11 Jan

High Energy Physics at Low Energies: The MOLLER Experiment at Jefferson Lab

11 January 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Temple University

James Napolitano

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The Standard Model of Particle Physics appears to account for all subatomic phenomena, but it is almost certainly incomplete. Probing for physics beyond the Standard Model generally involves using high energy accelerators to probe short distances, but there is a different approach. Precise measurements of predicted quantities at low energies can also investigate short distance phenomena, in fact corresponding to energies higher that can currently be reached using accelerators. This talk will describe one such measurement, called MOLLER, to be carried out over the next several years at Jefferson Lab. MOLLER is a precision measurement of parity violation in the elastic scattering of electrons from electrons. The interpretation of this result in terms of the Standard Model is especially clean, but it is a very challenging measurement that combines the CEBAF injector and accelerator with a dedicated spectrometer. I will outline the physics and the approach, and do my best to impress upon you the beauty of this impactful and challenging experiment.
12 Jan

From NSCLDAQ to FRIBDAQ

12 January 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Giordano Cerizza

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With the increase in complexity of experimental setups and the advance of data acquisition system technologies, the supported data acquisition/data analysis frameworks have been growing and updated. New tools have been developed and will be presented, as already available for the users. This talk will clarify choices and will present directions on the topic. All research discussions have question/feedback periods, what makes this special is that we want to give them a chance here and in the future to steer our work.
18 Jan

Debrief and Summary of the Fundamental Symmetries, Neutrons, and Neutrinos NSAC LRP Town Hall Meeting

18 January 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB

Kyle Leach

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In December 2022, the third and final NSAC LRP Town Hall meeting was held by the Fundamental Symmetries, Neutrons, and Neutrinos (FSNN) community in Chapel Hill, NC. The main focus of this meeting was to solicit community input for experimental and theoretical research plans in these subfields, lay out the large-, medium-, and small-scale research efforts, and plan better ways to support workforce development over the next decade. In this talk, I will summarize the main discussions and primary topics from this meeting and present the recommendations from the community to the LRP Writing Committee.
20 Jan

Learning from Cosmic Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

20 January 2023 - 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom
MPE, Germany

Roland Diehl

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Gamma rays from nuclear lines are the most-direct astronomical messenger for the occurrence of nuclear reactions in cosmic sites, next to neutrinos. Characteristic lines from radioactive decays have been measured with space-borne telescopes, most-recently with ESA's INTEGRAL mission, for the isotopes 56Ni, 57Ni, 44Ti, 26Al, and 60Fe. These span a half-life range from a few days to millions of years. We have learned about supernova explosion physics (from the shorter-lived species), and about ejecta transport (from the long-lived ones). Positron annihilation gamma rays have contributed more and independent information on the latter. Other nuclear lines would be expected, e.g. from cosmic-ray interactions, but still are lower in intensity than instrumental sensitivities. In this talk we will discuss the lessons and challenges in context of nucleosynthesis sources and of properties of our Galaxy.
24 Jan

Seize the Moment (or Radius): What to Do When Your (Long-Range) Observables Do Not Converge?

24 January 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
University of Notre Dame

Mark Caprio

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Electric quadrupole (E2) observables are key to observing deformation and rotational collective structure in nuclei. If ab initio nuclear theory is to provide insight into such collective structure, or provide a meaningful basis for comparison with experiment for the relevant E2 observables, then robust ab initio predictions for these observables are essential. However, converged results for E2 observables are notoriously challenging to obtain in ab initio no-core configuration interaction (NCCI), or no-core shell model (NCSM), approaches. Matrix elements of the E2 operator are sensitive to the large-distance tails of the nuclear wave function, which converge slowly in an oscillator basis expansion. Nonetheless, the convergence patterns of calculated E2 matrix elements are often strongly correlated, especially in the case of matrix elements involving states with similar structure. This suggests that meaningful estimates for the absolute scale of E2 observables may be made by calibrating to a single experimentally-known value. Furthermore, the nuclear charge radius is similarly sensitive to the large-distance tails, and we can likewise consider calibrating E2 predictions to the measured charge radius. In this talk, we shall explore the use of the measured ground state quadrupole moment and charge radius as calibration references for E2 predictions. We shall illustrate this approach by using it to obtain robust ab initio predictions for several E2 transition strengths and quadrupole moments in p-shell nuclei, comparing these results against experimentally known values where available.
25 Jan

The High-Density Equation of State in Heavy-Ion Collisions: Constraints from Microscopic Simulations

25 January 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FAIS Frankfurt

Jan Steinheimer

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A major remaining challenge in the study of the strong interaction is to map out the phase diagram of QCD in terms of temperature and net baryon density. While theoretical guidance from lattice QCD simulations exists for almost vanishing net densities, concluding a smooth crossover from a hadronic system to deconfined quarks and gluons, the phase structure of QCD at large net baryon densities is still mostly unknown. Here, we can still speculate about a possible phase transition or even exotic phases of matter which could exist in the interior of compact stars as well as in the fireball created by relativistic heavy ion collisions. While the study of the equation of state (EoS) of QCD at the highest beam energies relies on fluid dynamic simulations, compared to experimental data from RHIC and the LHC, a consistent dynamical treatment of heavy ion collisions in the high density regime, including a realistic EoS, was still missing. In this seminar I will show how a more realistic equation of state can be implemented in a Quantum Molecular Dynamics transport model and how such models are able to predict a multitude of experimental observables which can be used to constrain the QCD equation of state at densities above twice nuclear saturation density. I will discuss advantages but also open problems of this approach and show how the results from the heavy ion collisions are related to constraints from astrophysical observations, in particular from binary neutron star mergers.
01 Feb

Neutron Stars and the Strong Interaction in Super-Dense Matter

01 February 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
IPN Lyon

Jerome Margueron

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The understanding of neutron star properties from fundamental physics is a very active field of theoretical, observational and experimental research, but it is still far from being completed. One of the reasons is that the theory for strong force, the so-called QCD theory, does not apply in a simple way to neutron star matter at a few times the nuclear saturation density. It is only at very high density, never realized in neutron stars, that QCD is perturbative, but some first attempts to connect this limit to the densities in neutron stars are currently investigated with some success. At low density, chiral effective field theory is also fixing a limit which is closely related to QCD and can be incorporated in the description of the crust of neutron stars. Finally, astrophysics observation (gravitational wave, x-rays, radio) and nuclear physics experiment (collective motion, heavy ion collisions) are used to constrain the equation of state for neutron stars and to answer to the question of the properties of the strong interaction in dense matter. But which quantity shall be measured in priority and what is important to observe in the near future?
03 Feb

Neutron-Upscattering Enhancement of the Triple-Alpha Process

03 February 2023 - 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Texas A&M University

Jack Bishop

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Carbon is produced is stars mainly via the triple-alpha process where three helium nuclei fuse to form an excited state of carbon-12 known as the Hoyle state. This is a nuclear resonance (an excited form of a nucleus) that has properties that guide the rate that the triple alpha process takes place. Primarily, the key property it how often the Hoyle state is able to lose energy and end up in the ground state of carbon-12 - known as the radiative width. It has long been discussed that in the presence of a very high density of neutrons (~106 g/cm3), the rate of carbon formation may dramatically increase due to the phenomenon of neutron upscattering. This is where a low-energy neutron interacts with the resonance and takes energy away as kinetic energy, leaving the carbon-12 in the ground state and therefore increasing the effective radiative width. Such a scenario has up until now been impossible to measure experimentally. Using a new experimental technique of firing a beam of neutrons into a detector known as a Time Projection Chamber (TPC), namely the TexAT TPC, the time-reverse of the astrophysical case was studied for the first time. Using the quantum mechanics idea of detailed balance, we can use the time-reverse reaction rate to study the astrophysical case. In this talk I will guide the audience through the physics behind this case, demonstrate how a TPC works, and show the results from the experiment that answer the question of the importance of neutron-upscattering in the triple-alpha process.
07 Feb

Bell Inequalities, Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt Inequalities, and Qubit Entropy: Explorations with Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum Computers

07 February 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Michigan State University

Katharine Hunt

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Bell inequalities1 interrelate the probabilities of measurement outcomes for two systems, with three observables that can take one of two possible values for each system. The related Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) inequalities2 apply to linear combinations of correlation functions of the outcomes when a property of each system is measured. These inequalities are satisfied for all classical systems, but they do not hold quantum mechanically.1,2 Experimental demonstrations of violations of these inequalities for entangled photons were recognized with the award of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics to Alain Aspect, John Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger. The results are important because they mean that no "hidden variable" theory can be consistent with experimental results for quantum systems, unless the theory allows for faster-than-light communication. At the outset of our work with quantum computers, it was not clear whether the inequalities might hold for entangled qubits, given the fault rate of current noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. We have found violations of the inequalities in measurements of qubit properties, using IBM's publicly accessible quantum computers. 3 We have also found that an error mitigation strategy based on filtering matrices significantly improves agreement between the quantum mechanical predictions and the determinations of observables A, B, and C, each with two possible measurement outcomes, for each of two entangled qubits.3 We have evaluated the Shannon entropy4 of measurement outcomes for n-qubit Schrodinger's cat states and the von Neumann entropy 5of the states, based on tomographic determination of the density matrices.6 For cat states that are prepared fault-free, the Shannon entropy should be one, independent of the number of qubits, and the von Neumann entropy should be zero. We have found instead that the Shannon entropy increases very nearly linearly with the number of entangled qubits.6 The slopes of the Shannon entropy versus number of qubits vary from device to device, and they differ between computers with the same quantum volume. The slopes serve as a sensitive indicator of the quality of the quantum device.6 We have also investigated the changes in the von Neumann entropy7 during a process that takes a set of qubits from the ground state of spin polarization along one axis to a superposition of one state with all qubits set to zero and a second state with all qubits set to 1, spin polarized along a perpendicular axis.8 For ideal adiabatic evolution, the von Neumann entropy should remain unchanged, at zero. This wok has been supported in part by NSF grant CHE-2154028, from the Chemical Theory, Models, and Computational Methods (CTMC) Program. 1. J. S. Bell, Physics, Physique, Fizika 1, 195 (1964). 2. J. F. Clauser, M. A. Horne, A. Shimony, and R. A. Holt, Phys. Rev. Lett. 23, 880 (1969). 3. D. Z. Wang, A. Q. Gauthier, A. E. Siegmund, and K. L. C. Hunt, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 23, 6370 (2021). 4. C. E. Shannon, Bell Syst. Tech. J. 27, 379, 623 (1948). 5. J. von Neumann, Göttingen Nachrichten 1927, 273 (1927). 6. N. D. Jansen, M. Loucks, S. Gilbert, C. Fleming-Dittenber, J. Egbert, and K. L. C. Hunt, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 24, 7666 (2022). 7. N. D Jansen and K. L. C. Hunt, work in progress. 8. R. Barends, A. Shabani, L. Lamata, J. Kelly, A. Mezzacapo, J. M. Martinis, Nature 534, 222 (2016).
08 Feb

Searching for Majorana neutrinos with nEXO

08 February 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
McGill University

Thomas Brunner

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Despite tremendous progress in understanding the fundamental properties of neutrinos over the past decades, several key questions remain unanswered. In particular, we do not yet know if neutrinos are Majorana particles, i.e., are neutrinos and antineutrinos identical? The most sensitive experimental probe of the Majorana nature of the neutrino is to search for the lepton-number violating neutrinoless double-beta decay (). A positive observation of this decay mode would confirm that neutrinos are Majorona particles and demonstrate physics that is not explained by the Standard Model. Several collaborations worldwide are searching for  in different isotopes with various detector technologies, yet, an observation is still outstanding. Sensitivity limits on the half-life of this decay are on the order of 1025 to 1026 years. In order to increase the sensitivity to  decays, we are developing a new detector, called nEXO, which will deploy 5 tonnes of liquid xenon, enriched in the -decaying isotope 136Xe, in a time-projection chamber. The nEXO detector is designed to improve current measurements by almost two orders of magnitude with a projected sensitivity of 1.35 x 1028 years (90%C.L.), and it is anticipated to be located at SNOLAB. In addition, innovative methods using ion-manipulation techniques are being investigated to extract from the detector volume and identify the 136Xe -decay daughter 136Ba. Efficient extraction and identification would allow an almost background free measurement of  and it is being developed as a potential upgrade to nEXO. In this talk I will motivate the search for  with EXO-200 and nEXO, and present recent technical developments, in particular those of the McGill nEXO group
09 Feb

The PIONEER Experiment and LGAD Timing Technology R&D

09 February 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
CENPA

Simone Mazza

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PIONEER is a next-generation experiment to measure the charged-pion branching ratio to electrons vs. muons and the pion beta decay with an order of magnitude improvement in precision. This will probe lepton universality at an unprecedented level and test CKM unitarily at the quantum loop level. PIONEER was approved to run at the PiE5 pion beamline at PSI. A high-granularity active target (ATAR) is being designed to provide detailed 4D tracking information, allowing the separation of the energy deposits of the pion decay products in both position and time. The chosen technology for the ATAR is Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGAD). These are thin silicon detectors with moderate internal signal amplification. To achieve a ~100% active region, several technologies still under development are being evaluated, such as AC-coupled LGADs (AC-LGADs) and Trench Insulated LGADs (TI-LGADs). Furthermore, precision Timing information at 10-30ps is a game changer for detectors in future collider experiments. LGADs are the most cited technology to achieve 4D tracking in the international community. LGADs can provide a time resolution of a few 10s of pico-seconds for minimum ionizing particles. In addition, the fast rise time and a short full charge collection time (as low as 1 ns) of LGADs are suitable for high repetition rate measurements in photon science and other fields. This seminar will review the past few years of research geared towards 4D tracking and LGADs applications at the pioneer experiment, the electron-ion collider, and beyond.
09 Feb

Highly-Sensitive Negative Ion Spectroscopy with MIRACLS

09 February 2023 - 3:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Erich leistenschneider

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The electron affinity (EA) of a chemical element is defined as the energy released as an electron is attached to a neutral atom. The binding of such an extra electron does not arise from the net charge of the atomic system but is a result of complex electron-electron correlations. Hence, precise measurements of EAs are powerful benchmarks of atomic theories reliant on many-body quantum methods, which are typically applied to several atomic spectroscopy studies aiming at answering quantum chemistry, nuclear structure, and fundamental symmetries questions. The EA is also an important parameter for understanding the chemical behavior of an element since it is strongly related to how much such an element is prone to form chemical bonds by sharing electrons [1]. However, the EAs of several rare and radioactive elements are still unknown and detailed information, such as isotope shifts and hyperfine splittings of EAs, is available only for a handful of stable cases. The standard technique for the precision determination of EAs is the laser photo detachment threshold (LPT) method, in which a photon with sufficient energy is used to detach an electron from a negative ion. This technique has been restricted to mostly stable, abundant species given the low photo detachment probabilities. At ISOLDE, we are currently exploring the use of the Multi Ion Reflection Apparatus for Collinear Laser Spectroscopy (MIRACLS) technique [2] to enhance the sensitivity of LPT to study the EA landscape among rare and radioactive species. The novel method is based on a Multiple-Reflection Time-of-Flight (MR-TOF) device to trap ions in a stable trajectory. This allows us to greatly extend the ions' exposure time to lasers, significantly increasing the sensitivity by orders of magnitude while keeping the high resolution of a collinear geometry. The technique has been developed offline and employed in the improved determination of the EA of 35Cl. The achieved precision is competitive to that obtained in previous experiments [3], yet employing orders of magnitude fewer ion samples and using high-resolution continuous wave lasers with much reduced laser power, which highlights the gains in sensitivity of this method. In this talk, I will introduce the novel technique, its development, and its first results, as well as discuss its potential implications for rare isotope sciences.
16 Feb

Development of Novel Detector Concepts for Nuclear Physics and Beyond

16 February 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Marco Cortesi

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Since their invention in the 1930s, particle accelerator science has led to major discoveries and advancements in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, and other fields. Progress in accelerator-based experimental physics has always been linked to the improvement of detector technology. Rare-isotope beam facilities are now key to advancing nuclear physics. The unprecedented potential discovery of a modern rare isotope beam facility, such as FRIB, can only be realized by implementing state-of-the-art experimental equipment capable of studying these isotopes at a high beam rate and excellent performance. I report the development of a few innovative detector concepts for tracking and particle identification (PID) of heavy-ions. In particular, I will describe the development of novel micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD) structures capable of stable, high-gain operation at low-pressure, applied as either position-sensitive readout for Time-Projection-Chamber in active-target mode (AT-TPC), or for drift chambers at the focal-plane of large-acceptance spectrographs. In addition, I will present progress on the design and construction of advanced, innovative instrumentation for highly accurate and efficient identification of the atomic number (Z) of nuclei transmitted to the focal plane of high-resolution spectrographs. The detector concept is based on event-by-event Energy-Loss measurement in a multi-segmented Optical Scintillator System (ELOSS), by recording the scintillation light released by a charged particle along its track. We discuss the optimization of the optical readout configuration based on DUV-sensitive PhotoMultiplier Tubes (PMTs), the expected performance of the novel detector concept, and the overall impact on radiation-detection physics and technology applied to the field of experimental nuclear physics with rare-isotope beams.
22 Feb

Simulating Particle Accelerators Using Reduced Models

22 February 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
TRIUMF

Thomas Planche

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On-line models are used in many particle accelerator facilities around the world to reduce tuning time, increase beam availability to users, and improve machine performance. The key to on-line modelling is speed. The beam dynamics simulation needs to run in a very short time, on the order of a second or less, to give real-time feedback to human operators. Further, automatic tune optimisation may be performed on-line but this places even stricter requirements on the speed of simulations. And speed can become a serious challenge when modelling high-intensity accelerators when the effect of the electromagnetic interaction between the particles cannot be neglected. To overcome this challenge, several strategies have been explored including: to run many detailed simulations on high performance computing clusters to train surrogate models; or to develop reduced models. The latter are the main focus of this talk. I will present a few examples of reduced models that we use at TRIUMF in our control rooms, and discuss their advantages and limitations. To overcome some of these limitations, I will show a method we have developed to derive hybrid algorithms from variational principles. I will show an example of application of such a hybrid code, and discuss gain in terms of computational efficiency and scaling. Fast codes are not only useful in a control room: they are invaluable tools for designing new machines. I will show a particular example where reducing from several hours to a split second the time to produce an isochronous field map allowed to discover a new class of cyclotrons with perfectly constant focusing. The significance of this discovery is that it enables, in principle, the design of very high-energy cyclotrons. I will show the example of a 2 GeV cyclotron design, perfectly isochronous, and with perfectly constant betatron tunes.
01 Mar

