Expanding the Limits of Known Nuclear Masses Farther From Stability

元素的起源仍然是当今核物理学中最大的悬而未决的问题之一。特别是，涉及远离稳定性的核的核合成过程(即rp-和r-过程)在很大程度上仍未得到测试。这一奖项将资助该小组参与一项初步实验，该实验已被批准用于与天体物理RP过程相关的质子滴线核的直接质量测量。这项工作涉及理研放射性离子束工厂(RIBF)在核天体物理学方面的国际合作。未来的实验计划是直接测量与核合成r过程相关的富含中子的核的质量，以及测量远离稳定性的核结构的实验。由于RIBF的高强度，涉及非常奇异的核的实验成为可能。随着该计划的广泛影响，研究生和本科生都将参加该计划，提供国际层面的科学接触。一个国际合作将参与这项拟议的工作，美国将在目前地球上最强大的重离子加速器建立一个美国存在。

The origin of the elements remains one of the largest unanswered questions in nuclear physics today. In particular, nucleosynthesis processes involving nuclei far from stability (i.e., the rp- and r-processes) remain largely untested. This award will fund the participation of this group in an initial experiment that has been approved for a direct mass measurement of proton drip-line nuclei relevant to the astrophysical rp-process. This work involves an international collaboration in nuclear astrophysics at the RIKEN Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF). Future experiments are planned to directly measure the masses of neutron-rich nuclei relevant to the r-process of nucleosynthesis, as well as experiments to measure nuclear structure far from stability. Experiments involving very exotic nuclei are made possible by the high intensities of the RIBF. As broader impacts of the program, both graduate and undergraduate students will participate in the program, providing exposure to science at an international level. An international collaboration will be engaged in the proposed work, and an American presence will be established at what is currently the most powerful heavy ion accelerator on the planet.