The Science of FRIB: From the nuclear many-body challenge to the origin of the elements in the Universe

Fri., Oct. 23, 2020 3:30 p.m. - Fri., Oct. 23, 2020 4:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Abstract: There are approximately 300 stable and 3,000 known unstable (rare) isotopes. Estimates are that over 7,000 different isotopes are bound by the nuclear force. It is now recognized that the properties of many yet undiscovered rare isotopes hold the key to understanding how to develop a comprehensive and predictive model of atomic nuclei, to accurately model a variety of astrophysical environments, and to understand the origin and history of elements in the Universe. Some of these isotopes also offer the possibility to study nature's underlying fundamental symmetries and to explore new societal applications of rare isotopes. Using the example of searches for the neutron dripline and the science around neutron-laden ⁶⁰Ca, this presentation will give a glimpse of the enormous opportunities that arise once the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) comes online at Michigan State University.

Speaker: Dr. Alexandra Gade, National Superconducting Cylotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University