Mechanical Quantum Sensors for Nuclear Physics

01 March 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Yale

David Moore

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Levitated optomechanical sensors now allow control and measurement of the mechanical degrees of freedom of nanoscale particles in the quantum regime. If isotopes undergoing nuclear decay are implanted into such particles, measuring the recoil of the nanoparticle following each decay allows reconstruction of the total momentum of all emitted particles, including any neutral particles that may escape detection in traditional detectors. Near term applications include searches for sterile neutrinos in the keV-MeV mass range. The use of short-lived isotopes may also enable a range of searches for other invisible beyond-the-Standard-Model particles that may be emitted in such decays, as well as precision tests of the Standard Model. We also comment on the possibility that mechanical sensors might ultimately reach the sensitivities required to provide an absolute measurement of the mass of the light neutrinos.
02 Mar

Development of Novel Detector Concepts for Nuclear Physics and Beyond

02 March 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Marco Cortesi

Show/Hide Abstract
Since their invention in the 1930s, particle accelerator science has led to major discoveries and advancements in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, and other fields. Progress in accelerator-based experimental physics has always been linked to the improvement of detector technology. Rare-isotope beam facilities are now key to advancing nuclear physics. The unprecedented potential discovery of a modern rare isotope beam facility, such as FRIB, can only be realized by implementing state-of-the-art experimental equipment capable of studying these isotopes at a high beam rate and excellent performance. I report the development of a few innovative detector concepts for tracking and particle identification (PID) of heavy-ions. In particular, I will describe the development of novel micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD) structures capable of stable, high-gain operation at low-pressure, applied as either position-sensitive readout for Time-Projection-Chamber in active-target mode (AT-TPC), or for drift chambers at the focal-plane of large-acceptance spectrographs. In addition, I will present progress on the design and construction of advanced, innovative instrumentation for highly accurate and efficient identification of the atomic number (Z) of nuclei transmitted to the focal plane of high-resolution spectrographs. The detector concept is based on event-by-event Energy-Loss measurement in a multi-segmented Optical Scintillator System (ELOSS), by recording the scintillation light released by a charged particle along its track. We discuss the optimization of the optical readout configuration based on DUV-sensitive PhotoMultiplier Tubes (PMTs), the expected performance of the novel detector concept, and the overall impact on radiation-detection physics and technology applied to the field of experimental nuclear physics with rare-isotope beams.
03 Mar

The Viability of Novae as Sources of Galactic Lithium featuring Alex Kemp (KU Leuven, Belgium)

03 March 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
KU Leuven, Belgium

Alex Kemp

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Understanding the behavior of white dwarfs in interacting binary systems is critical to determining the rates, distributions, and chemical contributions from transients such as novae and type Ia supernovae. In this talk I will be presenting results from my recent work on novae, which combines population synthesis (binary_c) and galactic chemical evolution modeling (OMEGA+). I will address the impact of novae on galactic chemical evolution for a wide range of elements with reference to the role played by the underlying nova-physics. Particular attention will be paid to the viability of novae as dominant stellar sources of lithium in the Milky Way.
15 Mar

Uncertainty Quantification for Nuclear Models

15 March 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Ohio State University

Richard Furnstahl

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We are in the precision era of nuclear physics, with experiment and theory addressing fundamental questions on the origin of elements, the nature of nuclear matter in neutron stars, the evolution of structure and the limits of nuclear existence, the emergence of nuclear phenomena from quantum chromodynamics, the nature of neutrinos and beyond-standard-model physics, and more. To help design and interpret the experiments that address these questions and to robustly extrapolate when experimental data are not available, we need to quantify the uncertainties of our theoretical models. This need has led in recent years to the application of Bayesian statistical methods for calibration, uncertainty propagation, sensitivity studies, combining model predictions, and experimental design. I will give an overview of the methods and tools being developed and applied, with pointers to future directions.
16 Mar

Opportunities with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

16 March 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Elizabeth Rubino

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has many opportunities for research at the undergraduate and graduate student level as well as postdoctoral positions and staff positions. The laboratory has opportunities to study many different fields of physics such as nuclear physics, high energy density science (NIF), astrophysics, radiation-detection physics and technology applied to the field of experimental nuclear physics with rare-isotope beams and many others (and other fields of science). Additionally, LLNL is a highly enjoyable place to work in a great location. The greater Bay Area is a great place to live for people who enjoy the outdoors as well as big cities (Livermore, CA is 1 hour train ride from San Francisco, 1 hour drive from Napa Valley, and 3 hours drive to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe).
16 Mar

International Chamber Soloists Led by Violinist Dmitri Berlinsky

16 March 2023 - 7:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
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Program Ludwig van Beethoven Septet for Strings and Winds in E-Flat Major, Op. 20 I. Adagio - Allegro con brio II. Adagio cantabile III. Tempo di Menuetto IV. Tema con Variazioni V. Scherzo VI. Andante con moto alla Marcia-Presto
17 Mar

The N-Process in Core-Collapse Supernovae Featuring Marco Pignatari (Konkoly Observatory)

17 March 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Konkoly Observatory & University of Hull

Marco Pignatari

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The n-process is a neutron-capture process activated in Core-Collapse Supernovae (CCSNe), when the Supernova shock is passing through the deepest He-rich layers of the massive star progenitor. The peak neutron density generated is typically larger than 1018 neutrons cm-3, and the dominant neutron source is the Ne22(alpha,n)Mg25 reaction where the Ne22 available was left in the ashes of the hydrostatic convective He shell. The isotopic signature of the n-process is measured for different heavy elements in carbon-rich presolar grains from CCSNe, providing a powerful diagnostic for the nucleosynthesis before and during the explosion in these external parts of the CCSN ejecta. In this seminar, I will review the main nuclear astrophysics properties of the n-process, what we know and what we can learn about the parent stars of the grains measured. Even if the amount of single presolar grains from CCSNe with the isotopic pattern of heavy elements measured is still quite limited, they are already providing a crucial benchmark for theoretical stellar models.
20 Mar

Approximating Operators to Recover an Efficient Reduced Order Model

20 March 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
Stanford University

Edgard Bonilla

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The reduced basis method -a reduced-order modeling technique- has been applied as an emulator in many areas of nuclear theory recently. The method works by two key principles: first, that the solution to complex equations often can be approximated by a low dimensional vector space, and second, that it is possible to construct significantly simpler equations to obtain such approximation. The second principle can become hard to realize in systems that are non-affine (or non-linear) in the input parameters or in the solution itself. In this talk, we present an approach to approximate the operators involved in the equations themselves, a strategy that leads back to an efficient and still accurate emulator. We show preliminary results and discuss the future scientific developments that would become possible by these technologies
22 Mar

The Physics of Complex Interactions

22 March 2023 - 4:10 PM
Online via Zoom
University of Regina

Gwen Grinyer

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We are all star dust. Everyone we know and everything we see here on Earth are the leftovers of massive nuclear explosions that occurred naturally in our universe, a long time ago. Understanding the origins of the chemical elements, and how we came to be, requires detailed knowledge of the complex subatomic interactions between neutrons and protons that led to the existence of bound nuclei and stable atoms. As scientists, we are made of the very same star dust we wish to study and, while seeking answers to some of the most fundamental questions in the universe, some of us encounter barriers caused by complex social interactions that arise from our identities. In this presentation, I will describe how both kinds of interactions are at the heart of my research program and how I integrate nuclear physics with equity, diversity and inclusion to try and solve both many-body problems.
29 Mar

The Shared Experiences of Non-Traditional Groups in Academic STEM Disciplines

29 March 2023 - 4:10 PM
Online via Zoom
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Kimberly Luthi

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This session explores both structural support systems that lead to the advancement and hindrance factors that have potential to catalyze or delay the career acceleration of non-traditional groups, specifically women in STEM-related disciplines. Through a consensus-building approach, the experiences and perceptions of 17 panelists who currently or formerly served in a senior-ranked position within a higher education setting at five institutions in the Southeast United States will be discussed. The panel included women who met the eligibility criteria as subject matter experts and held positions as deans in a STEM discipline, principal investigators over federally funded STEM and workforce education programs, and Assistant Vice Presidents. A consensus was reached on nine factors supporting advancement and three factors inhibiting advancement for a total of 12 factors that were considered relevant to the research questions explored.
30 Mar

Cryogenic Helium Freeze-out Purification

30 March 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Duncan Kroll

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Process gas purifiers are an essential sub-system for large-scale cryogenic helium refrigerators. These refrigeration systems are used in university or medical/industrial labs and government facilities (e.g., particle accelerators). At the very low operating temperature (typically 4.5 K or below) of these refrigerators, any impurities present in the refrigerant fluid (helium) will solidify. Helium purifiers for cryogenic refrigerators are typically designed for a low-level, i.e., less than 100 ppmv of impurity (moisture and constituents of air) removal. However, effective removal of the low-level moisture contaminant is challenging with conventional adsorption-based purifiers, since the adsorbent (typically molecular sieve) tends to lose its capacity over time and requires a meticulous regeneration process. Freeze-out purification allows for excellent control over moisture removal but is difficult to design for and the freeze-out process is not well understood. Characterization of the moisture freeze-out process for helium purification is the focus of this research. Fundamental studies have been carried out on a simplified system to understand the underlying mass and heat transport phenomena during (low level) moisture freeze-out from a contaminated helium stream, and a process model for a freeze-out purification system has been developed. The overall performance and contamination capacity of a commercial helium purifier used at FRIB was quantified as well and used as a reference for comparison.
31 Mar

Unveiling the Engine of the Sun: The Measurements of the PP-Chain and CNO-Cycle Solar Neutrinos with Borexino Featuring Alessandra Carlotta Re (University of Milan)

31 March 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
University of Milan, Italy

Alessandra Carlotta Re

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Borexino was an liquid-scintillator experiment designed and constructed for real-time detection of low energy solar neutrinos. Installed at the underground Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (L'Aquila, Italy), it continuosly took data from May 2007 to October 2021. Thanks to its unprecedented and extreme radiopurity, Borexino was able to perform a complete spectroscopy of the solar neutrinos emitted from the proton-proton chain reactions, and to directly measure, for the first time, the CNO (Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen) solar neutrinos rate. These results leaded to a better comprehension of the mechanisms powering our star, and paved the way for a solution to the long-standing solar metallicity problem. In the CNO-cycle, in fact, the hydrogen fusion is catalysed by Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen: consequently, the neutrinos flux directly depends on these elements abundance in the solar core and on the metallicity scenario. This talk will cover the most recent Borexino results on solar neutrinos spectroscopy, focusing on their impact on solar physics. BOREXINO WEBPAGE: https://borex.lngs.infn.it
04 Apr

Mass Measurement of Phosphorus-27 to Improve Type-I X-Ray Burst Models and Implementation of Phase Imaging Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Measurement Technique

04 April 2023 - 10:00 AM
1221A and 1221B FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Isaac Yandow

Show/Hide Abstract
Committee: Georg Bollen (chairperson), Kei Minamisono, Artemis Spyrou, Scott Pratt, Stuart Tessmer. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
05 Apr

Adaptive Machine Learning for Charged Particle Beams with Physics Constraints and Uncertainty Quantification

05 April 2023 - 4:10 PM
Online via Zoom
Los Alamos National Laboratory

Alexander Scheinker

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In this seminar I will start by presenting a recently developed general adaptive autoencoder latent space tuning approach for improving the robustness of machine learning tools with respect to time variation and distribution shift. I demonstrate the approach by developing an encoder-decoder convolutional neural network-based virtual 6D phase space diagnostic of charged particle beams with uncertainty quantification. Our method utilizes model-independent adaptive feedback to tune a low dimensional 2D latent space representation of ~1 million dimensional objects which are the 15 unique 2D projections (x,y),...,(z,pz) of the 6D phase space (x,y,z,px,py,pz) of the charged particle beams. I will then show a second approach for creating deep neural network based operators that map 3D charge and current density distributions to their associated 3D electromagnetic fields with hard physics constraints built into the ML model. Finally, I will discuss how we are working on combining deep learning, adaptive feedback, and physics models for robust non-invasive beam diagnostics and controls.
06 Apr

Validation of the fragmentation reactions in GEANT4 tool and LISE++ for rare isotopes studies

06 April 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Sokhna Bineta Lo Amar

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The study of unstable nuclei far from β-stability through fragmentation of heavy ion beams is one the most used approaches in low to intermediate energy nuclear physics to gain insights into their nuclear structure and the reaction mechanisms. The Facility for Rare Isotope Beam (FRIB) started its operation in May 2022 and is expected to produce upward of 1,000 predicted new isotopes for basic and applied nuclear science research. FRIB uses intensively the LISE++ and GEANT4 tools to model experimental setups. However, a comprehensive and systematic validation of these two codes against each other is lacking. This communication presents a comparative study of the distributions of the total cross section and production yield of rare isotopes using these two software tools. 140 MeV/u beam of 40Ar is used to interact with a 9Be target through the fragmentation process. Five GEANT4 physics models (Shielding, QGSP_BERT, QGSP_BIC, FTFP_BERT and QBBC) have been identified as adequate to describe these reactions. Their predictions are compared to those from LISE++ through its empirical tool (i.e., EPAX), which is a universal parameterized formula. The preliminary comparative results (Figure 1) show a good agreement of the fragmentation reaction between LISE++ and GEANT4, even if the pick-up process needs to be reviewed and improved in order to obtain a complete validation. The identification of the discrepancies between the two codes, opens up the path to develop a systematic validation suite to benchmark each code for their future released versions and provide guidance of their physics usage to the low- and high-energy nuclear physics communities.
07 Apr

High-Precision Mass Measurements of Silicon-24 and the Development of a Collision-Inducted Dissociation Gas Cell

07 April 2023 - 1:30 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Daniel Puentes

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Committee: Georg Bollen (Chairperson), Joey Huston Sean Liddick, Mohammad Maghrebi, Artemis Spyrou. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
07 Apr

The Development of Novel Energy Loss Optical Scintillation System for Heavy-Ion Particle Identification

07 April 2023 - 3:30 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Sean Dziubinski

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The Development of Novel Energy Loss Optical Scintillation System for Heavy-Ion Particle Identification. Committee: Steven Lidia (Chairperson), Marco Cortesi, Alexandra Gade, Sean Liddick, Nathan Whitehorn.
07 Apr

U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Strategy in the New Security
Environment

07 April 2023 - 4:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Brad Roberts

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The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) invites you to a lecture titled " U.S. Nuclear Deterrence Strategy in the New Security Environment " featuring Brad Roberts, director of the Center for Global Security Research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The lecture will take place on Friday, 7 April at 4 p.m. in 1300 FRIB Laboratory.

Further event information is here:
https://frib.msu.edu/news/2023/roberts-lecture.html
07 Apr

Clarinet Chamber Group: Students from the Studios of Dr. Mingzhe Wang and Dr. Guy Yehuda

07 April 2023 - 7:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
Program Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in E-flat Major, Op. 120, No.2 - Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) I. Allegro amabile Te-Fen Cheng, clarinet Chen Wang, piano Gryphon for Solo Clarinet - Theresa Martin (b. 1979) Elyor Gofurov, clarinet 3 Romances for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 94 - Robert Schumann (1810-1856) I. Nicht schnell (not fast) II. Einfach, innig (simple, heartfelt) III. Nicht schnell Zi-Yi (Tivon) Lee, clarinet Chen Wang, piano A Set for Clarinet Unaccompanied - Donald Martino (1931-2005) I. Allegro II. Adagio III. Allegro Wenzheng (Franky) Mu, clarinet French Suite for 4 bass clarinets - Yvonne Desporters (1907-1993) I. Prélude II. Sarabande VI. Gigue Noah Meinecke, Alicia Gutierrez, Elyor Gofurov , and Sunil Kim, bass clarinets
10 Apr

Measurement of Neutron Unbound Excited States in Calcium-53

10 April 2023 - 9:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Nicholas Mendez

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Advancements in nuclear structure from theory and experiment along the neutron dripline has presented opportunities to understand the nature of unbound systems in higher mass nuclei. The study of neutron unbound systems via the invariant mass technique is the primary focus of the MoNA Collaboration, which built and operates the Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) and the Large multi-Institutional Scintillator Array (LISA) at FRIB. One region of interest is the emergence of neutron sub-shells at N=32 & 34 [1]. Theoretical calculations have utilized successful methods fromab initio calculations in light nuclei, such as chiral effective field theory via coupled-clustered calculations, to calculate excited states of heavier nuclei, near the aforementioned subshells [2-4]. One nuclei of particular interest is 53Ca due to the filled proton shell as well as being located between the N=32 & 34 subshells. In combination with the successes the MoNA Collaboration has demonstrated utilizing invariant-mass spectroscopy in light nuclei, along with predicted unbound exited states for 53Ca, invariant-mass spectroscopy measurements of 53Ca will enable important structure information to be obtained. Data obtained can inform future structure model calculations and methods, predicting the neutron dripline for calcium, and record the first measurements of unbound states for neutron rich Calcium near the N=32 & 34 subshells. An FRIB approved experiment from the MoNA Collaboration will attempt to measure neutron unbound excited states of 53Ca. References: [1] A. Gade, The European Physical Journal A 51, 118 (2015) [2] G. Hagen, M. Hjorth-Jensen, G. R. Jansen, and T. Papenbrock, Physica Scripta 91, 063006 (2016) [3] J. G. Li, B. S. Hu, Q. Wu, Y. Gao, S. J. Dai, and F. R. Xu, Phys. Rev. C 102, 034302 (2020) [4] B. A. Brown, personal communication, Feb. 2021 Committee: Paul Gueye (Chairperson), Thomas Baumann, Tyce DeYoung, Alexandra Gade, Witold Nazarewicz, Kirsten Tollefson. **Physics Oral Subject Exam evaluation/rubric attached**
11 Apr

