Research in Theoretical Nuclear and Neutrino Physics

该项目涉及核物理学、粒子物理学和天体物理学之间的理论物理学。 有两大主题：i）探索中微子及其自相互作用在核心坍缩超新星和早期宇宙中的作用; ii）结合分析和数值技术探索处于或远离稳定线的核结构。研究活动有助于国家在核科学方面的优先事项，如中微子物理学和稀有同位素科学。 中微子在物理学中起着重要的作用，中微子的性质和各种天体物理现象之间有着迷人的相互作用。 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很弱。 中微子是天文环境的特殊探测器，这些环境通常被其他观测技术（如光学和射电观测）所掩盖。 它们也会撞击超新星，这种爆炸会终结大质量恒星的生命。了解稀有同位素（地球上通常找不到的短寿命原子核）的结构可以更好地了解原子核的物理学，元素的起源，基本相互作用以及社会应用。 该项目将直接涉及研究生，作为他们准备成为未来科学领导者的一部分。

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.