The FRIB-TA Topical Program: The path to superheavy isotopes will be held at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI USA.
One of the most exciting topics of nuclear science today is the exploration of the heaviest isotopes that are northeast and east on the nuclear chart of the heaviest actinides found on earth. The existence of hundreds of isotopes with very large mass and varying levels of stability have been predicted. Driven by theory predictions in the last 20 years a vigorous experimental program has added new elements 113-118 to the periodic table establishing an area of nuclear research on the so-called superheavy elements (SHE). The formation and existence of these superheavies push the boundaries of our understanding of nuclear structure and dynamics and we also now understand that the r-process nucleosynthesis in explosive astrophysical environments is strongly affected by fission of incredibly neutron-rich heavy elements.
The main mechanism by which these elements have been produced in the laboratory is through fusion reactions with stable beams and long lived targets, though this route has hit a wall with cross sections becoming forbiddingly small in the last few years. There are several open questions remaining in fusion, including many related to the ‘optimality’ of a given entrance channel. At the same time, it is important to explore novel pathways to element formation, such as multinucleon transfer, pulling from insights in reaction theory, in an attempt to diversify our efforts and give us the best chance of discovery.
The goal for this topical program is to confront the current limitations with the production of SHE and explore, using modern theoretical tools, alternative solutions to populate this region of the nuclear chart. This program will not be focused on the experimental details of the detection of the element once produced, but rather on providing guidance on the path to generate the compound system. This program will also not be focused on calculating the structure of the SHE, but rather on the theory developments needed to determine the most fruitful production mechanisms. However, since these are not completely decoupled, both nuclear structure theorists and experimentalists will be represented in the program.
The Topical Program is organized by the FRIB Theory Alliance. For selected participants we hope to provide partial support which may include lodging and some meals. After registration has closed you will be contacted with the support we are able to provide. We will not provide support for transportation expenses.
Participant's resources
