Current Projects
My research interest is the study of nuclear structure, in particular cluster structure, and its impact on astrophysics.
Cluster Structure in Nuclei
The formation of clusters in light nuclei is a prominent feature in light nuclei. The effects of clustering can be seen through a number or experimental observables. More data is needed to know the conditions under which clustering occurs but data is sparse, especially for unstable nuclei. We are searching for cluster structure in unstable nuclei by using resonant alpha scattering and the measurement of eletromagnetic transition strengths. By using radioactive beams produced at ISNAP, we are able to access observables for unstable nuclei in the light mass region.
Alpha-induced reactions for Astrophysics
Nuclear physics plays a crucial role in many astrophysical scenarios that range from stellar interiors to more explosive phenomena such as supernovae. The reaction networks in these processes can be highly influenced by nuclear structure which can cause some reactions to be greatly enhanced compared to others that are similar. Alpha-induced reactions play a prominent role all throughout the nuclear chart, but particularly at lower masses near stability. One example is the 24Mg(α,p)27Al reaction that influences the total energy generation of an x-ray burst. We have studied the 24Mg(α,p)27Al reaction, in particular the reactions to the excited states of 27Al by precisely measuring cross sections using gamma-ray spectroscopy.
Fusion with Radioactive Beams
Exotic structures can appear in nuclei that have a large difference in proton and neutron number. One such structure are halos, valence nucleons that are very loosely bound to a core. The fusion of such halo nuclei may enhance or hinder fusion cross sections near the Coulomb barrier. We use active-target detectors to study fusion with radioactive beams produced with TwinSol. The increased luminosity given by active targets allow for the measurment of a large range of a fusion excitation function with the relatively low intensities of radioactive beams.
Active-Target Detector Development
We are developing an active-target detector that will be used for experiments with radioactive beams and the testing of micro-pattern gas detectors (MPGDs) such as Micromegas and GEMs. These detectors provide advantages for radioactive beam experiments by providing a large target thickness, high-geometrical efficiency, and low energy thresholds. Our in-house class 1000 clean room and digital electronics allow for the development and testing of detector design, parts, and different analysis techniques. Physics that can be probed with active-target detectors can be found in this recent review.