Overview

One activity of the subatomic physics group aims at understanding the fundamentals behind the stability of nuclei. On the energy scale, these studies are located in the Mega electron volt (MeV) range. Fourteen orders of magnitude higher on this scale lies the other activity of the group, the study of the highest energy particles in nature, which are found in some cosmic rays. These particles have Joules of energy, a unit that is usually associated with macroscopic objects, such as pitched baseballs.

Currently the research group is pursuing the following three activity streams:

1] Nuclear astrophysics with radioactive ion beams (RIB): we are performing RIB experiments, predominantly radiative capture in inverse kinematics, at the facilities of TRIUMF (ISAC, DRAGON) and NSCL/FRIB. The reactions pursued are usually relevant to nucleosynthesis on the proton rich side of the chart of nuclides.

2] Neutron induced reactions relevant to nuclear energy and non-proliferation issues: we are developing experimental equipment (time projection chamber and dual arm spectrometer) and approaches for precision measurements of fission cross sections and fragment distributions as well as for neutron scattering experiments. These activities are using the LANSCE neutron beam facilities of LANL.

3] Our group has teamed up with research groups in chemistry and chemical engineering to develop the next generation of gamma and neutron sensitive organic scintillators. prototypes are tested with our own laboratory sources and at the WNR beam lines of the LANSCE facility.

The uniting element in all our efforts is instrument development, which we try to apply to all fields where our involvement is beneficial. A strong component at our state university is naturally dedicated to education through the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in the research enterprise.