Coulomb interaction driven entanglement of electrons on helium, theory and experiment

11 April 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams & University of Oslo

Morten Hjorth-Jensen

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Here we describe a method for generating motional entanglement between two electrons trapped above the surface of superfluid helium. In this proposed scheme these electronic charge qubits are laterally confined via electrostatic gates to create an anharmonic trapping potential. When the system is cooled to sufficiently low temperature these in-plane charge qubit states are quantized and circuit quantum electrodynamic methods can be used to control and readout single qubit operations. Perspectives for quantum simulations with quantum dots systems will be discussed as well as how to set up explicit circuits for simulating nuclear physics Hamiltonians, theoretically and experimentally.
12 Apr

First Scientific Results of the Electromagnetic Mass Analyzer at TRIUMF

12 April 2023 - 4:10 PM
Online via Zoom
TRIUMF

Barry Davids

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TRIUMF's Electromagnetic Mass Analyzer EMMA is a recoil mass spectrometer designed to separate the heavy recoils of nuclear reactions from the beam that produces them and to identify these heavy ions according to their masses and proton numbers. It is now coupled with the TRIUMF-ISAC Gamma-Ray Escape Suppressed Spectrometer, TIGRESS; initial experiments with the two spectrometers have been focused on topics in nuclear astrophysics. I will describe the ion optical properties of EMMA as well as the aims and results of some of its first scientific measurements.
13 Apr

48V Production and Neutron Reaction Target Manufacturing

13 April 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Scott Essenmacher

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Various potentially useful exotic radionuclides will be regularly produced as byproducts of spallation and fragmentation reactions of unused primary beams in an aqueous beam dump at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) [1]. Better cross-section data can be determined using stationary targets of useful radionuclides like 48V, which would enhance the fidelity of nuclear reaction network simulation results and lead to improved models beneficial for programs such as the Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship program [2,3]. To be able to use the activation method to measure total average neutron capture cross-sections with 10 barn resolution, any 48V used in these studies must be high in isotopic purity with regard to any 49V (>104 atoms of 48V/atom of 49V). Conventional isotope production techniques, such as proton irradiation of an enriched 48Ti foil, can produce 48V in sufficient quantities for research purposes; however, even enriched 48Ti foils contain too much 49Ti (0.81% for enriched 48Ti from ISOFLEX USA) to result in the production of 48V with the required isotopic purity [4]. At FRIB, this purity issue can be solved by harvesting 48Cr, which is difficult to produce using conventional methods, and isolating it to set up a 48Cr/48V generator. This talk covers the protocol for creating a 48Cr/48V generator at FRIB along with attempts to fabricate prototype stable V targets with a new target production technique called microjet printing at Los Alamos National Laboratory. These efforts resulted in 3 major findings: (1) the innovation of a 3D printed polypropylene resin cage that has the potential to result in an approximately 1200% increase in the extraction yield of radionuclides from the FRIB beam dump, (2) the development of a separation procedure that allows for up to an estimated 35 mCi of isotopically pure 48V (>107 atoms of 48V/atom of 49V) to be produced from a 48Cr/48V pseudo-generator [4], and (3) the fabrication of prototype thin and relatively uniform stable V neutron reaction targets. This work establishes a pathway from the initial production of radionuclides within the FRIB beam dump all the way to the fabrication of a thin 48V target for neutron reaction studies.
13 Apr

Origin of Metals in the Early Universe: Implications from Old Galactic Stellar Populations

13 April 2023 - 7:00 PM
Online via Zoom
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

Miho Ishigaki

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One of the major goals of modern spectroscopic surveys of stellar populations in the Milky Way Galaxy is to constrain astrophysical sources of metals at different times and places in the Universe. Thanks to large-scale spectroscopic surveys, detailed elemental abundance estimates for statistical samples of various Galactic stellar populations are rapidly increasing. Interpreting those data sets in terms of nucleosynthesis yields of stars and supernovae, such as core-collapse supernovae or Type Ia supernovae, will help with understanding their explosion mechanisms as well as the progenitor stars. I would like to review current constraints on the origin of metals by comparing supernova yield models with observed elemental abundance patterns, with particular emphasis on the oldest or the most metal-poor stars. Prospects with upcoming wide-field spectroscopic survey of Galactic stars, including Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) on the Subaru Telescope, are also discussed.
14 Apr

MSU Chamber Music - A Night of Classics

14 April 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory

Performers: Wen-Yi Lo, violin. Yi-Pei Lin, viola. Yi-Pei Lin/Viola

18 Apr

Advancements in High-Q Development for Novel Medium-Velocity 644 Mhz 5-Cell Elliptical Superconducting Rf Resonators for Continuous-Wave Operation in Heavy-Ion Linacs

18 April 2023 - 1:30 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Kellen McGee

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Committee: Peter Ostroumov (Chairperson), Thomas Bieler, Phillip Duxbury, Steven Lidia, Kenji Saito . Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
21 Apr

Radio Frequency and Challenges in Fermilab's Proton Synchrotrons

21 April 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Paul Derwent

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As America's particle physics laboratory, Fermilab operates and builds powerful particle accelerators for investigating the smallest things human beings have ever observed. The focus of Fermilab's long term research program is the physics of neutrino oscillations. Currently the laboratory supports both long baseline and short baseline programs. Looking towards the future, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, will study neutrino oscillations with a baseline of 1300 km. The physics goals of DUNE require an intense proton beam. I will describe some of the synchrotron RF challenges associated with these intense proton beams.
24 Apr

High-Brightness Electron Injectors for High-Duty-Cycle X-Ray Free Electron Lasers (Part 2)

24 April 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Fernando Sannibale

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The successful development in the last two decades of X-ray free electron lasers (FELs) with their revolutionary brightness performance has been tightly dependent on the parallel development of electron guns and injectors capable of providing the high-brightness electron beams required for FEL lasing at these short wavelengths. The ultimate brightness delivered by a linear accelerator (linac) is already set at its injector and the remaining part of the accelerator can be only designed to preserve the injector performance. The technology to be used for the accelerator part of an X-Ray FEL strongly depends on the duty-cycle at which the FEL operates. Normal-conducting, room-temperature, copper based radiofrequency (RF) technology is typically used for low duty-cycles of up to approximately 10-3. For higher duty-cycles and up to continuous wave (CW) operation, the linac must rely on superconductive RF technology because, with the higher duty-cycle, the increasingly higher power dissipated in normal conducting RF structures becomes excessive for the technology. The situation changes in the lower energy part of the accelerator, where injector schemes, based on direct current, normal conducting and superconducting RF electron guns, are demonstrating the beam quality performance required by high-duty-cycle X-ray FELs. In this talk, we start with a quick recap of FEL physics fundamentals, followed by a description of the requirements for high duty-cycle injectors, by an overview of the pursued technologies and schemes, and by a discussion on the main differences in terms of beam dynamics between low and high duty-cycle injectors.
25 Apr

Dense Nuclear Matter Equation of State of From Heavy-Ion Collisions

25 April 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Institute for Nuclear Theory

Agnieszka Sorensen

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Among controlled terrestrial experiments, collisions of heavy nuclei at intermediate beam energies (from a few tens of MeV/nucleon to about 25 GeV/nucleon in the fixed-target frame) probe the widest ranges of baryon density and temperature, enabling studies of nuclear matter from a few tenths to about 5 times the nuclear saturation density and for temperatures from a few MeV to well above a hundred MeV. Consequently, properties of strong interactions probed in heavy-ion collisions are complementary to those enabled by studies of nuclear structure and neutron stars or neutron star mergers. However, robust interpretations of experimental results require further developments in modeling. In this talk, I will discuss the status of efforts to constrain the dense nuclear matter equation of state (EOS) at intermediate energies. I will also outline developments in state-of-the-art models necessary to fully utilize the potential of the forthcoming wealth of data from the BES-II program at RHIC, from experiments at GSI and FAIR, and from experiments at FRIB and future FRIB400.
26 Apr

Probing Rare Isotopes with Low- and High-Energy Reactions

26 April 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Saint Mary's University

Rituparn Kanungo

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Visible matter in our universe embody nature's strong force combining protons and neutrons into complex systems. While much has been understood about the stable nuclei, the rare isotopes approaching the limits of neutron and proton binding bring a wealth of new information. Their properties guide our understanding on the state of matter in exotic environments in our Universe. The reactions and decays of these isotopes drive the creation of majority of the heavy elements in our Universe. The presentation will outline how direct reactions with rare isotope beams at different energy scales are allowing us to unveil unexpected new features. This is leading to revelation of unconventional forms of nuclei such as nuclear halo and skin, their exotic excitation phenomena, and fundamental changes of nuclear shells that break the bounds of our traditional knowledge. The low-energy ISOL beams at TRIUMF are suitable for probing rare isotopes with transfer reactions and inelastic scattering. Such experiments using the solid H2/D2 target will be presented to discuss shell evolution and the measurement of a key reaction of astrophysical interest. The exploration of nuclear radii at relativistic energies with in-flight beams at GSI and RIKEN will be presented showing the appearance of exotic structures and their relation to shell evolution.
27 Apr

Take Your Child To Work Day

27 April 2023 - 8:30 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
Sponsored by the MSU Worklife Office. MSU Units and Departments will host tours and activities geared towards kids ages 8-16 and younger ages are welcome. FRIB will offer two 30-minute events: A laboratory tour starting in the lobby at 8:30am - space is limited! A hands-on nuclear science activity in 1300 Auditorium at 9:30am. Learn more at https://worklife.msu.edu/parenting/take-your-child-to-work-day/
27 Apr

MSU Science Festival Public Presentation - "When Neutron Stars Collide: Cataclysms in Space"

27 April 2023 - 7:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
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Dr. Stephanie Brown, Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. All ages welcome.
28 Apr

Gravitational Waves - News from the Universe

28 April 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Leibniz Universitat Hannover

Michele Heurs

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Since the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, we have gained an entirely new observation window to the universe - now, we not only have electromagnetic telescopes and neutrino detectors to view astrophysical events, but we can also listen to the cosmos using interferometric gravitational wave detectors. The sensitivity of these interferometers is so incredible that quantum effects of the employed light have already become limiting. Ultra-precisely stabilised lasers do not suffice; non-classical light is already routinely employed in the current (second) generation gravitational wave detectors (such as aLIGO and AdVirgo). Other noise sources, such as seismic and thermal noise, pose further challenges for next-generation detectors. To achieve ever-higher detection rates for meaningful gravitational wave astronomy, ever-greater detection sensitivity is required. In this talk, I will introduce the principle of interferometric gravitational wave detection and highlight some of the advanced technologies employed in Advanced LIGO.
28 Apr

Sax in Progress (SiP) Saxophone Duo

28 April 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
The concert features saxophone duo Natalia Warthen and Jacob Nance. About the performers The Sax in Progress (SiP) Duo consists of Natalia Warthen and Jacob Nance and is based in East Lansing. Both Jacob and Natalia are passionate about expanding and diversifying the repertoire for saxophone duo through commissioning and performing at the highest possible level. SiP is currently working towards producing a studio album of eight works they commissioned from underrepresented composers with the help of funding from grants by the City of East Lansing, Michigan State University, and the MSU Running Start Program. SiP is always looking for ways to show how classical saxophone can go beyond just music in a recital hall, and they hope you can feel this in their music.
30 Apr

Zoom Public Talk with Brian Metzger, Professor of Physics at Columbia University

30 April 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Columbia University

Brian Metzger

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Einstein's theory of General Relativity predicts that orbiting bodies generate "ripples in spacetime" known as gravitational waves. On 17 August 2017, scientists detected for the first time gravitational waves from two merging neutron stars from deep space (neutron stars are the dense cores left over when the outer layers of massive stars explode at the end of their lives). This discovery initiated a world-wide search for an electromagnetic "afterglow" of the merger event, using dozens of the largest telescopes on the ground and in space. Within hours, fading blue light, unlike that which had ever been seen before, was discovered from a galaxy 100 million light years from Earth. For me personally, the most exciting aspect of this discovery was that it "made sense": the observations agreed with theoretical predictions myself and colleagues had made a decade ago. We were witnessing, for the first time in the debris of the merger, the direct creation in nature of the heaviest elements in the universe, including the precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. In this talk, I will recount the amazing discovery of gravitational waves, merging neutron stars, and the next steps of our path towards identifying the origin of gold.

Bio
Brian Metzger was born and raised in Burlington, Iowa. He received his bachelor's degrees at the University of Iowa and his PhD in physics at the University of California Berkeley in 2009. He held a NASA Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton University, before joining the Columbia University department of physics in 2013, where he is currently a full professor. He is also a senior research scientist in the Center for Computational Astrophysics of the Flatiron Institute. Metzger's recognitions include the Sloan Fellowship; New Horizons Breakthrough Prize in Physics; the Bruno Rossi Prize of the American Astronomical Society; and the 2020 Laureate of the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists. He is supported as a Simons Investigator by the Simons Foundation.

Webinar https://msu.zoom.us/s/91745838885
03 May

Strategic Training Grant Design: A Perspective from the NIH NIGMS T32 Review Panel

03 May 2023 - 9:00 AM
1400 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building
Emory University School of Medicine

Tamara Caspary

03 May

Free Space Charge Dominated Instabilities and Resonances in Synchrotrons

03 May 2023 - 2:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Michael Balcewicz

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Committee: Yue Hao (Chairperson), Steven Lidia Steven Lund, Mohammad Maghrebi, Scott Pratt. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
05 May

Harp Chamber Group<br>
The Accorda Trio: Chen-Yu Huang (Harp), Fangye Sun (Violin), and Daniel Tressel (Cello)

05 May 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
Program

Sonata RV.83 by Antonio Vialdi
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro

Nocturne by Mikhail Glinka

Trio for violin, cello and harp by Henriette Renie
I. Allegro

Song of the Black Swan by Heitor Villa-Lobos

Trio by Jacques Ibert
I. Allegro tranquillo
II. Andante sostenuto
III. Scherzando con moto

Performer Bios

The Accorda Trio was founded in 2018 by cellist Daniel Tressel, violinist Fangye Sun, and harpist Chen-Yu Huang. This unique combination sought to bring some of the most unknown gems in music history to the global audience, and explore this lush and colorful instrumentation. Since its inauguration, the Accorda Trio has performed repertoire that ranges from classical Haydn to the French giant, Ibert, and 21st-century composers such as Ricardo Lorenz. Their upcoming debut album will be released in 2024.

Daniel Tressel
Cellist and composer Daniel Tressel divides his time among composing, performing, and teaching. After receiving a master's and bachelor's degree in cello performance from the University of Nevada and the University of Illinois, respectively, Tressel went on to receive his doctor of musical arts degree in music composition from MSU where he studied under Dr. Ricardo Lorenz.

As a cellist, Tressel has performed as a soloist with the Livingston Symphony, University of Nevada Symphony and Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra. On numerous occasions he has been invited to present recitals and masterclasses in China at universities such as Xi'an Conservatory of Music, Shandong University, Capital Normal University, Guangxi Normal University and Zhejiang Conservatory of Music. He is a founding member of Duo Piacevole and the Armonia String Quartet, and has performed as an orchestral musician with the Reno Philharmonic, Lansing Symphony, Jackson Symphony, and West Michigan Symphony, among others.

As a composer, Tressel has received commissions from the Verdehr Trio, Livingston Symphony, Jackson Symphony, Jackson Youth Symphony, and Mason Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, he was named the national winner of the Merle J. Isaac Composition Competition for his orchestral work Sunday Stroll.

Tressel currently is the cello faculty at Albion College and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Community Music School. He previously was on music theory and composition faculty at Spring Arbor University.

Fangye Sun
An avid performing artist and prizewinner, China-born violinist Fangye Sun has concertized throughout Asia and North America, appearing as a soloist with numerous orchestras, and performed in prestigious concert venues, such as Suntory Hall, Victory Symphony Hall, Benaroya Hall, and Hong Kong Cultural Center. The renowned musicians with whom she has collaborated include Ralph Votapek, Carl Topilow, Stephan Picard, Yuri Gandelsman, Suren Bargatuni, Anthony Elliott, and musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic as well as Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble.

An alumna of the Asian Youth Orchestra, Pacific Music Festival, and National Repertory Orchestra, Sun was featured in Pine Mountain Music Festival, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Leelanau Music Festival, and has served as concertmaster for several Michigan symphony orchestras in addition to performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Sun is an assistant professor of violin at Central Michigan University. Prior to moving to the United States, she held a professorship at Xi'an Conservatory of Music where she was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award. During the summers, she teaches at Bay View Music Festival and holds residencies at universities and conservatories in China. A dedicated pedagogue, she recently presented at International ClarinetFest and the College of Music Society National Conference. Her students have been named prize-winners at international music competitions, made solo appearances with orchestras, performed in Carnegie Hall, and won full-scholarships to attend prestigious music festivals. Alumni of her studio can be found in major orchestras in China as well as in collegiate music programs in the U.S., Germany, and Singapore. Her interest in multicultural musical elements in new music has led to her CD recording project featuring both traditional and newly commissioned works by Chinese composers which was released in 2018.

Her early violin training started at an early age with her father. After winning the gold medal at the "Gao Hua" Chinese Youth Violin Competition at the age of 11, she has won the Best Performance Prize at the 7th Chinese National Youth Violin Competition, the Bronze Medal at the 3rd Chinese National "Golden Bell Award" Violin Competition, and Second Prize at the Marquette Symphony Young Artist Competition. Additionally, she was named winner of the MSU Honors Concert Concerto Competition.

