Superheavy nuclei and other exotics – opportunities and challenges at SPIRAL2 and S3
Abstract:
The structure of very heavy and super heavy nuclei (SHN) is still one of the most intriguing topics in modern nuclear physics [1]. Worldwide competitive, high beam intensities provided by the accelerator facility SPIRAL2 at GANIL [2] which started operation recently, will cover in future all ions up to uranium thanks to the new injector project NEWGAIN. Combined with the separator-spectrometer installation S3 [3], it will provide the instrumental prerequisites for an ambitious science program [4]. Apart from SHN/SHE research, the envisaged physics case at S3 covers, among other, the structure of N=Z nuclei, low energy physics (fundamental properties of the atomic nucleus etc.), interdisciplinary research, atomic physics and reaction studies (fission, deep inelastic reactions etc.) [4].
One of the major challenges presently being faced by the SHN/SHE and other research communities, is the procurement of stable isotopes for beams. The supply shortage of enriched stable samples (ESI), severely aggravated by the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its consequences, calls for a solution with the aim to warrant a secure provision for research institutions. Without these basic materials essential fundamental research activities will come to a halt, once the still available limited reserves are consumed. In Europe an initiative with the aim to define a European strategy towards a guaranteed European Rare Stable Isotope Supply (EURASIS) for European research in nuclear physics and beyond, has been proposed in the framework of the next NuPECC Long Range Plan.
With an emphasis on the physics of the heaviest nuclear species [1], presenting some highlights of recent achievements, in my presentation I will discuss the challenges and opportunities for the science program at S3 which is expected to come online shortly. In addition, I will outline the basic ideas behind EURASIS.
[1] D. Ackermann and Ch. Theisen, Phys. Scripta 92, 083002 (2017).
[2] E. Petit - SPIRAL2 collaboration, Proc. of NA-PAC2016, Chicago, IL, USA, TUA1IO02, (2016).
[3] F. Dechery et al., Eur. Phys. J. A 51, 66 (2015).
[4] D. Ackermann et al., NEWGAIN White Book – Science Requirements,
https://www.ganil-spiral2.eu/scientists/ganil-spiral-2-facilities/accelerators/newgain/ (2021).