Global Nuclear Energy Initiative at LBNL

Application/instrumentation:

Global nuclear energy initiative

Developed at:

88-inch Cyclotron, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Developed in:

2005-2006/2007

Result of NP research:

Basic NP

Application currently being supported by:

LDRD

Impact/benefit to spin-off field:

This work is important for R&D in support of the new energy initiative and in training of young scientists for the future work-force in this area

The 88-inch Cyclotron is uniquely positioned to play a role in developing the next generation nuclear reactor, with capabilities that are available now or in the near future. Using transfer reactions, indirect techniques using the LIBERACE (particle-gamma array) detector (shown) can be used to measure 'surrogate' neutron reactions for short-lived isotopes in the actinide region. Complementing this, the neutron beam-line can be used for direct neutron reaction studies on longer-lived actinides that play pivotal roles in the fuel cycle.

Above (left) Silicon Telescope for Reaction Studies (STARS)Above (right) Clover detectors (gamma rays) for light charged particles

Highlights

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Graph comparing a neutron star with a quark-matter core vs. a nuclear matter core in mass vs. radius. The quark matter core star would have less mass and radius than the nuclear matter core, as stars with smaller radii and more mass are too unstable.

New Clues on Twin Neutron Stars and the Extreme Physics Inside

Scientists have new insights into factors that determine how twin neutron stars—stars with the same mass but different sizes and compositions—can coexist.

Illustration of alpha fusion processes in stars and reactions used on Earth floating above an image of the Earth

Predictive Theory Revises Understanding of Alpha Processes During the Big Bang and in Massive Stars

Theoretical calculations enable more accurate determination of reaction rates for modelling primordial lithium-6 abundance and massive stars’ lifecycle.

Contact Nuclear Physics

Address U.S. Department of Energy
NP/Germantown Building
1000 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20585

Phone Tel 301-903-3613
Fax 301-903-3833

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