Sun holds a doctor of musical arts degree and a master of music degree in violin performance from MSU and a bachelor of music degree from Xi'an Conservatory of Music. Her mentors include well-known violin pedagogues Walter Verdehr and Yaoji Lin. During her studies, she had further opportunities to work with the Julliard String Quartet, David Kim, Paul Roczek, Alice Schoenfeld, Charles Dutoit, and Valery Gergiev. Her live performances and media appearances have been broadcasted on Blue Lake Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, WCMU, WKAR, WDIY, WLNS, and Hanzhong TV Station.

Chen-Yu Huang
Praised as 'untimid and determined with a brilliancy of effervescence' in her album review by ConcertoNet, Chen-Yu Huang has established herself in the harp scene in the Midwest. Huang joined the MSU College of Music in 2014. She also serves as the principal harpist for the Ann Arbor Symphony and Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

Huang is the winner of the 2010 Krannert Debut Artist Award and a recipient of the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship in 2010-2011, and is the first harpist ever to be awarded both prizes. She has given masterclasses at the University of Illinois, Arizona State University, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, among a few. She has also served as an adjudicator in several competitions such as Camac Prize in Taiwan and the American Harp Society national competition.

As an enthusiastic teacher, Huang founded Capitol Harp Ensemble in 2022, a non-profit organization that provides after-school programs for youths as well as adult enrichment classes. Her pedagogical compositions are published by HappyString Music. Her first album with Formosa Trio - The First Impression - includes several of her arrangements and "invites us not just for a ride, but on an adventure, requiring all senses" according to the Harp Column.
14 May

The Time It Takes: My First Role Model and How She and I Are Both Interested in Measuring the Time Things Take to Happen.

14 May 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Harvard University Department of Physics

Melissa Franklin

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Maria Goeppert Mayer, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, calculated how long atoms took to decay and understood the reasons some were stable. I am interested in whether there are new elementary particles which have long lifetimes being produced in the proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. In this lecture I will discuss the work of Goeppert-Mayer done before 1960 and the work we are doing presently at CERN.

Bio

Melissa Franklin is an experimental particle physicist who studies proton-proton collisions produced by Large Hadron Collider (LHC). She is a collaborator on the ATLAS experiment at the LHC where she works in collaboration with over 3,000 physicists. Franklin was co-discoverer of the top quark and the Higgs boson. She is presently studying the properties of the Higgs boson and searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Professor Franklin, born and raised in Canada, received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Toronto and her PhD from Stanford University. She worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, was an assistant professor at the University of Illinois in Champagne/Urbana and was a Junior Fellow in the Society of Fellows at Harvard, before joining the Harvard faculty in 1989. In 1992, she became the first woman to receive tenure in the Physics department and she served as chair of the Physics department from 2010-2014.

 

15 May

2nd Frontiers Summer School

15 May 2023 - 8:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
TBA
16 May

FRIB-TA Topical Program: Theoretical Justifications and Motivations for Early High-Profile FRIB Experiments

16 May 2023 - 8:30 AM
1221A and 1221B FRIB Laboratory

FRIB Theory Alliance Topical Program

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The FRIB-TA Topical Program: Theoretical Justifications and Motivations for Early High-Profile FRIB Experiments will bring together leading theorists to share their ideas about theoretical justification and motivation for early high-profile experiments and the important input to the scientific goals of FRIB.
21 May

Center for Nuclear Astrophysics across Messengers (CeNAM) Frontiers Meeting

21 May 2023 - 8:00 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
TBA
24 May

Nuclear Science with Superconducting Detectors

24 May 2023 - 4:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Stephan Friedrich

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Abstract: Superconducting radiation detectors have been developed over the last 35 years because of the very high energy resolution that detector operation at temperatures of ~0.1K enables. Initially driven by astronomy, material science and particle physics, these detectors are increasingly also used in nuclear science, especially at very low energies where high resolution and the lack of a dead layer tend to be important. This talk will give an overview over superconducting detector technologies and the science they enable. Emphasis will be placed on ultra-low energy nuclear applications with superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) radiation detectors. They offer an energy resolution of a few eV FWHM at energies up to ~1 keV and can be operated at several 1000 counts/s per detector pixel. Recent experiments include a search for the nuclear clock transition at ~8 eV in metastable Th-229m and the search for sterile keV neutrinos in accurate measurements of the decay of Be-7. Options for future experiments with STJs at FRIB will be discussed.
26 May

Violin and Piano Duo Concert

26 May 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract

Program

A selection of fin-de-siècle and early 20th-century French music for violin and piano, with readings of poetry by the French Symbolists whose works had a resounding influence on the musical circles of their time.

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Triptyque, Op. 136
I. Prémice
II. Vision congolaise
III. Joyeuseté

“Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix” from Samson et Dalila, arr. violin/piano

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Pavane, Op. 50 arr. violin/piano
Romance, Op. 28

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
Thème et variations

Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Choses vues à droit et à gauche (sans lunettes)
I. Chorale hypocrite
II. Fugue à tâtons
III. Fantaisie musculaire

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Sonata in G minor for Violin and Piano, L. 140
I. Allegro vivo
II. Intermède: Fantasque et léger
III. Finale: Très animé

With poems by Paul Verlaine, Charles Baudelaire, Maurice Maeterlinck, and Jean Cocteau

Performers

Hayne Kim, violin

Korean-American violinist Hayne Kim leads a distinctive musical career as a performer and educator that has brought her around the world. She made her solo Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 16, and has performed as a soloist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and the Tuscia Operafestival orchestra in Viterbo, Italy. An active chamber musician, Hayne has collaborated with reputed artists such as Alexander Markov and Clive Greensmith, and performed for diverse occasions ranging from ensemble performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to intimate gatherings at the home of Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Taking a special interest in contemporary music, Kim is the violinist and co-founder of Círculo Trio, an ensemble dedicated to exploring and presenting new and/or underperformed works alongside standard repertoire. Projects that the trio has commissioned include The Triumph of Time, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play The Winter’s Tale for actor and trio with original music, and a collaboration with Bangkok City Ballet for Thea Musgrave’s theatrical chamber work, Pierrot.

Kim holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and MSU. Her past mentors include Lyman Bodman, Grigory Kalinovsky, and Dmitri Berlinsky. Dedicated to sharing her experiences with up-and-coming generations of musicians, she served as a faculty member of Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2017-2022.

Zhao Wang, piano

Chinese-born pianist Zhao Wang is currently the Director of Accompanying at the Central Michigan University School of Music. Dr. Wang has performed in the cities of Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Thailand, Japan, the United States, and China. As an avid chamber musician, she frequently collaborates in concerts and recordings with renowned faculty members at prestigious universities and orchestras. She is a founding member of Círculo Trio, a clarinet-violin-piano trio which has been a featured guest ensemble at Thailand International Composition Festival, received the Verdehr Trio endowment at MSU, and presented multiple interdisciplinary musical works alongside traditional repertoire in concert tours in the recent years. In addition to appearances with Círculo trio, Dr. Wang has also performed regularly at Henri Selmer Summer Academy, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Music Festival at Walnut Hill, and Chengjiang Chamber Music Series in China. Wang received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastman School of Music, with a PhD from MSU, all in piano performance. She also received two additional master’s degrees in collaborative piano and piano pedagogy from MSU.

30 May

Tentative Thesis Title: Towards an improved search for Radium’s Electric Dipole Moment

30 May 2023 - 1:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Karina Martirosova

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Committee: Jaideep Singh (Chairperson), Matthew Comstock, Heiko Hergert, Kei Minaminoso, Filomena Nunes.
31 May

Plasma Processing for SRF cavities: Past, Present and Future

31 May 2023 - 4:10 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Fermilab

Paolo Berrutti

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Plasma processing has been used reliably to recover SRF cavity performance for a decade, starting from the very first successful application at ORNL for SNS multicell cavities. Recently HOMs plasma ignition has allowed plasma processing of LCLS-II and CEBAF cavities, overcoming coupling limitations at room temperature imposed by the fundamental passband. The reason that sparked the interest in plasma cleaning is its capability of recovering cavities performance in-situ, in the accelerator tunnel, without requiring a lot of man-hours for cryomodule disassembly and cavity re-processing. In this talk past and present experiences of plasma cleaning will be presented, along with some potential future developments for this technique.
01 Jun

Tentative Thesis Title: Investigations Toward Power Ramp-Up and Increasing Scientific Reach of FRIB

01 June 2023 - 2:30 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Alec Gonzalez

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Committee: Peter Ostroumov (Chairperson), Sergey Baryshev, Yue Hao, Alexander Plastun, Hendrik Schatz, Kirsten Tollefson.
14 Jun

Precision Muon Physics at Paul Scherrer Institut and Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex

14 June 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
KEK Accelerator Laboratory

Ryoto Iwai

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Low energy positive muons play a significant role in fundamental physics and material science. They are created in copious numbers at facilities utilizing high power proton accelerators at moderate energies, nowadays at PSI and J-PARC. This talk mainly focuses on two topics at the precision frontier with muons. Firstly and mainly, I will talk about the establishment of a fast cooling scheme for positive muon beams at PSI.This addresses an intrinsic issue in precision experiments: a poor quality of standard muon beams. In this scheme, a standard muon beam of cm-size with MeV-energy is stopped in a helium gas target at cryogenic temperatures, and compressed into a beam of mm-size and eV-energy in few-micro seconds, using a vertical temperature gradient and a complex configuration of electric and magnetic fields.Overcoming several technical challenges to realize such a helium gas target, the full compression scheme has been demonstrated for the first time in 2019. This has paved the way for designing the next stage: extracting muon beams from the helium gas into a vacuum. The latter part of my talk will be focused on the spectroscopy of muonium: a bound-state of positive muon and electron. The precision measurement with the high intensity pulsed muon beam at J-PARC enables us to test the Standard Model of particle physics, and determine some fundamental constants. We are currently preparing for the measurement with the highest precision in 2023. In parallel, a new microwave cavity is being designed for future experiments after 2023, also to shed light on the current puzzle of the muon anomalous magnetic moment. The latter part of my talk will be focused on the spectroscopy of muonium: a bound-state of positive muon and electron. The precision measurement with the high intensity pulsed muon beam at J-PARC enables us to test the Standard Model of particle physics, and determine some fundamental constants. We are currently preparing for the measurement with the highest precision in 2023. In parallel, a new microwave cavity is being designed for future experiments after 2023, also to shed light on the current puzzle of the muon anomalous magnetic moment.
19 Jun

Tentative Thesis Title: Lifetime Measurements of 23Mg Excited States Significant in Nova Nucleosynthesis

19 June 2023 - 10:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Lexie Weghorn

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Committee: Christopher Wrede (Chairperson), Morten Hjorth-Jensen, Hironori Iwasaki, Joseph Rodriquez, Vashti Sawtelle.
19 Jun

Tentative Thesis Title: Lifetime Measurements of 23Mg Excited States Significant in Nova Nucleosynthesis

19 June 2023 - 10:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Lexie Weghorn

Show/Hide Abstract
Committee: Christopher Wrede (Chairperson), Morten Hjorth-Jensen, Hironori Iwasaki, Joseph Rodriquez, Vashti Sawtelle.
21 Jun

Understanding of Radiation Damage in Equipment and Materials Used in High Energy Particle Accelerators and Related Materials Engineering Technologies Required for High Power Accelerators

21 June 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
Japan Atomic Energy Agency

Eiichi Wakai

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Based on my more than 30 years of research and development of materials irradiation damage and new materials, and the development of engineering equipment for their application, I would like to talk about my experiences on irradiation damage of materials using nuclear reactors and accelerators, and many post irradiation examinations. In the seminar, I will introduce my research on radiation damage of materials and the effects of associated transmutation products (e.g., neutron irradiation, heavy ion irradiation and the effects of transmutation elements (e.g. He, H,) on these materials). There, I am concerned with radiation damage and the development of materials related to fusion reactor materials, fast reactor structural materials, light water reactor materials, and high-energy accelerator targets. Recent achievement of the successful power ramp up and stable operation of the J-PARC center neutron source from 300 kW (until 2015) to 800 kW - 1 MW (from 2019) will be also discussed. This achievement was largely attributed to improving the target vessel quality. After I joined J-PARC in 2016, I thoroughly reviewed and improved all the fabrication methods, inspection methods and structure of the mercury target vessel, which resulted in the successful power ramp-up. It is well known that radiation damage generally hardens materials and increases their strength, but on the other hand, it often causes ductility degradation as a degradation of material properties. I have been studying the effects of high energy particle beams on radiation damage of materials as well as radiation damage caused by gas elements (He, H), which are transmutation products generated inside the material. It is also clear that the effects are relatively large. However, it has also been shown that, in some cases, the material properties can be improved, especially in terms of both strength and ductility. These findings and experiences are useful for research and development and understanding of radiation damage and the related materials engineering technologies required for high power in components used in the J-PARC center and other large accelerator facilities.
26 Jun

FRIB-TA Summer School: Practical Uncertainty Quantification and Emulator Development in Nuclear Physics

26 June 2023 - 9:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Theory Alliance

Summer School

Show/Hide Abstract
This is an intensive summer school covering uncertainty quantification and surrogate model development in nuclear theory and experiment. The school will focus on practical applications of uncertainty quantification to topics in experimental design and control, theoretical model quantification and creation, as well as a primer in statistics -- all of high relevance for the scientific program at FRIB.
07 Jul

Fission in the Lead Region

07 July 2023 - 1:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Adam Anthony

Show/Hide Abstract
Committee: William Lynch (Chairperson), Daniel Bazin, Kyle Brown, Huey-Wen Lin, Witold Nazarewicz. The thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
09 Jul

Twentieth Exotic Beam Summer School

09 July 2023 - 9:00 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
2023 Exotic Beam Summer School
Show/Hide Abstract
The twentieth Exotic Beam Summer School (EBSS2023) will be held at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), Michigan State University (MSU), from July 9 through July 15, 2023. The aim of this annual school is to introduce students and young researchers to the various facets of the science of exotic nuclei including nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and the application of nuclear science and technology. Through these schools, the research community will be able to more fully exploit the opportunities created by the next-generation exotic beam facilities, such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The format of the school is unique: in the mornings, students will receive lectures from leading researchers in the field of nuclear physics with exotic beams. Lectures will focus on theoretical, experimental, technical, and applied topics. In the afternoons, the students participate in hands-on activities, learning about the techniques and instrumentation needed to carry out experiments with exotic beams. The EBSS series is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the following laboratories: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), FRIB/MSU and the Association for Research at University Nuclear Accelerators (ARUNA). The school, held annually, rotates among the various laboratories and is specifically designed for graduate students and postdocs (within two years of a Ph.D. degree).
10 Jul

IReNA Workshop on Weak Interactions in Nuclear Astrophysics

10 July 2023 - 8:00 AM
1221A and 1221B FRIB Laboratory

IReNA Workshop

Show/Hide Abstract
The IReNA Workshop on Weak Interactions in Nuclear Astrophysics will be held at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI USA. Reactions driven by the weak nuclear force (electron captures, B decays, neutrino-induced reactions) play important roles in many astrophysical phenomena, such as the cataclysmic events of neutron-star mergers, core-collapse, and thermonuclear supernovae, as well as in heating and cooling cycles of neutron-star crusts. In addition, reactions mediated by the weak force play an important role in the detection of multi-messenger signals, for example, neutrinos. Hence, the accurate estimation of weak reaction rates and incorporation in astrophysical simulations is important for understanding and modeling astrophysical events and interpreting their multi-messenger signals that can be detected on Earth. This workshop will bring together the IRENA weak-interactions working group and collaborators to accomplish the following goals: Identifying key unresolved questions and needs related to weak interaction data necessary for astrophysical modeling Identifying what expertise is available amongst IRENA partner networks and how such expertise can be shared to address items identified in item 1 Identify what expertise and tools/processes are missing to solve key questions and provide necessary weak-interaction data, and create a plan to address the gaps Defining across-network activities to address items identified under 1-3. The focus of such activities will be on concrete projects that require the collaboration between researchers in different networks that would be much harder to pursue if such projects were carried out by (groups in) isolated networks. An important aspect of the workshop is to bring together experimentalists, astrophysical modelers, nuclear theorists, observers, and researchers working on the interface between these areas
14 Jul

Constraining Nucleon Effective Mass Splitting Using Neutron and Proton Observables from Heavy-Ion Collisions

14 July 2023 - 11:30 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Chi-En Teh

Show/Hide Abstract
Committee: Man-Yee Betty Tsang (Chairperson), Edward Brown, Laura Chomiuk, Pawel Danielewicz, William Lynch. The thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
16 Jul

Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation (PING): Exploring the Nuclear Matter

16 July 2023 - 8:00 AM
1309 FRIB Laboratory
17 Jul

Tentative Thesis Title: Difference of Mirror Pair Charge Radii 52Ni-52Cr and the Nuclear Equation of State

17 July 2023 - 9:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Brooke Rickey

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Committee: Kei Minamisono (Chairperson), Alex Brown, Paul Gueye, Gregory Severin, Nathan Whitehorn.
18 Jul

Machine Learning and Coupled Cluster Theory Applied to Infinite Matter

18 July 2023 - 1:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Julie Butler

Show/Hide Abstract
Committe: Morten Hjorth-Jensen (Chairperson), Scott Bogner, M. Danny Caballero, Sean Liddick, Johannes Pollanen. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
19 Jul

Theoretical and Computational Improvements to the In-Medium Similarity Renormalization Group

19 July 2023 - 1:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Jacob Davison

Show/Hide Abstract
Committee: Heiko Hergert (Chairperson), Alexei Bazavov, Scott Bogner, Longxiu Huang, Jaideep Singh. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
20 Jul

Solving the Quantum Many-Body Problem with Neural-Network Quantum States

20 July 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Jane Kim

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Committee: Morten Hjorth-Jensen (Chairperson), Huey-Wen Lin, Michael Murillo, Filomena Nunes, Artemis Spyrou, Stuart Tessmer. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/academics/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review/ - Select student name
23 Jul

PHYSICS OF ATOMIC NUCLEI (PAN)

23 July 2023 - 9:00 AM
1221A and 1221B FRIB Laboratory

PHYSICS OF ATOMIC NUCLEI (PAN)

Show/Hide Abstract
Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) is a free week-long program for current high-school students who are U.S. citizens or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligible. The 2023 program is planned to be in-person 23-28 July 2023. (This is subject to change.) PAN is sponsored by FRIB, which is a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. The program will run 23-28 July 2023 at FRIB on the campus of Michigan State University. FRIB faculty, staff, and students will lead the lectures and experiments. The program introduces participants to the fundamentals of the extremely small domain of atomic nuclei and its connection to the extremely large domain of astrophysics and cosmology. THE PAN @ MICHIGAN STATE EXPERIENCE Learn about research in one of the top rare-isotope laboratories in the world. Get introduced to the fascinating fields of astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science. Perform your own nuclear physics experiments. Meet researchers who are exploring a wide array of questions. Discover the surprising array of career opportunities in science. Experience the atmosphere of college life. The 2023 program is planned to be in-person (subject to change) - participants get free room and board on campus (if required).
01 Aug

Manufacturing 48V Target for Neutron Reaction Cross-Section Measurements

01 August 2023 - 10:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Assistant

Scott Essenmacher

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Committee: Gregory Severin (Chairperson), Sean Liddick, Gary Blanchard, Jinda Fan
07 Aug

Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) Collaboration Meeting

07 August 2023 - 9:00 AM
1309 FRIB Laboratory
09 Aug

Low Energy Community Meeting

09 August 2023 - 9:00 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
18 Aug

Particle Correlations in Heavy-Ion Collisions

18 August 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Pierre Nzabahimana

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Abstract

In this thesis, our focus is on studying particle correlations in heavy-ion collisions to gain insights into nuclear systems in the final state reaction. Understanding these correlations is crucial for accessing the geometry, phase-space features, and time development of the collision's final stages. We present two approaches to extract the relative distribution of particles at the last moment of the collision: the Gaussian parametrization source (GPS) and the deblurring method.

