Ongoing Projects.
Some of the ongoing projects and types of research activities we are engaged in. Our work is part of the JINA Center for the Evolution of the Elements (JINA-CEE), and the International Research Network for Nuclear Astrophysics (IReNA), world-wide collaborative networks where nuclear scientists work with astronomers and computational modelers to work together in a coordinated way on open questions at the frontier of the field.
To learn more feel free to explore the publication links. Most papers are openly accessible on the arXiv - just click on the "arXiv e-print" link on the ADS listing.
To learn more feel free to explore the publication links. Most papers are openly accessible on the arXiv - just click on the "arXiv e-print" link on the ADS listing.
SECAR Recoil Separator
The SECAR recoil separator enables direct measurements of astrophysical reactions at FRIB. Our group played a leading role in the construction, and is now engaged in scientific commissioning. First experiments related to the element synthesis in the weak r-process have been performed and are being analyzed. Experiments related to the synthesis of the elements in X-ray bursts, Novae, and Supernovae are planned. For students interested in interesting technical work, or experiments with a brand new device this is a great opportunity to get engaged with SECAR, either by joining our group, or though the many groups that are part of the large SECAR collaboration. Website | Publications | Design |
JENSA Gas Jet Target
JENSA is the worlds densest helium gas jet and serves as target for low energy radioactive beam reaction measurements aiming at understanding X-ray bursts using silicon detector arrays. JENSA is currently being upgraded for hydrogen operation and developments to increase the density further are ongoing. JENSA is a multi-institutional collaboration led by ORNL. Website | Publications |
HABANERO Neutron Detector
Enables direct measurements of the (alpha,n) reactions that synthesize heavy elements in neutrino driven winds from core collapse supernovae. These winds may be responsible for the origin of elements such as strontium, yttrium, and zirconium. A program to measure these reactions is ongoing at FRIB ReA3. HABANERO is a collaboration with Ohio University and the University of Notre Dame. |
Decay studies with NERO, BCS, and SuN, and the FRIB Decay Station
In an ongoing program we measure beta-decay properties of nuclei that may rapidly cool accreted neutron star crusts and govern the synthesis of the heavy elements via the r-process. We use a suite of detectors that are part of the FRIB decay station (FDSi), and work closely with the FDSi collaboration as well as other FRIB research groups such as Artemis Spyrou's SuN detector group or Sean Liddick's beta-decay group. |
Reaction rate studies with GRETINA
The rates of nuclear reactions that power X-ray bursts need to be known to compare observations with models to reveal neutron star properties. We constrain these rates indirectly by using reactions to excite the short lived nuclei to the same states that govern the reactions in the stellar environment. Detection of the decay gamma radiation from these states with the state of the art GRETINA detection system enables to infer the reaction rate. GRETINA is a device shared by multiple institutions and is frequently located at FRIB for extended campaigns. Website | Publications |
TOF Mass Measurements
We implemented a technique at NSCL to measure atomic masses using a precise measurement of the flight time from the A1900 fragment separator to the focal plane of the S800 spectrometer using fast plastic detectors, and measuring at the same time the momentum of the particle by tracking them through the magnetic system using micro channel plate detectors. We applied the technique to understand reactions in the crusts of accreting neutron stars, and experiments related to understanding the creation of the elements in the r-process are now planned at FRIB. This is a collaboration with WMU, CMU, and Ohio University. Publications |
Nucleosynthesis Models
Our group runs reaction network model calculations to understand the nuclear reaction sequences that power X-ray bursts, heat and cool the crust of accreting neutron stars, and create heavy elements in the r-process in supernovae and neutron star mergers as well as other explosive environments. A particular goal are sensitivity studies that connect reaction rate uncertainties with changes in astronomical observables. We work closely with astronomers at MSU and across the US and the world as part of the JINA-CEE collaborative network. Example Movies | Publications |