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Advancements in Understanding Neutron Star Collisions and Nuclear Reactions
Recent research has successfully measured a nuclear reaction that takes place during neutron star collisions, yielding direct experimental data for a process that has only been theorized until now. This significant study, led by the University of Surrey, enhances our understanding of how the universe’s heaviest elements are created, and may also contribute to improvements in nuclear reactor technology.
The research was conducted in partnership with the University of York, the University of Seville, and TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle accelerator center. It marks a pioneering effort in measuring a weak r-process reaction cross-section using a radioactive ion beam. In this investigation, the specific reaction examined was 94Sr(α,n)97Zr. Here, the radioactive isotope strontium-94 absorbs an alpha particle, subsequently releasing a neutron and transforming into zirconium-97.
This groundbreaking study has been published as an Editors Suggestion in Physical Review Letters.
According to Dr. Matthew Williams, the lead author from the University of Surrey, “The weak r-process is fundamental to the creation of heavy elements. Astronomers have observed these elements in ancient stars, which act as cosmic relics from possibly a singular cataclysmic event such as a supernova or neutron star merger. Previous knowledge of how these elements are formed relied heavily on theoretical models, but this experiment introduces the first empirical data that can validate those theories involving radioactive nuclei.”
The innovative use of helium targets was instrumental in this experiment. Heavily inert, helium is a noble gas, and researchers at the University of Seville devised a novel nano-material target by embedding helium within ultra-thin silicon films to create billions of minuscule helium bubbles, each measuring merely tens of nanometers across.
Employing TRIUMF’s cutting-edge radioactive ion beam technology, the team accelerated short-lived isotopes of strontium-94 towards these specially designed targets. This setup allowed them to replicate conditions similar to those encountered in extreme cosmic environments, thereby facilitating the measurement of the nuclear reaction.
Dr. Williams elaborated, “This represents a significant milestone for both astrophysics and nuclear physics, demonstrating the first application of nanomaterials in this context, which opens up exciting new avenues for research in nuclear science.” He further noted that understanding the behavior of radioactive nuclei is vital for optimizing nuclear reactor design. Such nuclei are routinely produced in reactors, yet studying their reactions has been challenging. Accurate data on these reactions are essential for determining component lifespan, replacement frequency, and the development of more efficient modern systems.
As research progresses, the next phase will incorporate these findings into astrophysical models, aiding scientists in unraveling the origins of the universe’s heaviest known elements. Continued exploration of these processes promises to enrich our comprehension of both the extreme physics involved in neutron star collisions and the practical applications in nuclear energy technology.
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