In the GPS approach, we assume a Gaussian form source to approximate two-particle correlation functions using the Koonin-Pratt (KP) convolutional formula. This formula convolves the relative emission source with the squared two-particle relative wave function. We apply the approach to study the correlations of low-velocity alphas. We start by constructing the scattering wave function for the alpha-alpha pair by solving the Schrödinger equation, incorporating a potential tailored to match the measured phase shifts of the system. With this wave function, we interpret available data on alphas correlations in terms of emitting sources.

In the deblurring approach, we propose using the Richardson-Lucy (RL) optical deblurring algorithm to deduce a source from the correlation function. The RL algorithm, derived from probabilistic Bayesian considerations, requires the optical object, image distributions, and convolution kernel to be positive definite. Fortunately, these conditions are satisfied by the corresponding quantities of interest within the KP formula. We demonstrate the success of the RL algorithm in restoring emitting sources from measured deuteron-alpha correlations.

Furthermore, we extend the deblurring approach to another field of nuclear physics by utilizing the RL algorithm on experimental nuclear physics data, leveraging only the observed energy spectrum and the detector's response matrix (also known as the transfer matrix). This technique provides access to information regarding the shell structure of particle-unbound systems through the measured decay energy spectrum, which is not readily attainable through traditional approaches like chi-square fitting.

In pursuit of the same objective, we develop a machine learning model that employs a deep neural network (DNN) classifier to identify resonance states from the measured decay energy spectrum. We evaluate the performance of both methods using simulated data and experimental measurements. Subsequently, we apply both algorithms to analyze the decay energy spectrum of  O-26, as measured via invariant mass spectroscopy. Both the deblurring and DNN approaches indicate the presence of three peaks in the raw decay energy spectrum of O-26.

Finally, we employ the transport model in this thesis to analyze two-proton (p-p) correlations in heavy-ion collisions at low incident energies per nucleon (E/A). Specifically, we utilize the Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (BUU) transport model to simulate the p-p source. Subsequently, we employ the source and the p-p kernel within the KP formula to calculate the correlations. Through a comparison between the correlations obtained from the BUU simulation and the RL algorithm, we gain a better understanding of the influence of fast and slow emissions on the measured correlations. We compute the angle-averaged and quadrupole components of the p-p source for the Ar + Sc and Xe + Au  reactions at E/A= 80 MeV. These sources are computed considering both momentum-independent and momentum-dependent nuclear equation of states (EOS), enabling us to observe the effect of the momentum-dependent EOS on the quadrupole component source.

COMMITTEE:

Pawel Danielewicz, chairperson
Filomena Nunes
Carlo Piermarocchi
Scott Pratt
Man-Yee Betty Tsang

Thesis is available https://pa.msu.edu/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/Pierre_thesis_draft2.pdf

 

 

 

18 Aug

Novel Pairing and Testing Effective Field Theory Interactions in Neutron Matter and Nuclei

18 August 2023 - 3:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
University of Guelph, Canada

Georgios Palkanoglou Ryan Curry

Show/Hide Abstract
Nuclear pairing, i.e., the tendency of nucleons to form pairs, has important consequences to the physics of neutron star crusts and heavy nuclei. While the pairing found in nuclei typically happens between identical nucleons and in singlet states, recent investigations have shown that certain heavy nuclei can exhibit triplet and mixed-spin pairing correlations in their ground states. In the first part of this talk, I will discuss new investigations on the effect of nuclear deformation on these novel superfluids. Signatures of these pairing effects can be directly seen in nuclear experiments on spectroscopic quantities and two-particle transfer direct reaction cross sections. Indirectly, pairing correlations of nuclear superfluidity can be probed in cold-atomic experiments utilizing Feshbach resonances. On that note, preliminary results on phenomenological investigations of s- and p-wave pairing in cold-atomic gases will also be discussed. One of the challenges faced while studying the nuclear many-body problem is the nature of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. In recent decades, models for the nucleon-nucleon interaction were produced from a power counting expansion in Chiral Effective Field theory (EFT). These modern nuclear interactions have an advantage over previously used phenomenological potentials, since they have a direct connection to the symmetries of the underlying theory of QCD. To investigate the nuclear many-body problem, we employ an ab initio Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) approach. Combining these two tools, non-perturbative QMC methods and the perturbative Chiral-EFT interaction, leads to a contradiction as historically it has been very difficult to calculate perturbative corrections higher than first order in most ab initio methods. In the second part of this talk, we discuss our recent work (arXiv:2302.07285) where we made significant progress in calculating the second-order perturbative correction in a QMC context. To show this, we explore a variety of nuclear systems that have a direct application to neutron-rich systems such as the inner crust of neutron stars. In addition, we also apply this new method to probe the perturbativeness of modern chiral EFT potentials and discuss the implications for nuclear many-body physics.
30 Aug

Novel noble-liquid radiation-detector concepts

30 August 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Weizmann Institute of Science

Amos Breskin

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Advances in Nuclear- Particle- and Astro-particle Physics have always been linked to the advent of novel radiation-detection concepts. Over the years, we have seen constant progress with gas-avalanche and solid-state imaging detectors that, in addition to the ever-growing particle accelerators permit scientists to hunt for “new physics”. The more exotic rare-event searches, like neutrino physics and the search for dark matter, require very sensitive massive detection devices; the leading tools being Noble-liquid radiation detectors. While most of their current concepts rely on known techniques, upscaling of future experiments, particularly the search for dark matter, could benefit from recent advances in instrumentation that might solve some of their current drawbacks, enhancing their sensitivity. We will introduce novel ideas of radiation-induced ionization-electron and scintillation-photon sensing concepts in single-phase (liquid) and dual-phase (liquid & vapor) Time Projection Chambers (TPC) detectors. They rely on recording photons and electrons by micro-structured electrodes, including ones undercoated with VUV photocathodes. According to the concept, the electrodes are either fully immersed in the liquid, floating on its surface, located in the gas phase or cascaded in both phases. Radiation-induced electrons in the liquid and primary-scintillation photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode are collected onto thin anode strips or micro-patterned surfaces. Combined electroluminescence and charge multiplication in liquid or gas results in fast UV-photon flashes - detected by nearby photo-sensor arrays. In particular, some of the proposed concepts permit conceiving detectors expected to resolve current physical and technical issues typical of large-volume dual-phase detectors. Light and charge multiplication within the liquid could pave the way towards simpler and more efficient detection tools, with potentially lower detection thresholds – thus, with direct impact on physics results.
05 Sep

Low-Energy Electron Scattering Facilities for Nuclear Physics in Japan: SCRIT for Exotic Nuclei and ULQ2 for Proton Charge Radius

05 September 2023 - 4:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Tohoku University

Toshimi Suda

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An overview of the two groundbreaking low-energy electron-scattering facilities for nuclear physics in Japan, which we have constructed and are operating today, will be presented. I will discuss the facility details, their current status, and the physics program pursued at these facilities. 1) SCRIT facility at RIKEN (SCRIT: Self-Confining Radioactive-isotope Ions Target) charge density distribution of short-lived exotic nuclei electron beam : Ee = 150 - 300 MeV (q = 80 - 300 MeV/c) ISOL (238U Photofission), electron storage ring, large-acceptance spectrometer. 2) ULQ2 facility in Sendai (ULQ2: Ultra-Low Q2) proton and deuteron charge radii, RMS radius of the neutron distribution of 208Pb electron beam : Ee = 10 - 60 MeV (q = 5 - 120 MeV/c) 60-MeV e-linac, twin spectrometers with 4k-ch silicon strip detectors. Furthermore, I would also like to discuss a new physics opportunity, recently pointed out [1], to extract the RMS radius of the neutron distribution in nuclei by electron scattering. Our ongoing efforts and methodologies involved in extracting the neutron RMS radius through low-energy electron scattering at both facilities will be discussed.
06 Sep

The TeV Sun Rises: The Solar Atmosphere as a Laboratory for Particle Physics

06 September 2023 - 4:10 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Michigan State University

Mehr Un Nisa

Show/Hide Abstract
The propagation of cosmic rays (CRs) in the solar system is subject to the influence of Sun's magnetic fields. The local CR flux is not only modulated by the Sun, but also undergoes complex interactions in the photosphere. Studying the flux of secondary photons and neutrinos produced in CR interactions with the Sun offers an excellent opportunity to study the mysterious solar environment, and to measure the backgrounds for indirect searches for dark matter therein. The Sun has been found to be a surprisingly bright source of very-high-energy gamma rays that are hard to explain with current models, and challenge our understanding of our nearest star. I will discuss the recent developments in the highest energy observations of the Sun - particularly the first detection of TeV gamma rays with the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory.
08 Sep

Combining Fiber Lasers for Accelerators and Broad Applications

08 September 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Tong Zhou

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Laser-plasma accelerators (LPA) have demonstrated ultra-high accelerating gradients, with the potential to make future accelerators and colliders more compact and lower-cost. Next generation LPAs require ultrafast laser drivers with multi-J-class energies and up to tens of kHz rep-rates, i.e. hundred-kW-class average power. Current ultrashort laser technologies, e.g. Ti:S, operating at tens of J-class energies and rep-rates up to a few Hz, are limited by thermal handling and efficiency and do not scale to tens of kHz rep-rates and hundred-kW-class average power. Fiber lasers are the most efficient high-average power laser technology demonstrated to date, and coherently combined (in space, time, and spectrum) fiber lasers are considered one of the most promising solutions to achieve the laser needs of future LPAs and colliders. Tremendous progress has been made on demonstrating the principles of the scalable, coherently-combined, ultrafast fiber lasers. In the near- to mid-term, tens of kW systems will be available to drive LPAs, and an R&D path has been identified to achieve hundreds of kW laser systems.
15 Sep

Indirect Neutron-Capture Constraints for the Astrophysical i-Process featuring Andrea Richard (LLNL)

15 September 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Andrea Richard

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Hosted by: Barbara Paes Ribeiro (TANDAR) Neutron-capture nucleosynthesis occurs via a variety of processes depending on the astrophysical sites and conditions. Recent observations and stellar evolution models of carbon enhanced metal poor stars (CEMP) and Rapidly Accreting White Dwarf stars (RAWDs) suggest that an intermediate process, known as the i-process, exists between the traditional s- and r-processes, and is necessary to explain observed abundances in these environments. i-process nucleosynthesis is impacted by various nuclear data inputs, of which the main source of uncertainty arises from neutron-capture reaction rates. Direct neutron-capture measurements are only feasible for long-lived nuclei, while for short-lived nuclei, indirect techniques are required. In this presentation, I will discuss indirect neutron-capture techniques that have been developed over the last few years, namely the β-Oslo method and the Surrogate Reaction method, and how they can be applied across the nuclear chart at radioactive beam facilities such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, CARIBU at Argonne National Laboratory, and TRIUMF to address i-process nucleosynthesis and beyond. *This work was performed under the auspices of the US Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344
19 Sep

Muon Production Target at Japan Proton Accelerator Research complex

19 September 2023 - 10:30 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
J-PARC (KEK)

Dr. Shiro Matoba

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The Muon Science Facility (MUSE) at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC MLF) generates intense pulsed muon beams (3 GeV, 25 Hz, up to 0.33 mA), which are used to study various elementary particle and material life.

A muon production target is installed on the proton beamline between the 3 GeV synchrotron and the neutron target.

The target is made of high-purity isotropic graphite IG-430U (Toyo Tanso), which is exposed to a strong radiation environment and heats up to high temperatures during beam irradiation.

In 2014, the fixed target was replaced by a rotating target, which is now operating smoothly at 800 kW.

The ring-shaped graphite, 250 mm in inner diameter, 350 mm in outer diameter, and 20 mm thick, is divided into three sections to prevent failure due to thermal stress caused by thermal imbalance. By introducing a solid lubricant made from tungsten disulfide, we have achieved a long life of the rotating support under high heat, high radiation, and vacuum, which is expected to be about ten years. In the presentation, the current status of the target development and monitoring system will be reported.

20 Sep

Resuming or Reforming? The Effects of COVID-19 on Higher Education

20 September 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
UNESCO/Harvard Kennedy School

Clarisa Yerovi

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COVID-19 forced higher education institutions to change their ways: from administration and management to teaching and learning, research, and internationalization. This talk provides a global overview of the substantial effects of COVID-19 on these four areas and the efforts made by governments and the higher education community to cope with them. It also identifies important lessons learned from the opportunities and challenges evidenced throughout the analysis. These lessons may be useful for future action as higher education institutions continue to adapt to the changing world.
22 Sep

The Similarity Renormalization Group and Factorization Techniques

22 September 2023 - 2:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory

Boyao Zhu

22 Sep

High Power Operation, Upgrade and R&D at Spallation Neutron Source

22 September 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Sang-Ho Kim

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The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) provides the most intense proton beams for scientific research and industrial development. SNS has acquired extensive operational experience and numerous lessons and achieved stable and reliable operation. Currently the proton power upgrade (PPU) project is in progress with a goal of increasing the proton beam power capability from 1.4 MW to 2.8 MW. The PPU scope is optimized between built-in upgrade provisions, cost effectiveness and technical aspects based on SNS experiences. The SNS accelerator contains both the highest power proton Linac and the highest-intensity ring on a per-pulse basis. Accelerator research program at SNS capitalizes on these unique machine capabilities to address barriers to achieving next-generation beam powers beyond the current beam power record. The presentation will cover status of SNS, PPU project progress and current/planned topics of research and development at SNS.
24 Sep

How to See a Star Explode from Underground

24 September 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Duke University

Kate Scholberg

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When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it collapses and then explodes as a supernova, which can shine as brightly as an entire galaxy for a brief time. Right before the explosion, the collapsed star emits a brilliant (but almost invisible) flash of neutrinos. Neutrinos are ghostly particles that can fly through matter as if it were transparent. I will describe how we can catch some of these neutrinos in vast underground detectors. The neutrinos we observe will give us an early warning of the impending supernova, and will allow us to see what's happening inside the exploding star and possibly witness the birth of a black hole. Zoom Public Talk https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uXYEpqouQ2iCd7o7_OXr5g
25 Sep

Symposium on Past Present and Future of Nuclear Structure Theory

25 September 2023 - 9:00 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Show/Hide Abstract
A one-day nuclear science symposium entitled: "The Past, Present, and Future of Nuclear Structure Theory in the FRIB Era" will be held on 25 September 2023 at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI USA. This symposium highlights important results and physics insights obtained from the nuclear shell model, current intersections between ab initio methods and the shell model, and future planning for experimental support, code development, and workforce in the FRIB era. The goal is to bring together researchers from different communities and build new connections to ensure continued progress in nuclear structure theory and support for important experimental programs.
28 Sep

Measurement of (d,p) and (d, Helium-3) Reactions with Beryllium-7 in the Context of 6, Lithium-7 Anomalies

28 September 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom

Sk Mustak Ali

29 Sep

Measurement of the 235U(n,f) Cross Section Relative to n-p Scattering up to 500 MeV at the n_TOF Facility at CERN

