Fields

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics investigates the structure, reactions, and properties of atomic nuclei, the densest form of matter in the universe outside of neutron stars. Radioactive ion beam facilities produce short-lived exotic nuclei far from stability, revealing how proton and neutron shells close in neutron-rich nuclei relevant to r-process nucleosynthesis in neutron star mergers. Nuclear astrophysics measurements of reaction rates in stellar environments like the CNO cycle explain solar neutrino fluxes and the origin of elements heavier than iron. Medical physics applications of nuclear reactions including PET diagnostics, proton therapy, and targeted alpha therapy are improving cancer treatment outcomes at clinical scales.

Details

Avg Funding

$1.1M

Key Technologies

CyclotronsISOL Radioactive Ion BeamsGRETINA Gamma-Ray TrackerTime Projection ChambersNeutron Detectors

Subfields

Nuclear StructureNuclear ReactionsHeavy-Ion PhysicsNuclear AstrophysicsHadronic Physics

Top Institutions

TRIUMF CanadaGSI DarmstadtArgonne National LaboratoryRIKEN Nishina CenterOak Ridge National Laboratory