Many-Body Nuclear Dynamics Group: Research

The focus of our research is heavy-ion reaction dynamics at intermediate energy (between 20A and 200A MeV). Our research emphases are: probing the nuclear equation of state (EOS), in particular how the density dependence of the symmetry energy affects the properties of nuclear matter. We are also interested in the interplay between the statistical and dynamical break-up of nuclei under extreme conditions of density, temperature, shape, and isospin (neutron-proton asymmetry). Over the past several years we have devoted considerable effort to studying light-hadron-nucleus collisions from 1 to 15 GeV. The resulting data have some of the best evidence to date for how a small strongly interacting system undergoes a phase transition (liquid-gas phase transition for nuclear matter). Our experimental research program requires the continual development of sophisticated detectors and associated electronics. We have developed segmented arrays using silicon strip technology (LASSA, HiRA) which provide isotopically resolved identification of reaction products  formed in nuclear reactions (IMFs and LCPs). Our recent development of an advanced multi-channel signal processing system (MASE) also is a major enhancement in our ability to detect these products with good angular resolution using highly segmented detector arrays.

By examining the DE-E of a charged particle as it passes through a telescope stack of Si-Si-CsI(Tl), we can determine both the atomic number (Z) and mass number (A), as well as the energy (E) of the incident particle. Shown at the right is a two-dimensional plot of the DE-E from a Si-CsI portion of a LASSA telescope. The discrete bands correspond to nuclei of different Z and A. Bands corresponding to 11,12,13,14C are clearly visible. More detailed analysis reveals low yields for neutron deficient 10C and neutron-rich 16C.

Recent Experiments

Upcoming Experiments and Relevant Photo gallery

Useful Notes

E-mail us: Romualdo T. deSouza