29 September 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
CERN

Alice Manna

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Neutron-induced fission reactions play a key role in the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements. The description of fission recycling during r-process nucleosynthesis, relies on model predictions of fission reactions. To this end, various models are used in literature for calculating the fission rates and the mass distribution of fission fragments for a number of heavy and highly unstable actinides. In order to provide a reliable description of reaction rates for Th, U and heavier actinides, current efforts are underway for refining models with a comprehensive and self-consistent description of the fission process. In this respect, new fission data on a variety of actinides are needed, as the predictive power of current models can only by improved by comparison with a large set of experimental results. The 235U(n,f) cross section is one of the most important neutron cross-section standards, and therefore it is recognized as a convenient reference for other reaction cross-section measurements at thermal energy and between 0.15 MeV and 200 MeV. Outside these energy ranges the cross section is either not so well known or not measured yet, as for example above 200 MeV, where evaluations can only rely on theoretical calculations. With the continuous effort for the improvement of standard cross sections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) together with nuclear data evaluators' teams, the longstanding quest for accurate and reliable 235U(n,f) cross section data turns out to be still pending, for neutron energies above 20 MeV (only 2 data sets are present in the 20-200 MeV energy region). In particular, fission measurements relative to the neutron-proton elastic scattering, which is considered the primary reference for neutron cross section measurements, are still highly requested. The neutron time-of-flight facility, n_TOF, at CERN, offers the possibility to study neutron-induced reactions thanks to the extremely wide neutron energy spectrum available in its experimental area, from thermal up to 1 GeV. In the recent years, dedicated measurement campaigns were carried out to provide accurate and precise cross section data of the 235U(n,f) reaction, in a low energy region, up to 10 MeV, as well as in the high energy region from 10 MeV to 500 MeV. The experimental apparatus used in the measurements at high neutron energies, which involved the efforts of several research institutions (INFN, PTB and IPN, in addition to CERN), consisted of three flux and two fission detectors, allowing to simultaneously record the number of neutrons impinging on the 235U samples (incident neutron flux), as well as fission events, as a function of the neutron energy. The neutron flux measurement is based on the neutron-proton elastic scattering reaction, and it exploits the detection of the recoil protons from the n-p reaction in a polyethylene target using three Proton Recoil Telescopes. The fission events have been recorded with a fission ionization chamber, as well as by a parallel plates avalanche counters (PPAC) detector, specifically designed for operation at n_TOF. The experimental apparatus and data analysis will be presented, with a focus on the results obtained in the high-energy region, above 200 MeV. A comparison with current model descriptions of the fission process at high neutron energies will be included in the comparison with the experimental results obtained at n_TOF.
06 Oct

Neutron-Capture in the Wild: Finding R-Process Enhanced Metal-Poor Stars in the Milky Way and Beyond

06 October 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
NOIRLab

Vinicius Placco

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The lowest metallicity stars in the Milky Way Halo are the fossil records of the earliest star-forming environments in the universe. Their chemical abundance patterns help us understand primordial nucleosynthesis, the mass function of the first stars, and the pathways that led to the chemical complexity we observe today. However, there is still debate about when (and for how long) the universe transitioned from metal-free to the first chemical enrichment episodes that triggered low-mass star formation. In that context, metal-poor stars with enhancements in elements formed by the r-process can hold valuable clues to this intricate cosmic puzzle. Such stars are rare and difficult to find, so I'll review some of the methods and tools astronomers use to increase their chances of identifying these chemically peculiar stars within the ever-increasing astronomical stellar databases. I will also talk about the serendipitous discovery and chemo-dynamical analysis of SPLUSJ1424, an old, low-mass, extremely metal-poor halo star enhanced in elements formed by the r-process. At [Fe/H]=-3.39, this is one of the lowest metallicity stars with measured Th and has the highest Th/Eu ratio observed to date, making it part of the "actinide-boost" category. Analysis suggests that the gas cloud from which SPLUSJ1424-2542 was formed must have been enriched by at least two progenitor populations, including a supernova explosion of metal-free stars and a neutron star merger event.
06 Oct

Update on the 2023 Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science

06 October 2023 - 2:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
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An update on the 2023 Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science
06 Oct

Advanced Light Sources R&D Program at RadiaBeam

06 October 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
RadiaBeam

Alex Murokh

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In this presentation we review RadiaBeam programs to develop Inverse Compton Scattering (ICS) gamma ray source and compact XFEL light source. We also present recent progress on development and commissioning of the novel C-band hybrid photoinjector. The hybrid allows simultaneously enabling high brightness e-beam generation, acceleration, and longitudinal compression with only 80 cm of space, between the photocathode surface and the linac entrance plane. The commissioning results illuminate unique hybrid dynamics. The near-term plans for the ongoing 100 MeV beam energy upgrade, and ICS source commissioning are also presented. We also provide a brief overview of RadiaBeam capabilities, product line and other R&D programs.
10 Oct

Partial Conservation of Seniority in Semi-Magic Nuclei: A Toy Model Comes True

10 October 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

Chong Qi

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Seniority symmetry has had a profound impact on the description of the spectroscopic and electromagnetic transition properties of semi-magic nuclei and open shell nuclei near the shell closures. In principle, the symmetry is conserved only for simple systems with identical particles in a single-j shell with j &#8804 7/2. But it turns out that the seniority can still be partially conserved in certain systems with higher j values, in particular in the isolated j = 9/2 subshell [1-4]. One wouldn't have expected such simple systems to survive by considering the complexity of nuclear interaction. But the recent experiments do indicate that the symmetry can indeed be preserved in nuclei with four proton particles/holes in g9/2 and h9/2 subshells [5-9]. Those observations seem to show very contradictory electromagnetic transition properties which, I argue, are a manifestation of the partial conservation nature of the seniority symmetry [4]. [1]A. Escuderos and L. Zamick, Phys. Rev. C 73, 044302 (2006). [2] P. Van Isacker and S. Heinze, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 052501 (2008). [3] C. Qi, Phys. Rev. C 83, 014307 (2011). [4] C. Qi, Phys. Lett. B 773, 616 (2017); Y. Qian, C. Qi, Phys. Rev. C 98, 061303(R) (2018) [5] H. Mach, et al., Phys. Rev. C 95, 014313 (2017). [6] A. I. Morales et al., Phys. Lett. B 781, 706, (2018). [7] J.J. Valiente-Dob´on et al., Phys. Lett. B 816, 136183(2021). [8] B. Das, et al., Phys. Rev. C 105, L031304 (2022); B. Das, et al., to be published. [9] R. M. Perez-Vidal et al., Phys. Rev. Lett 129,112501 (2022)
11 Oct

The Global Effort Towards Making a Muon Collider

11 October 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Diktys Stratakis

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Offering a combination of unprecedented energy collisions in a comparatively clean leptonic environment, a multi-TeV muon collider has the unique potential to provide both precision measurements and the highest energy reach in one machine that cannot be paralleled by any currently available technology. Due to the increased interest, Muon Colliders are now part of the European R&D map and a new international collaboration is forming. An overview of the global research program towards a multi-TeV muon collider facility, identifying the most challenging R&D questions, a discussion of the design approach, and the potential of such a machine for high energy physics research will be presented. Key areas wherein the US can provide critical contributions to the global Muon Collider R&D efforts will be discussed as well.
12 Oct

First Light - LCLS-II World's Most Powerful X-Ray Laser

12 October 2023 - 3:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Greg Hays

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The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II), an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility housed at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, achieved a significant milestone by successfully generating its inaugural X-rays following a decade of dedicated efforts. LCLS-II introduced a cutting-edge superconducting linear accelerator (linac) at SLAC to advance research in free electron laser science, achieving repetition rates of up to 1 MHz. This linac is equipped with 35 cryomodules operating at 1.3 GHz, aimed at producing a beam with a minimum energy of 4 GeV, showcasing the latest in superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) technology. This seminar will provide an overview of the technological advancements that have made LCLS-II a reality and will delineate the ongoing upgrade efforts for LCLS-II-HE.
13 Oct

High Brightness Electron Beam Generation: Experience from Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility

13 October 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
Northern Illinois University

Gwanghui Ha

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Emittance is one of the beam characteristics that dominantly determines the performance of particle accelerator applications. Since the development of RF-photocathode gun, tremendous efforts have been made to enhance emittance. There have been several fundamental understandings and technological improvements. For last 7 years, Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) facility has participated in this effort as part of its facility improvement project. We have developed several techniques and equipment that can improve emittance or may help to identify issues from the gun and laser. In this talk, I will begin with a brief introduction of ingredients for high-brightness beam generation and relevant AWA's recent research activities. Later, I will share our previous activities on laser uniformity, cathode characterization and nonlinear effect correction. Additionally, the talk will include introduction of several well-known emittance diagnostics, along with two newly developed methods.
13 Oct

The Novak Trio Performing Chamber Music for Cello, Violin, and Piano

13 October 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
MSU

The Novak Trio

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Program Apres un Reve, for cello and piano-Gabriel Faure
17 Oct

Indication of Sharp and Strong Phase-Transitions from NICER Observations

17 October 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Zidu Lin

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We present a new method that quantitatively identifies the occurrence probability of equations of state (EoS) beyond "standard" EoS models that disfavor sharp and strong phase transitions, based on neutron star mass and radius observations. The radii of two neutron stars with different masses are naturally correlated, in part because both of them are sensitive to the symmetry energy of the EoS. We show the radii of two neutron stars observed by NICER (PSR J0740+6620 and PSR 0030+0451) are correlated if these two neutron stars are built upon EoSs with no sharp and strong first-order phase transitions. We further show that the linear correlation of the neutron star radii can be significantly weakened, when strong and sharp first-order phase transitions occur. We propose a new quantity, DL which measures the extent to which the linear correlation of the radii of two neutron stars is weakened. Our method gives a 48% identification probability (with a 5% false alarm rate) that the NICER observations indicate the necessity for a sharp and strong phase transition. Future observations can confirm or rule out this identification. Our method is generalizable to any pair of neutron star masses and can be employed with other sets of observations in the future.
18 Oct

The Importance of Boring Experiments in Nuclear Astrophysics

18 October 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Texas A&M University

Philip Adsley

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Nuclear astrophysicists try to understand how energy and the elements are created in stellar environments. Since the typical energy scale of stars is rather low compared to the Coulomb barrier, the likelihood of interactions is small. Difficulties with targets and low-intensity rare-isotope beams are further confounding factors for the experimentalist. These make direct measurements of cross sections for nuclear astrophysics technically challenging, requiring indirect approaches both to constrain reaction rates and to guide future direct measurements. In this talk, I will discuss some recent papers which demonstrate the importance of (relatively) simple experiments for nuclear astrophysics in guiding and informing direct measurements of astrophysically important cross sections. The cases that I will discuss focus on indirect techniques with high-resolution magnetic spectrometers at stable-beam facilities.
20 Oct

Atomic Masses for Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics: The New Ion Catcher and Mass Spectrograph at RIKEN's Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory Facility (link is external)

20 October 2023 - 10:00 AM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
RIKEN

Marco Rosenbusch

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Exploiting closed-path ion trajectories in an electrostatic ion trap, the multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph (MRTOF-MS) [1] is one of the most promising techniques for precise mass measurements of very short-lived isotopes. Exotic ions produced at radioisotope facilities are stored in an electrostatic trap at kinetic energies on the order of a few keV, reflected back and forth between two electrostatic ion mirrors, and ultimately ejected to a detector for time-of-flight (TOF) determination. By comparison with precise TOF data obtained from ions of well-known mass, the mass of an unknown ion can be calculated with relative uncertainties reaching &#948 m/m 5x10-8 using state-of-the-art technology. At the RIBF/BigRIPS facility of RIKEN (Wako, Japan) the new ZD-MRTOF system [2,3] located downstream of RIBF's ZeroDegree (ZD) spectrometer has been put into operation. The precision mass spectrometer is coupled to a cryogenic helium-gas filled ion catcher [4], where the initially relativistic reaction products are stopped, thermalized, and extracted as ions to be forwarded to the MRTOF-MS. Since autumn 2020 exotic ion beams are provided to our new setup, and previously unknown radioactive isotope masses, or those with large mass uncertainty, have been determined with high precision and accuracy. This contribution will focus on the success of this setup and the recent nuclear mass measurement achievements. I will present our performed experiments including masses in the region between neutron-rich Ga and Br isotopes, and new results in the region of Mo around N = 70. Furthermore, our physics results include insights into the development of tensor interactions between Ca and Cr isotopes, and also recent highlights from two other MRTOF facilities at RIBF will be presented. I will give an outlook for a near-future program for combined experiments with decay spectroscopy, and if time allows, some technical efforts to improve the mass accuracy for future measurements will be shown.
20 Oct

Modern cathode materials for LCLS-II HE

20 October 2023 - 3:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

John Smedley

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LCLS-II has just started operations this month, and extended X-FEL operation to MHz repetition rates, at least for soft x-rays. LCLS-II HE is an upgrade which will extend the x-ray reach of LCLS-II into the hard x-ray. The performance of this machine will be determined largely by the performance of it's electron source - this talk will focus explore two ongoing development efforts to improve the electron source for LCLS-II HE, one focused on gun development and one focused on cathode development. We will also explore the materials science of modern cathodes, and a few related applications.
22 Oct

Physics in Flatland: Searching for New Quantum Materials for Emerging Technologies

22 October 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Harvard University Department of Physics

Philip Kim

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Quantum physics has reshaped our understanding of materials and provided the opportunity to design materials for novel device applications. For example, superconductivity, an emergent quantum phenomenon in which electrons move without dissipating energy, has been exploited for devices that enable quantum computing and communications. In addition, modern electronics rely heavily on technology that confines electrons in the interfacial atomic layers, where the electrons move in an effective two-dimensional (2D) space, a flatland. The unique properties of these low-dimensional material systems are generally understood by considering enhanced quantum effects. In recent years, scientists have discovered that they can stack atomically thin 2D quantum materials to create engineered materials with a wide variety of electronic and optical properties. In this talk, we will discuss several research efforts to realize emergent physical phenomena in stacked atomically thin layered materials and possible applications based on these materials. Zoom webinar registration link: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VvS96uyaRoeOHLgH6J1kow
24 Oct

Exploring the Equation of State of Isospin Asymmetric Nuclear Systems with the INDRA-FAZIA Arrays

24 October 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
INFN

Giuseppe Verde and Simone Valdre

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The equation of state and its symmetry energy term play a key role in studying nuclear forces and astrophysical environments such as neutron stars and the neutrinosphere in supernovae explosions. Nucleus-nucleus collisions at intermediate energies provide one tool to study the role of isospin asymmetry in EoS under laboratory-controlled conditions. This talk will describe the projects of the FAZIA and INDRA collaborations carried out at EU laboratories, with a special attention on isospin diffusion and drift, on structure effects in collision dynamics and on the technological advances in the development of a new generation of detector arrays with high isotopic resolution over a wide dynamic range, such as FAZIA.
25 Oct

Recent Results with Texas Active Target (TexAT) Detector System

25 October 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Texas A&M University

Grigory Rogachev

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TexAT is an Active Target Detector System designed for a wide range of experiments with radioactive beams, targeting the structure of exotic nuclei, clustering phenomena in nuclei, nuclear astrophysics, and searches for exotic decay modes. I will discuss several recent results obtained with TexAT, highlighting the active target approach's advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. In particular, I will focus on a) the rare decay modes observed in beta-delayed charged particle spectroscopy of 13O, b) the structure of exotic nucleus 13Be, studied through the T=5/2 isobaric analog states in 13B,  c) clustering phenomena in 18Ne, studied in 14O+α resonance scattering, d) and the TexAT experiment with neutron beam to study the astrophysically important neutron upscattering process 12C(Hoyle)(n,n’)12 C(g.s.).
27 Oct

The War in Ukraine: Russia's Approach and Implications for Defense and Security Policy-Distinguished Nuclear Policy Lecture Series

27 October 2023 - 5:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Stanford University

Rose Gottemoeller

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"The war in Ukraine has seen both an unprecedented degree of nuclear saber-rattling from the Kremlin and a surge in military technology innovation. The irony is that as Putin and his coterie threaten nuclear holocaust with a technology that is nearly 100 years old, the Ukrainians have shown a remarkable ability to innovate, using off-the-shelf technology and their command of rocket science to shape the fight to their advantage. This interplay of old and new holds a number of risks for both combatants: they are walking a thin line between deterring each other and achieving their military objectives. Rose Gottemoeller will talk about the future implications of these dynamics for defense and security policy."

There will be a special reception immediately preceding the lecture in the area outside of room 1300.

The Distinguished Nuclear Policy Lecture series is a partnership between Michigan State University's James Madison College and FRIB that brings global policy experts to campus for talks about the political and scientific communities.

This lecture series brings together experts and scholars from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues related to nuclear policy, arms control, and non-proliferation. The lectures provide insights, analysis, and perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities in the evolving field of nuclear policy.

