Research at WNSL
Atomic nuclei, the core of matter, contain the bulk of mass in atoms. Their properties have a tremendous impact on the universe we live in and on our daily lives. The matter we are made of, and the energy we need to survive, are ultimately a result of reactions or the decay of atomic nuclei. Understanding nuclei, their properties and reactions, their role in the universe, and the investigation of a new form of matter – the quark-gluon plasma – are topics of research at WNSL.
Nuclei are made of two different building blocks, protons and neutrons. They are governed by the laws of the microscopic world, quantum mechanics, and by two fundamental interactions: the electromagnetic and the strong interactions. The nuclear system is very complex, and yet, it can exhibit very striking regular features as a result of underlying symmetry properties. Understanding how such complex systems can behave in an ordered way is one of the key questions we are investigating in the nuclear structure group.
Stars obtain their energy from nuclear fusion reactions in their cores, providing the energy necessary for sustaining life. With the exception of the lightest elements, most of the atoms we are composed of were produced in chains of nuclear reactions in explosive stellar scenarios, like supernovae. Understanding some of the key reactions and providing an answer to the questions of where we come from is at the center of our nuclear astrophysics program.
Fractions of a second after the big bang, the universe was extremely hot and dense -- so hot and dense that a different form of matter existed. This form of matter is known as the quark-gluon plasma. In normal nuclei, quarks are always bound to nucleons or mesons, but do not exist as free particles. Gluons carry the strong interaction. The relativistic heavy ion group aims to investigate this form of matter in the laboratory, at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and at CERN.
Outside users are very welcome to carry out experiments at WNSL either as independent research or in collaboration with WNSL staff. Contact R.F. Casten or the relevant WNSL research group.
