The Study of Exotic Nuclei and its Application to Astrophysical Systems

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Speaker(s): Warren Rogers (’81)

Some of the most interesting questions in nuclear physics research today deal with understanding the creation of the elements in the periodic table in explosive astrophysical systems. Elements that are not created by the slow” stellar nucleosynthesis S-process are thought to be created by the very rapid and less well understood R- and RP-processes. Our research program at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University is focused on measuring properties of so-called “exotic” nuclei near the neutron drip-line. Properties of this neutron-rich nuclear matter are crucial for understanding these astrophysical processes. A central component of our research is use of the “Modular Neutron Array,” which was constructed by undergraduate students from collaborating institutions. Some of our recent results and experimental challenges will be presented.”

Colloquium

Junior and senior physics majors attend our biweekly colloquium series, held on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. in Shanahan B460. The talks are open to all students and to the public, and are frequently attended by scientists from the other Claremont Colleges, Cal Poly Pomona, and others. The series features speakers from a broad range of institutions and fields of physics.