01 Nov

Relativistic Quantum Calculations for Electronic Structure and Separation of Radioactive Isotopes

01 November 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
MSU Department of Physics & Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Jose Mendoza

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We will discuss our recent state-of-the-art relativistic calculations to investigate the influence of relativistic and electron correlation effects on radioactive isotopes and how this can be used for their separation or using heavy elements for Qubits. We will highlight the role of f-type atomic orbitals in electronic structures and chemical bonding and how relativistic effects can alter their behavior.
02 Nov

Progress Towards a Search for CP-Violating Nuclear Schiff Moments Using Molecules in Solids

02 November 2023 - 1:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Nicholas Nusgart

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Nuclear Schiff moments (NSMs) present a powerful probe into new physics through their connection to CP-symmetry violation. Such symmetry violations are needed to explain the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe. We are investigating the application of molecular matrix methods to the search for NSMs of pear-shaped nuclei in heavy polar radioactive molecules. Pear-shaped nuclei (i.e. those with both octupole deformations), such as radium-225, are expected to have enhanced NSMs. These methods involve trapping polar molecules in a noble gas matrix, which is predicted to lock their orientation relative to the matrix lattice vectors. This contribution focuses on the FRIB-EDM3 instrument, which consists of two main parts. The frontend will create and mass-separate molecular ions, such as RaF. Electrospray ionization will be used to create the molecular ions, then a series of ion optics will introduce the ions to vacuum and perform mass separation. The backend will neutralize the ions, co-deposit them in a noble gas matrix, and perform molecular hyperfine spectroscopy, which will ultimately enable an NSM search. We believe that this approach may be an efficient method for creating and trapping radioactive molecules starting from a precursor solution made available by the Isotope Harvesting Program at FRIB. Our initial goal is to quantify and optimize the efficiency of this approach. Eventually we aim to carry out a sensitive search for the NSM of radium-225 using, for example, RaF molecules in solid argon. Information will be provided on the current status of the instrument as well as calculations relevant to developing an NSM measurement scheme. Committee: Jaideep Singh (Chairperson), Jonas Becker, Scott Bogner, Daniel Hayden, Kei Minamisono, Ryan Ringle.
03 Nov

Understanding the Weak R-Process in V-Driven Winds of Core Collapse Supernovae: Direct (<span>α</span>,xn) Measurements with the Active Target MUSIC

03 November 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Argonne National Laboratory

Chloe Fougeres

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Half of the elements heavier than iron are expected to be produced by the r-process consisting of rapid neutron-capture reactions on stable and unstable neutron-rich nuclei. The other half mostly originates from the slow neutron-capture process (s-process). Although recently proven to occur during neutron-star mergers, other sites of the r-process and other mechanisms are still under consideration to explain the abundance patterns above Fe. For instance, a subset of old (low metallicity) stars presents elemental abundances at the first peak possibly explained by the weak r-process. The latter is thought to be active in neutron-star mergers and/or ν-driven winds after core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). In the second environment, the synthesis of elements around Z~40 is mainly driven by (α,n) and (n,ϒ) reactions at temperatures within [2, 5] GK. However, α-induced reactions have been poorly measured to date. Therefore, rates are presently calculated with the statistical Hauser-Feshbach modes where nuclear physics inputs like the choice of an α-Optical-Model Potential (α-OMP) lead to uncertainties of several orders of magnitude. These nuclear uncertainties are too important to gain insights on the CCSNe ν-driven wind conditions while comparing models to observed elemental abundances in metal-poor stars. Hence the need for experimental work on (α,n) reactions affecting the weak r-process in CCSNe ν-winds as well as nuclear reaction theory. Two experiments were performed at the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System facility to measure, for the first time, the cross sections of 88Sr(α,n)91Zr and 87Rb(α,xn)Y at astrophysics energies (Ecm ~ 8-13 MeV). Such experiments relied on the active gaseous target technique, in inverse kinematics, with the MUlti Sampling Ionization Chamber (MUSIC). They made use of the detector efficiency of 100 % and its electrically-segmented anode to measure the excitation function at different energies while the incident beam slows down in the gas. Digital data acquisition electronics, employed for the first time, allowed higher rates (x8). Results on these two weak r-process (α,xn) reactions will be given. Measured cross sections have been compared to statistical Hauser-Feshbach calculations, bringing so constrains on the α-OMP. The thermonuclear reaction rates have been evaluated with strongly reduced uncertainties. Future experimental efforts on the weak r-process in CCSNe ν-winds will be finally discussed.
03 Nov

Advanced Materials for Accelerator Technologies in Euclid's R&D Program

03 November 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Euclid Techlabs

Alexei Kanareykin

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With the talk, we present recent developments of the high-power microwave components with their applications for SRF accelerators. The first example is the Ferroelectric Fast Reactive Tuner (F-FRT) developed by Euclid in collaboration with FNAL and BNL, and successfully tested at CERN. This technique has now become practically feasible due to the recent development of a new extremely low loss and fast (10 ns-100 ns time range) ferroelectric material, which has been tested, and fast frequency tuning has been demonstrated. F-FRTs can be used for a wide variety of SRF related technologies including microphonics suppression for ERLs and heavy ion accelerators (FRIB), transient beam loading compensation for HE-LHC and EIC, and fast RF switching too. We will also present a MW level RF window based on the new conductive low-loss ceramic especially designed for this type of high-power component. At the recent high-power tests at Fermilab and Jlab, this new composite material overperformed the standard alumina window currently used for SRF power couplers. At the end, we will talk about Euclid's program on synthetic diamond growth for light source X-ray optics and other accelerator applications.
03 Nov

Saxophone Quartets:
Featuring PULSE Quartet and Quartet Fiume

03 November 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
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Danzon no. 5: Portales de Madrugada(1997) Arturo Marquez (b. 1950) Doublethink (2015) Takuma Itoh (b. 1984) Aus Holberg's Zeit (1884) Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) I. Prelude II. Sarabande V. Rigaudon PULSE Quartet Zachary Costello, Soprano Saxophone Spencer Cox, Alto Saxophone Owen Robinson, Tenor Saxophone Michael Ethier, Baritone Saxophone Italian Concerto BWV 971 (1735) Johan Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) III. Presto arr. Katsuki Tochio Nocturne (2021) Zhou Tian (b. 1981) Quartet for Saxophone (1932) Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) III. Finale Unquiet Spirits (2012) John Mackey (b. 1973) I II III Quartet Fiume Nathan Salazar, Soprano Saxophone Parker Fritz, Alto Saxophone Owen Kilpatrick, Tenor Saxophone Michael Keeler, Baritone Saxophone PULSE is an internationally award-winning undergraduate saxophone quartet at Michigan State University studying under Professor Joseph Lulloff. Their mission is to deliver a diverse range of repertoire that will engage and inspire any audience while breaking down the proverbial barrier between the audience and the performer. This past summer, PULSE was artists in residence for the 2023 Manitou Music Festival in Glen Arbor, MI. Previously, the quartet were artists in residence for the Interlochen Public Radio and the Sound Garden Project. PULSE was awarded 1st Prize in the Performing Artist Division of the 2023 NOLA Chamber Festival Competition, won Second Prize at the 2022 Barbara Wagner Chamber Music Competition, and advanced as finalists in the 2022 Coltman Chamber Music Competition and 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Quartet Competition. In addition, PULSE has been internationally recognized where they received 2eme Prix a l'unanimité in the Chamber Music Division of the 2022 International Music Competition. The ensemble has played for many esteemed musicians such as Branford Marsalis, members of Eighth Blackbird, Stacy Garrop, Christopher Creviston, h2 Quartet, and Taimur Sullivan. All members of the quartet value the kind of brotherhood and camaraderie that blossoms while playing chamber music. Quartet Fiume is a newly formed saxophone quartet consisting of graduate students from Michigan State University: Nathan Salazar (DMA), Parker Fritz (DMA), Owen Kilpatrick (MM), and Michael Keeler (MM), studying with Professor Joseph Lulloff. Quartet Fiume's members have previously been recognized in a number of national competitions, such as the NASA Collegiate Solo and Saxophone Quartet Competitions, the MTNA Young Artist and Chamber Winds Competition, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. The ensemble is committed to expanding the capabilities of the saxophone quartet through diverse programming ranging from transcriptions, saxophone quartet standards, and new saxophone quartet music written within the past decade.
06 Nov

The Excitation of Isovector Giant Resonances via <sup>60</sup>Ni (<sup>3</sup>He,t) Reaction at 140 MeV/u

06 November 2023 - 9:30 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Felix Ndayisabye

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Nuclear charge-exchange reactions at intermediate energies are powerful probes of the isovector response of nuclei. They provide an opportunity to study isovector giant resonances, such as the Gamow-Teller resonance and the isovector giant monopole and dipole resonances. The properties of these giant resonances provide important insights into the bulk properties of nuclear matter and have important implications for neutrino and astrophysics. In this work, the focus is on the investigation of the properties of isovector giant resonances excited via the 60Ni (3He,t) reaction at 140 MeV/u up to excitation energies of 60 MeV to study the Gamow-Teller resonance, isobaric analog state, isovector (spin) monopole, dipole, and quadrupole giant resonances.

The (3He,t) reaction was used as an isovector probe to investigate the properties of isovector giant resonances in 60Cu. To investigate these isovector giant resonances, the analysis was done through a multiple decomposition analysis (MDA). The differential cross sections were fitted with a linear combination of the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) angular distributions associated with different angular momentum transfer. The angular distributions were calculated in DWBA by using the code package FOLD code. Different giant resonances were seen at different excitation energies. The results were compared with the shell model and normal-mode calculations.

It was found that the Gamow-Teller strengths extracted from the experiment could be reproduced reasonably well by the shell-model calculations. The extraction of the isovector dipole and monopole resonances was complicated by the presence of the quasi-free continuum. A detailed extraction of the isovector monopole resonances was not possible. For isovector dipole resonance, a reasonable consistency was found with the normal-mode calculations, after applying a simple estimate for the contributions from the quasifree continuum.

Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the properties of isovector giant resonances, highlights the importance of continuum subtraction, and provides a detailed analysis of the (3He,t) reaction for probing these resonances at high excitation energies.

Committee: Remco Zegers (Chairperson), Danny Caballero, Tyce DeYoung, Paul Gueye, Filomena Nunes. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review.aspx - choose student
08 Nov

Consistent Inference of Neutron Star Bulk and Crust Properties and Nuclear Observables: The Case of Resonant Shattering Flares

08 November 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Texas A&M University-Commerce

William Newton

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We have entered the era of multi-messenger nuclear astrophysics, bringing a host of astrophysical observations and nuclear experimental data to collectively measure the properties of neutron star matter and the nuclear force in neutron-rich systems. In order to combine disparate data sets with meaningful uncertainty quantification, over the past decade statistical inference techniques employing ensembles of models of each observable have been increasingly employed. In order to minimize systematic model uncertainty, where possible the same underlying model should be used to construct neutron star and nuclear models. We present an example of such an approach, using an Energy-Density Functional based model to infer neutron star properties and nuclear properties including the symmetry energy from astrophysical and nuclear data. We argue for the importance of building models of the crust consistent with the core equation of state. We present an example of using a potential crust related observable - namely the frequency of the crust-core interface mode excited to resonance by tidal fields during binary neutron star inspiral - to infer neutron star and nuclear properties.
09 Nov

Dark Matter and Other Beyond the Standard Model Searches with Superconducting Radio Frequency Cavities at the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center

09 November 2023 - 4:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Bianca Giaccone

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The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center, led by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, is one of five research centers funded by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a national initiative to develop and deploy the world's most powerful quantum computers and sensors. The SQMS Center uses world-record quality-factor superconducting radio-frequency, or SRF, cavities as ultra-sensitive quantum probes. Cavities combined with superconducting transmon qubits can be the building block of a quantum computer, and they can also be employed for fundamental physics searches. Within the quantum sensing thrust, researchers are developing experiments based on cavities and novel quantum devices to search for particles beyond the Standard Model, dark matter candidates, gravitational waves and fundamental material properties. The seminar will present a brief overview of the center and focus on the physics and sensing work conducted at Fermilab.
09 Nov

Mass 57, 59 Urca Cooling in Superbursting Systems

09 November 2023 - 4:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Kirby Hermansen

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COMMITTEE: Hendrik Schatz (Chairperson), Sean Couch, Wade Fisher, Morten Hjorth-Jensen, Artemis Spyrou. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review.aspx - choose student
10 Nov

Three Beethoven Piano Sonatas, Op. 10
Featuring Young Hyun Cho

10 November 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Michigan State University

Hyun Cho Young

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Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) I. Allegro molto e con brio II. Adagio molto III. Finale: Prestissimo Sonata No. 6 in F major, Op. 10, No. 2 I. Allegro II. Allegretto III. Presto Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3 I. Presto II. Largo e mesto III. Menuetto. Allegro IV. Rondo. Allegro Young Hyun Cho's concert activities have taken her around the globe. She has performed in Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and throughout the United States. She has performed as a soloist at world's prestigious venues, including Vienna Musikverein and Berlin Philharmonic Concert Hall. She released her CD with the Last Three Beethoven Piano Sonatas under the SONY Classical label. As a featured soloist, Young Hyun Cho performed with Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Filarmonica della Calabria of Italy, North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Teplice, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica de la Region de Murcia of Spain, Budapest Symphony Chamber Orchestra MAV, Euro Sinfonietta Wien, Korean Broadcasting System Symphony Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, Seoul National Symphony Orchestra, Eurasian Philharmonic Orchestra, Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra, Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Holland Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, Northeast Orchestra, and University of Texas at Arlington Symphony Orchestra. As a guest faculty artist, she has taught and/or performed at many institutes and universities. She has been a frequent adjudicator for piano competitions and has judged at Dallas Chamber Symphony Orchestra International Competition, State and Regional divisions of the Music Teachers National Association piano competitions. She received her Doctoral Arts of Musical degree from the Eastman School of Music, Master's degree and Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody Conservatory, and Bachelor's degree from Seoul National University. Her primary teachers include Nelita True, Boris Slutsky and Mikyung Kim. Young Hyun Cho is an associate professor of piano at the Michigan State University College of Music. Prior to this, she served as an associate professor at the University of Texas at Arlington.
13 Nov

Eugene Rumer - Russia's Long War

13 November 2023 - 5:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
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"Experts rarely predict major events, but afterwards they can explain why what happened was inevitable. Few predicted that Russia would launch an all-out war against Ukraine in February 2022, and even when intelligence leaks showed that Russia was preparing to attack, many did not believe it. Yet, in retrospect, this war was inevitable for reasons of history, geography, and personalities involved. Eugene Rumer will speak to why these drivers of Russian security policy matter so much and why this war with Ukraine and confrontation with the West will last a long time."
14 Nov

Structure of Multi-Neutron Systems

14 November 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
RIKEN

Emiko Hiyama

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Since 1960s, there have been many efforts to find 3n and 4n systems as resonant states. In Ref. [1], a sharp low energy peak has been observed. After this observation, it is important to explain this peak theoretically. Furthermore, to study 4n system, at RIKEN, 8He(p,2p)7H has been performed and analysis is on going. In this experiment, they also attempt to find super-heavy hydrogen system, 7H. In the seminar, I will give a talk on current theoretical situation on 4n system and recent work on 7H.
_________
[1] Duer et al., Nature (London) 606, 678 (2022).

15 Nov

The KDK (potassium decay) Experiment: 40K, dark matter and geochronology.

15 November 2023 - 4:10 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
Queen's University

Philippe Di Stefano

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Potassium-40 is a long-lived, naturally occurring radioisotope. Its various decays to 40Ar and 40Ca affect geochronology and rare-event searches. The KDK (potassium decay) Collaboration has obtained the first experimental evidence for the very rare electron-capture branch from 40K to the ground state of 40Ar. The measurement was carried out at Oak Ridge using the modular total absorption spectrometer (MTAS) and a silicon drift detector. This measurement quantifies a previously ill-known background in rare-event searches and resolves a longstanding uncertainty in potassium-based geological age estimates, while also informing the theoretical modelling of highly forbidden weak decays.
16 Nov

Solid-Phase Isotope Harvesting: Harvesting Radioisotopes from Beam Irradiated Tungsten, Boron and Lutetium

16 November 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Samridhi Satija

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Committee: Greg Severin (Chairperson), Greg Swain, Sean Liddick, Kyle Brown.
17 Nov

Pulsational Pair-Instability Supernovae in Gravitational-Wave and Electromagnetic Transients

17 November 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
University of Surrey

David Hendriks

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Current observations of binary black-hole (BBH) merger events show support for a feature in the primary BH-mass distribution at ~ 35 M , previously interpreted as a signature of pulsational pair-instability (PPISN) supernovae. Such supernovae are expected to map a wide range of pre-supernova carbon-oxygen (CO) core masses to a narrow range of BH masses, producing a peak in the BH mass distribution. However, recent numerical simulations place the mass location of this peak above 50 M. Motivated by uncertainties in the progenitor's evolution and explosion mechanism, we explore how modifying the distribution of BH masses resulting from PPISN affects the populations of gravitational-wave (GW) and electromagnetic (EM) transients. To this end, we simulate populations of isolated BBH systems and combine them with cosmic star-formation rates. Our results are the first cosmological BBH-merger predictions made using the binary_c rapid population synthesis framework. We find that our fiducial model does not match the observed GW peak. We can only explain the 35 M peak with PPISNe by shifting the expected CO core-mass range for PPISN downwards by ~ 15 Msun. Apart from being in tension with state-of-the art stellar models, we also find that this is likely in tension with the observed rate of hydrogen-less super-luminous supernovae. Conversely, shifting the mass range upward, based on recent stellar models, leads to a predicted third peak in the BH mass function at ~ 64 Msun. The shape and height of this peak is sensitive details of the PPISN mechanism, nuclear physics and the maximum stellar mass, and, as such, uncovering a peak feature here may inform us about these properties. This upward shift is supported by recent detailed stellar evolution models and softens the tension with the observed transient rates. Upcoming observation runs will increase detections in the high-mass range and may indeed uncover this newly proposed peak. As such, they will improve our understanding of the details of the PPISN mechanism.
17 Nov

Magnets for the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab

17 November 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory

Karie Badgley

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The Mu2e experiment will measure the charged-lepton flavor violating (CLFV) neutrino-less conversion of a muon into an electron (Mu2e) in the field of a nucleus. The conversion results in a mono-energetic electron of ~105 MeV that recoils from the nucleus. The goal is to achieve a single-event sensitivity of 3x10-17 on the conversion rate, which would improve the sensitivity by four orders of magnitude over previous experiments. The Mu2e experiment is entering an exciting phase with the first magnet planned to arrive at the experiment late this year. We will use the recent progress on the transport solenoids for Mu2e to look at the design, fabrication, testing, and assembly of magnets. We will start with a brief physics motivation and introduction to the Mu2e experiment, with a focus on the superconducting solenoid systems. We will also cover other magnetic measurement systems, magnet test stands, and future test facilities at Fermilab.
17 Nov

Chamber Music Collage

17 November 2023 - 5:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
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Program: Glinka - Grand Sextet

Violin 1 - Leonid Tsoy
Violin 2 - Farangiz Takhirova
Viola - Aidan Chapman-Anderson
Cello - Lauren McKaque
Bass - Eli Hilborn
Piano - Yooiin Choi


Milhaud - Suite

Violin- Sage Rosales
Clarinet - Alicia Gutierrez
Piano - Leonid Tsoy


Serenade for flute, clarinet and cello (2019) - Harry Sdraulig (1992*)

Flute - Nathaniel Diaz
Clarinet - Juan Tovar
Cello - Po-Chen Chang


L. Beethoven - Piano Sonata op.53 "Waldstein"

Piano - Leonid Tsoy


E. Ysaye - Sonata for Violin-Solo 3 "Ballade"

Violin - Leonid Tsoy


Performers:

A native of Taiwan, Po-Chen Chang is studying for his doctoral of musical art degree at Michigan State University (MSU) with Professor Suren Bagratuni. Dedicated to participate in various performances and to explore different possibilities on creative cello playing, Po-Chen not only performs regularly with different orchestras such as Flint Symphony Orchestra and Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, but also has performed different projects and recitals in United States, Europe, and Asia. He also attends several international music festivals. His principal teachers have included Professor Bagratuni at MSU and Dr. Peter Opie at Ball State University.

