Preparing NEXT to Study Exotic Nuclei on a One-Atom-at-a-Time Scale

This research project supports the development of the NEXT experiment in Groningen, which studies rare, short-lived atomic nuclei important for understanding how the heaviest elements in the universe are formed. These special nuclei, produced in high-energy reactions, are difficult to make and study due to their low production rates and short lifetimes. The intern will help improve the performance of the experiment, using radioactive sources and advanced equipment like a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer to precisely measure the masses of these nuclei. The first part of the project focuses on setting up and testing the system using a known radioactive source. In the second half, the intern will take part in live experiments using the AGOR accelerator and analyze the results. The project gives the intern valuable hands-on experience with nuclear research methods and technologies that are not available at their home institution, helping to prepare them for a future career in nuclear physics.

Faculty Supervisor:

Valery Radchenko

Student:

Partner:

University of Groningen

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: