Modeling nuclear fusion at lightning speed
Ionut Farcas uses reduced modeling to simulate plasma physics, reducing computation time from days to seconds. This enables real-time control and decision making in nuclear fusion devices.
Nuclear Reactions
Articles tagged with Nuclear Reactions
Experimental indication of a new type of mesic nuclei
Researchers have observed evidence of a new type of mesic nucleus, which could provide insight into the vacuum structure and mass generation mechanism. The discovery was made using a high-precision experiment at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Germany.
Deep learning model achieves global high-precision prediction of nuclear charge density, covering a wide range of nuclei
A deep neural network model has achieved global precision in predicting nuclear charge density distributions, surpassing traditional methods by over 50% accuracy. The model's innovative approach combines physical mechanisms with artificial intelligence to provide a unified description of charge density and charge radius.
World record at GSI/FAIR — Darmstadt ranks first in the discovery of new nuclear isomers
The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH has discovered a total of 192 nuclear isomers, more than any other research facility worldwide. Dr. Ivan Kojouharov is responsible for 143 of these discoveries, making him the top co-discoverer globally.
Cluster radioactivity in extreme laser fields: A theoretical exploration
Research investigates the influence of strong laser fields on nuclear decay lifetimes, altering nuclear structure and properties. This study provides valuable insights into laser-nucleus interactions and holds promise for applications in the nuclear energy sector.
The measurement of the energy correlations between two 252Cf prompt fission neutrons
Researchers measured energy correlations between two 252Cf prompt fission neutrons, finding a positive correlation at 180° and a negative correlation at 90°. These findings are crucial for developing and verifying fission physics theories, and should be considered in neutron coincidence and multiplication measurement techniques.
Theoretical study of laser-enhanced nuclear fusion reactions
Theoretical study reveals that low-frequency lasers significantly enhance fusion efficiency, increasing tunneling probabilities and bridging the gap between low-temperature and high-temperature conditions. The study provides a unified framework for analyzing laser-assisted fusion across different laser frequencies and intensities.
Physicists provide key mass data for determining X-ray burst reaction rate
Physicists have directly measured the masses of phosphorus-26 and sulfur-27, crucial for determining the nuclear reaction rate during X-ray bursts. The new data reveal a significant enhancement in the reaction rate, increasing the abundance ratio of sulfur-27 to phosphorus-26.
Atoms passing through walls: Quantum tunneling of hydrogen within palladium crystal
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have precisely detected quantum tunneling of hydrogen atoms in palladium metal. Hydrogen atoms can pass through energy barriers via quantum tunneling due to 'quantum' effects.
Press registration and scientific program now available for nuclear physics meeting
The scientific program includes presentations on new research in exotic and radioactive nuclei, quark-gluon plasma, nucleosynthesis, neutrinos, and more. Registration is now open for news media with valid APS press credentials.
Electron beam irradiation helping to turn plastic waste into gas
Researchers at National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology developed a technique to decompose polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into gaseous products using electron beam irradiation. This process reduces energy required by 50% compared to traditional methods, making large-scale recycling of fluoropolymers more viable.
Heaviest tin isotopes provide insights into element synthesis – Successful experiments under GSI/FAIR leadership
Researchers at GSI/FAIR have conducted high-precision measurements of three extremely neutron-rich tin isotopes, revealing unexpected changes in the behavior of tin nuclei beyond N=82. These findings improve our understanding of nuclear forces far from stability and may alter the path of the r-process on the nuclear chart.
Advancing nuclear fission models for lighter sub-lead nuclei
Researchers developed a five-dimensional Langevin model to accurately predict fission fragment distributions and kinetic energies in medium-mass mercury isotopes. The model captures unusual 'double-humped' fragment mass distribution observed in mercury-180, providing new insights into nuclear shell effects.
Studying the 12C+12C fusion reaction at astrophysical energies using HOPG target
Researchers have made the most sensitive direct measurement yet of the 12C(12C,a0)23Na reaction down to an excitation energy of 2.22 MeV using a HOPG target and intense carbon beam. The results represent the highest sensitivity achieved for this channel, with a thick-target yield on the order of 10−17 per incident carbon ion.
