticated understanding of the nuclear force, and this needs experimental information about these delicate nuclei to test our theoretical ideas and models. We also need better radiation detectors (more sensitive and more efficient) to make best use of the new radioactive beams. Therefore, theory, experiment, and detector developments go hand-in-hand as we push forward towards the nuclear limits. Our principal motivation is the basic science, and we contribute to the world sum of knowledge and understanding. Nevertheless, there are more-tangible benefits. For example, our radiation-detector advances are most likely to be incorporated in medical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we provide an excellent training environment for our research students and staff, many of whom go on to work in the nuclear power and radiation protection industries, helping to fill the current skills gap. On a more adventurous note, our special interest in nuclear isomers (energy traps) could lead to novel energy applications. Furthermore, we have a keen interest in sharing our specialist knowledge with a wide audience, and we already have an enviable track record with the media.

核物理研究正处于一个新时代的开端。近一百年来，原子核一直是通过稳定光束和稳定目标之间的碰撞来探测的，只有少量的放射性同位素可用。在过去的20年里，放射性同位素束的发展取得了稳定的进展。现在已经有可能产生各种短寿命同位素的强光束，即所谓的“放射性光束”，从而极大地扩大了实验核研究的范围。例如，在实验室里研究发生在爆炸恒星中的一系列核反应已经成为可能。因此，我们将能够了解我们在地球上发现的化学元素是如何形成并在宇宙中分布的。作为实验研究的核心，萨里小组积极参与了两个欧洲放射性束流设施的开发：德国达姆施塔特GSI的FAIR和法国卡昂GANIL的SPIRAL。虽然我们正在为这些设施的重大技术发展作出贡献，但目前的赠款请求的重点是利用已经可用的能力。为了实现我们的物理目标，我们还需要使用几种不同的设备，包括稳定同位素加速器，因为它们可以提供互补的能力。实验进展与理论密切相关，其中新颖和实用的方法是萨里小组的标志。在世界范围内核物理学的发展中，理论、实验和辐射探测技术之间有着密切的联系。萨里集团的一个关键特点，在英国是独一无二的，是我们在这三个领域的实力。我们的科学目标与当前STFC核物理战略是一致的。我们希望了解核存在的界限，即使中子和质子结合在一起形成原子核的极限条件。在这种情况下，核系统处于微妙状态，并出现异常现象。它对核力的性质非常敏感。例如，弱束缚的中子可以绕母核运行很远的距离。这是已知的，萨里小组对这一知识做出了关键贡献。目前尚不清楚的是，中子和质子是否以及在多大程度上可以表现出不同的集体行为。对于大多数元素来说，同样未知的是给定数量的质子能结合多少中子。我们需要对核力有更深入的了解，而这需要关于这些微妙原子核的实验信息来检验我们的理论观点和模型。我们还需要更好的辐射探测器（更灵敏、更高效），以便更好地利用新的放射性光束。因此，当我们向核极限推进时，理论、实验和探测器的发展是齐头并进的。我们的主要动机是基础科学，我们为世界贡献了知识和理解的总和。然而，还有更切实的好处。例如，我们的辐射探测器的进步最有可能被纳入医疗诊断和治疗。此外，我们为我们的研究生和员工提供了一个良好的培训环境，其中许多人继续在核电和辐射防护行业工作，帮助填补目前的技能缺口。更大胆地说，我们对核异构体（能量陷阱）的特殊兴趣可能会导致新的能源应用。此外，我们对与广大受众分享我们的专业知识有着浓厚的兴趣，我们在媒体方面已经有了令人羡慕的记录。