Successful experiments at GSI/FAIR uncover new island of asymmetric fission
An international team identified a new region of heavy, neutron-deficient isotopes where nuclear fission is predominantly governed by an asymmetric mode. The research found increasingly asymmetric fission in these nuclei, characterized by light krypton fragments, marking the discovery of a new island in the nuclear chart.
Recent advances in photoneutron detection: High-precision measurement of photoneutron cross section data using the LCS source
Researchers at SLEGS have made high-precision measurements of the 27Al(γ,n) cross section, resolving existing data discrepancies and providing more accurate nuclear reaction models. The study's innovative detector design and laser Compton scattering beams enabled direct comparisons with global datasets.
New model supercharges human-AI team work in high-stakes industries
A novel model predicts critical energy barriers governing heavy-ion fusion reactions with high accuracy, enabling the synthesis of superheavy nuclei and improving nuclear physics experiments. The model's effective nucleus-nucleus potential combines Skyrme energy density functional with reaction Q-values.
Sliding into novel materials: A new frontier in material science
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to transform graphite into novel materials with controlled atomic layers, enabling the creation of tiny electronic memory units. This process, known as 'Slidetronics,' allows for precise manipulation of material properties, opening doors to innovative applications in electronic...
Clean hydrogen in minutes: Microwaves deliver clean energy faster
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a technology that uses microwaves to produce clean hydrogen in minutes, overcoming limitations of existing methods. By leveraging microwave energy, the team achieved significant breakthroughs in reducing production temperatures and time.
Land ahoy! — Experiments at GSI/FAIR reveal the shoreline of the island of stability of superheavy elements
Researchers at GSI/FAIR discovered the shortest-lived superheavy nucleus, Rf-252, marking the position of the island's shoreline in nuclei of rutherfordium. The results confirm theoretical predictions and enable further exploration of phenomena associated with isomer states and inverted fission stability.
Robert McKeown recognized for a half century of distinguished service
Robert McKeown, a distinguished service award recipient, has made significant contributions to nuclear physics over the past 50 years. He supervised 14 Ph.D. students and educated thousands of people worldwide through teaching and lecturing at prestigious institutions.
Eyes on the Sun: Naked thallium-205 ion decay reveals history over millions of years
Researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH measure half-life of thallium-205 ion decay to understand Sun's long-term stability and its connection to Earth's climate. The experiment, known as LOREX, provides insights into the Sun's evolutionary history.
Long-sought measurement of exotic beta decay in thallium helps extract the timescale of the Sun’s birth
Researchers successfully measured the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions, revealing key information about AGB star production and the Sun's formation time. The discovery allows for accurate calculations of radioactive lead production in these stars, providing insights into the solar system's early history.
New insights into exotic nuclei creation
A new model based on the Langevin equation offers insights into exotic nuclei formation, enhancing the production of rare isotopes for scientific and medical applications. The model simplifies complex nuclear reactions by focusing on key physical processes, reducing adjustable parameters and improving energy dissipation predictions.
Magnesium-18's unique decay process: From theory to practice
Researchers have documented a unique two-proton decay mechanism in Magnesium-18, revealing complex interactions between nuclear forces. The study uses advanced techniques to analyze the phenomenon, providing crucial insights into extreme nuclear conditions.
Key mechanism in nuclear reaction dynamics promises advances in nuclear physics
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the one-neutron stripping process in lithium-6 and bismuth-209 reactions. The study reveals that this process yields results comparable to fusion reactions, especially at energy regions near nuclear barriers.
Finding quantum order in chaos
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules. The team observed intricate quantum dynamics underlying the reaction process and outcome, revealing that quantum coherence was preserved within the nuclear spin degree of freedom throu...
A new process for the synthesis of rare nuclei in the Universe?
Scientists propose a new nucleosynthesis process, νr-process, which operates when neutron-rich material is exposed to high neutrino flux. This process can produce rare isotopes present in the solar system, including p-nuclei, previously poorly understood.
Uncovering the cyclization mechanism of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase
A team of researchers has determined the detailed mechanism of cyclization catalyzed by the cyclization domain of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase from Thermoanaerobacter italicus. The study reveals that the enzyme produces β-glucosidase-resistant compounds and features a transglycosylation reaction.
Discovery of a subset of human short introns that are spliced out by a novel mechanism
A novel mechanism for splicing human short introns has been discovered using the SAP30BP-RBM17 complex. The researchers confirmed that the established pre-mRNA splicing mechanism cannot work in a subset of human short introns.
Successful experiment with FAIR detector in Japan – First measurement of nucleus oxygen-28
Researchers at GSI Helmholtzzentrum and RIKEN successfully produced and detected the long-sought oxygen atomic nucleus 28O for the first time. The experiment utilized the meter-high neutron detector NeuLAND, developed for FAIR accelerator center.
How a cup of water can unlock the secrets of our Universe
A recent study by Queen Mary University of London reveals a range of fundamental physical constants that can vary, allowing for the viscosity needed for life processes to occur within and between living cells. This discovery sheds light on the origin of these constants and their impact on life as we know it.
New connection between early transcription termination and RNA turnover
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the coupling between early transcription termination and RNA degradation. The ARS2 protein recruits ZC3H4, which interacts with the NEXT complex to target nascent transcripts for degradation.
Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications
Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.
MARATHON measures mirror nuclei
The MARATHON experiment has accessed new details about the particles that build our universe by comparing mirror nuclei helium-3 and tritium. The results provided a precise determination of the ratio of proton/neutron structure function ratios, offering new insights into the internal structures of protons and neutrons.
The tetra-neutron – experiment finds evidence for a long-sought particle comprising four neutrons
Physicists at Technical University of Munich discover potential existence of tetra-neutron, a bound state of four neutrons, which could significantly alter our understanding of nuclear forces. The experiment's results suggest a half-life of 450 seconds and stability comparable to the neutron.
Celebrating the impacts of Jacques Raynal’s work in the development of nuclear reaction formalism, codes and analysis
Jacques Raynal's contributions to nuclear reaction formalism and codes have had a lasting impact on theory and experimental analysis. His work paved the way for future developments in concepts and numerical codes, enabling laboratories worldwide to calculate nuclear data evaluations.
Stress-testing physics at FRIB
Researchers at FRIB are studying gentle nuclear reactions with fragile nuclei to improve physics models, which can deepen our understanding of the universe. This knowledge can also lead to better medicine, such as more precise cancer treatments.
Press registration open for the virtual 2021 Fall Meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics
The 2021 Fall Meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics presents cutting-edge research on nuclear astrophysics, quantum technology, and rare isotopes. Researchers will discuss breakthroughs such as the most precise measurement of neutron lifetime and novel experiments measuring neutron skin in calcium.
Confirming the pedigree of uranium cubes from Nazi Germany’s failed nuclear program
Researchers use radiochronometry and forensic methods to determine the age and origins of Heisenberg and Diebner cubes. The findings will help train international border guards and nuclear forensics researchers to detect nuclear material.
Unresolved puzzles in exotic nuclei
Unstable atomic nuclei like Helium-8 and Lithium-8 can be investigated through beta decay and detection of decay products. The author discusses available experimental data and models applied to 'exotic' nuclei, revealing unresolved puzzles in the connection between microscopic structure and observable quantities.
Cosmic dust that formed our planets traced to giant stars
Researchers solved a long-standing puzzle about the source of key stardust grains, which formed before our Solar System and can be recovered from meteorites. The study identifies Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars as the producers of these grains, shedding light on nuclear processes inside stars that led to their formation.
Controversy-plagued element 118 finally created
Researchers successfully synthesized element 118 by firing Calcium ions into a Californium target, producing a record-setting atom that decayed rapidly. The discovery confirms previous claims made in 2006 and ends controversy surrounding the element's existence.
Centrifugally Launched Ball Bearings Could Propel Spacecraft
Centrifugal relays use reusable ball bearings to accelerate payloads at high velocity, avoiding exponential growth in reaction mass. The system requires precise aiming and tracking, but can be controlled by monitoring velocity and direction.