Aidan Chapman-Anderson is a third-year undergraduate student at MSU, studying viola performance with Eric Nowlin and composition with David Biedenbender. He is originally from Shelby Township, Michigan.

Originally from South Korea, Yooiin Choi is currently studying at MSU, where she is pursuing her masters of music in collaborative piano.

Nathaniel "Richie" Diaz is a flutist from Abilene, Texas, where he earned his bachelor's degree in music performance in flute at Hardin-Simmons University. He is currently studying at Michigan State University to receive his masters of music in music performance. In 2018, Diaz received the Outstanding Soloist award at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. During his time at Hardin-Simmons, Diaz was a private lesson instructor for the Abilene Independent School District while also holding the co-principal spot of the Civic Orchestra of Abilene. Diaz has traveled and performed with the 'World Famous" Cowboy Band, marching in the 2020 Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as the 2022 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. Diaz has studied under Alex Carpenter (Hardin-Simmons), Richard Sherman (Michigan State University), and Hannah Hammel Maser (Detroit Symphony Orchestra), as well as taken lessons from Melissa Suhr (University of Houston), Kathrine Kemmler (Louisiana State University), and Terri Sundberg (University of North Texas).

Alicia Gutierrez is a Costa Rican clarinet player. They are currently starting their doctor of musical arts degree in clarinet performance at MSU under the direction of Dr. Guy Yehuda. Gutierrez came to the United States in 2014 to start their undergrad program in music performance at Duquesne University with Professor Ronald Samuels, and earned their master's in clarinet performance from Carnegie Mellon University in the spring of 2021 with Professor Thomas Thompson. Gutierrez has performed in various occasions with the Banda Nacional de San Jose in Costa Rica andis a former second clarinetist of the Lansing Symphony orchestra.Recently, Gutierrez started a new position as the second clarinetist of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.

Double bassist Eli Hilborn has been surrounded by music his entire life and has enjoyed every moment of it. He began studying the double bass when he was seven years old and has been performing in various large ensembles since he was nine. Currently, Hilborn is an undergraduate student studying with Kevin Brown at MSU, where he also performs with the MSU Symphony Orchestra in principal, assistant principal, and section positions. Previously, he held the role of principal double bassist of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra for two years and performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in their 2018 annual Hero's Gala. Furthermore, in October of 2020 he won Honorable Mention in the Double Bass Lab Orchestral Competition Junior Division. In 2023, Hilborn attended the prestigious Domaine Forget de Charlevoix Festival in Québec, Canada. He has also performed in numerous masterclasses led by Paul Ellison, David Allen Moore, Nina DeCesare, Scott Dixon, Etienne LaFrance, Nicholas Walker, Brandon Mason, the Kansas City Symphony bass section, Ali Yazdanfar, and Andrew Raciti.

Lauren McKague is a sophomore at Eastern Michigan University, where she studies under Deborah Pae and Dr. Jeremy Crosmer. While working toward a degree in cello performance at EMU, she is a guest student at MSU for chamber music. Outside of her studies, she works as the orchestra librarian for the EMU Symphony Orchestra and as a cellist for the Michigan Philharmonic.

Sage Rosales is an avid orchestral and chamber performer in the Michigan area. She completed her master's degree at MSU under the tutelage of Dmitri Berlinsky. Currently, she holds a position with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, and regularly plays alongside the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Rosales is an advocate for performing and commissioning new music by living composers and has given multiple world premieres in Europe and across the United States. In addition to her passion for performing, she is a devoted educator. Rosales teaches at the MSU Community Music School as well as various music festivals and public schools throughout the year.

Farangiz Takhirova is an international student and currently pursuing her doctoral of music degree in violin performance at MSU with Professor Dmitri Berlinsky. She performs with different orchestras such as the Midland Symphony Orchestra, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, and the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with numerous musicians such as Teddy Abrams, Morgan James, Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Eggar,Meg Okura, and I-Fu Wang. Throughout her career, Takhirova has won awards in the VII International Music Competition in Prague andhas participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Music Festival and the Sharq Taronalari International Ethnic Music Festival.

 

Juan Tovar is a Venezuelan clarinetist trained in El Sistema where he was an active orchestra musician, teacher and conductor until 2020. He holds a master's degree in clarinet performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied with Romie de Guise-Langlois. His previous studies focused on psychology and psychoanalysis, and he holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela. Tovar has participated in international tours to Colombia, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, and Mexico, as an orchestra conductor. He was also first clarinet of Maracaibo Symphony Orchestra and Simon Bolivar Concert Band in Venezuela, and second clarinet of the New England Repertory Orchestra. Currently, Tovar is a doctor of musical arts student under Dr. Mingzhe Wang at MSU.

Leonid Tsoy is a first-year graduate student at the MSU College of Music. He completed his bachelor's degree in violin and piano performance at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan. Presently, he is studying with Professor Dmitri Berlinsky and Professor Young Hyun Cho. Tsoy has experience playing solo, chamber, and orchestra music, and has premiered music written by Uzbek, Russian, and Canadian composers. He also holds the position of graduate teaching assistant.

21 Nov

Nuclear Few-Body Systems in Finite Volume

21 November 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
North Carolina State University

Hang Yu

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Finite-volume methods are well-established techniques in simulations of quantum systems. They reveal real-world properties from discrete energy levels in artificial finite boxes. In this talk, I briefly review Luscher's original idea and then introduce recent developments for systems with long-range Coulomb forces and for studies of resonances in finite volume. In Luscher's original idea, the finite volume properties assume interactions that are short-range and, therefore, pose no problem for imposing periodic boundary conditions around the box. This assumption works well in light nuclei and LQCD simulations. With nuclear simulations reaching the medium-mass region, however, the long-range Coulomb force becomes significant and should be considered non-perturbatively. I will present a method to include this long-range force in finite-volume bound-state calculations and apply the result to lattice computations to extract parameters relevant to nucleosynthesis processes. I will also demonstrate a technique that applies complex scaling in finite volume. This technique is not only useful for studying resonances in finite volume but also, importantly, allows finite-volume analyses without varying box sizes. This is valuable for ab initio lattice simulations where access to larger volumes is limited.
01 Dec

Nb<sub>3</sub>Sn Cavities for High-Energy Physics Applications Using Magnet Conductor Methods and Copper Cavity Bodies

01 December 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Florida State University

Lance Cooley

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For the past 6 years, our team has been developing methods to create high-quality coatings of Nb3Sn by methods compatible with copper cavity bodies for astrophysics detectors and high-power electron beam applications. Since the melting point of copper is 1,085 ℃, binary synthesis by reaction of Nb with Sn is impractical due to the need to react above 910 ℃ to suppress formation of unwanted Nb-Sn intermetallic phases. We take advantage of art used in the manufacturing of superconducting Nb3Sn wires, such as the conductors for the recent High-Luminosity Upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. In wires, ductile Cu and Sn components are combined during a staged heat treatment to form α- and &#003B5- bronze phases, which then react with Nb to produce Nb3Sn at temperatures between 600 and 800 ℃. For cavities, we pioneered a novel approach where a bronze phase is made first, then heated into the Nb3Sn reaction temperature zone during the deposition of Nb. This results in a rapidly growing film with microstructure unlike what is produced by solid-state reaction, and this conveys certain advantages for superconducting properties. As with magnet conductors, high tin activity is crucial for growth of films with stoichiometric composition and best properties. On the other hand, deposition and post-reaction approaches using a copper base facilitate incorporation of diffusion barriers to prevent contamination of copper and addition of interface layers to offset thermal contraction strain. We outline several approaches for copper substrates with different combinations of Nb, Cu-Sn, diffusion barrier, and thermal contraction mismatch materials. In the broader context, our work is a central component of global efforts to achieve Nb3Sn cavities, including tin-vapor methods at Fermilab and Cornell University, direct deposition from Nb3Sn targets at CERN, and alternative Cu-Sn methods at the University of Pisa in Italy, IHEP in China, and NIMS in Japan.
02 Dec

MSU Department of Theatre's "The STEAM Plays: Using the Arts to Talk About STEM"

02 December 2023 - 10:00 AM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
MSU Department of Theatre
02 Dec

MSU Department of Theatre's: "The STEAM Plays: Using the Arts to Talk About STEM"

02 December 2023 - 12:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
MSU Department of Theatre
04 Dec

Statistical Properties of 85Rb Nucleus Relevant to the Astrophysical P-Process

04 December 2023 - 2:00 PM
1221 Conference Room and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Konstantinos Bosmpotinis

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Committee: Artemisia Spyrou (Chairperson), Sean Liddick, Chloe Hebborn, Daniel Hayden, Wolfgang Kerzendorf
06 Dec

Nuclear Shell Evolution Near the N=20 and N=28 Islands of Inversion

06 December 2023 - 9:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Amelia Doetsch

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Committee: Alexandra Gade (Chairperson), Sean Liddick (Thesis Director), Tyce DeYoung, Alyssa Gaiser, Heiko Hergert
06 Dec

Constraining The Nuclear Matter Equation of State from Electromagnetic Properties of Finite Nuclei

06 December 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Francesca Bonaiti

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Understanding the nature of neutron stars is one of the most fascinating questions in nuclear astrophysics, as well as being among the main science drivers of FRIB. The structure, dynamics and composition of neutron stars are governed by the nuclear matter equation of state, which can be investigated in laboratory experiments targeting properties of finite nuclei, such as the electric dipole polarizability. This observable, strongly correlated with parameters entering the nuclear matter equation of state, sheds light also on the collective excitations of the nucleus at low energy. Computing the dipole polarizability is a challenging task that requires the knowledge of both bound and continuum excited states of the nucleus. Today, thanks to advances in many-body theory and high performance computing, we can calculate this quantity from first principles for increasingly large systems and provide estimates of our theoretical uncertainties. In this talk, I will discuss recent ab initio calculations of the dipole polarizability in light neutron-rich [1, 2] and closed-shell medium-mass nuclei [3] and compare them to experimental data. In the perspective of a future FRIB400 upgrade, where the dipole polarizability of extremely neutron-rich nuclei will be measured via Coulomb excitation experiments, I will present new theoretical developments allowing us to extend the reach of our calculations to open-shell nuclei. In the end, I will give an overview of my future research plans connecting to FRIB’s scientific missions. [1] F. Bonaiti, S. Bacca, G. Hagen, Ab-initio coupled-cluster calculations of ground and dipole excited states in 8He, Phys. Rev. C 105, 034313 (2022). [2] B. Acharya, S. Bacca, F. Bonaiti et al., Uncertainty quantification in electromagnetic observables of nuclei, Front. In Phys. 10:1066035 (2023). [3] R. W. Fearick, P. von Neumann-Cosel, S. Bacca, J. Birkhan, F. Bonaiti et al., Electric dipole polarizability of 40Ca, Phys. Rev. Research 5, L022044 (2023).
07 Dec

Ab Initio Theory Towards Reliable Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Nuclear Matrix Elements

07 December 2023 - 11:00 AM
1200 FRIB Laboratory
TRIUMF

Antoine Belley

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As experiments searching for neutrinoless double beta decay are in the planning phase of a next generation with hopes to completely probe the inverted mass hierarchy, the need for reliable nuclear matrix elements, which govern the rate of this decay, is stronger than ever. Since a large discrepancy is found when computing this quantity with different nuclear models, a large unknown still exists on the sensitivity of these experiments to the effective neutrino mass. In this talk I will present how, using ab initio methods relying on systematic expansions, a rigorous statistical uncertainty can be achieved. I will further discuss the new machine learning emulator that I have developed to allow for uncertainty quantification and discuss the future applications of this emulator to other nuclear physics problems.
08 Dec

Pulsational Pair-Instability Supernovae in Gravitational-Wave and Electromagnetic Transients

08 December 2023 - 2:00 PM
3203 FRIB Laboratory
University of Surrey

David Hendriks

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Current observations of binary black-hole (BBH) merger events show support for a feature in the primary BH-mass distribution at ~ 35 M, previously interpreted as a signature of pulsational pair-instability (PPISN) supernovae. Such supernovae are expected to map a wide range of pre-supernova carbon-oxygen (CO) core masses to a narrow range of BH masses, producing a peak in the BH mass distribution. However, recent numerical simulations place the mass location of this peak above 50 M. Motivated by uncertainties in the progenitor's evolution and explosion mechanism, we explore how modifying the distribution of BH masses resulting from PPISN affects the populations of gravitational-wave (GW) and electromagnetic (EM) transients. To this end, we simulate populations of isolated BBH systems and combine them with cosmic star-formation rates. Our results are the first cosmological BBH-merger predictions made using the binary_c rapid population synthesis framework. We find that our fiducial model does not match the observed GW peak. We can only explain the 35 M peak with PPISNe by shifting the expected CO core-mass range for PPISN downwards by ~ 15 Msun. Apart from being in tension with state-of-the art stellar models, we also find that this is likely in tension with the observed rate of hydrogen-less super-luminous supernovae. Conversely, shifting the mass range upward, based on recent stellar models, leads to a predicted third peak in the BH mass function at ∼ 64 Msun. The shape and height of this peak is sensitive details of the PPISN mechanism, nuclear physics and the maximum stellar mass, and, as such, uncovering a peak feature here may inform us about these properties. This upward shift is supported by recent detailed stellar evolution models and softens the tension with the observed transient rates. Upcoming observation runs will increase detections in the high-mass range and may indeed uncover this newly proposed peak. As such, they will improve our understanding of the details of the PPISN mechanism.
08 Dec

Upgrades for the Next Phase of the Ra EDM Laser Trap Experiment

08 December 2023 - 2:30 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Himanshi

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Committee: Jaideep Singh (Chairperson), Alyssa Gaiser, Hironori Iwasaki, Ryan LaRose, Johannes Pollanen
08 Dec

NiCu Nucleosynthesis Cycle with the GADGET II System

08 December 2023 - 3:00 PM
1200 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Alexander Adams

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Committee: Christopher Wrede (Chairperson), Sean Couch, Stephen Hsu, Witold Nazarewicz, Artemis Spyrou
10 Dec

Seven Misconceptions in the Foundations of Physics

10 December 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
University of Michigan
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The foundations of physics are typically associated with interpretations of quantum mechanics and the search for a theory of everything. Working on our project Assumptions of Physics, which aims to find a minimal set of physical starting points from which the laws of physics can be rederived, gave us a different perspective. In this talk we will discuss seven ideas that most physicists take for granted without realizing and which, as it turns out, steer us in the wrong direction. Surpassing these misconceptions leads us to a new understanding of what the laws of physics are, the relationship between physics and mathematics, and what the ultimate goal of the foundations of physics should be. Christine A. Aidala and Gabriele Carcassi Physics Department, University of Michigan -------------------- Christine Aidala received her Bachelor's degree in Physics and in Music from Yale University in 1999 and her Ph.D. in Physics from Columbia University in 2005. After a postdoctoral position with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she was a Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow and then staff scientist with Los Alamos National Lab until joining the faculty at the University of Michigan in 2012. In addition to her theoretical work on the foundations of physics, she performs experimental research in high-energy nuclear physics, studying the internal structure of the proton. Gabriele Carcassi received his degree in Informatics Engineering in 2000 from the Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He worked for twenty years in software and computing in support of large scale accelerator facilities and experiments, from control systems and databases, to wide area network data management and security. For the past decade he has had an increasing focus on foundational issues in physics, which he now pursues full time. He has been a researcher in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan since 2012. He is particularly interested in the boundaries between foundations of physics, foundations of mathematics and philosophy of science.
14 Dec

Illuminating the Future of Chemical Separations: A Discussion of Lanthanides in Exotic Oxidation States

14 December 2023 - 2:00 PM
1300 FRIB Laboratory
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Trenton Vogt

15 Dec

From Trigger to Data Analysis: Looking for New Physics at the LHC Using Deep Learning Techniques

15 December 2023 - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
FRIB Graduate Research Assistant

Maria Mazza

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Committee: Wade Fisher (Chairperson), Daniel Hayden, Wolfgang Kerzendorf, Dean Lee, Saiprasad Ravishankar, Andreas von Manteuffel. Thesis is available at https://pa.msu.edu/graduate-program/current-graduate-students/draft-dissertations-for-review.aspx - choose student
15 Dec

Delving into the Chemical Diversity of the Metal-Poor Milky Way

15 December 2023 - 2:00 PM
2025 FRIB Laboratory and Online via Zoom
University of Surrey

Nicole Buckley

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The study of the Milky Way's (MW) stellar halo offers a window into the cosmic past because halo stars tend to be very old, with some born in the MW itself (in-situ halo) and others born in ancient satellite galaxies which have long since merged with the MW or been torn apart by tidal forces (accreted halo). In this talk, I will present existing techniques for recovering such substructures in the halo with a primary focus on chemical tagging. This method, akin to a "DNA fingerprint" for stars, involves matching the unique chemical abundance patterns found in stars to their original birth place. These patterns are imprinted by nucleosynthesis processes that occurred early in the galaxy's history, leaving behind distinct elemental signatures. By outlining the key elements and nucleosynthesis channels that contribute to elemental diversity, I will examine how successful chemical hyperplanes, such as [α/Fe] – [Fe/H], and [Mg/Mn] – [Al/Fe], differentiate between the thick and thin discs and accreted halo. Additionally, I will discuss the promise of neutron-capture abundances for distinguishing between the various metal-poor components of the MW, leveraging the extensive chemodynamical data provided by GALAH DR3. By constructing a chemical hyperplane using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we utilise the information of 19 different abundances to determine which of these contribute the most to the chemical variance. We then employ a Gaussian mixture method called Extreme Deconvolution (XD) to disentangle chemically distinct groups in the resultant PCA-transformed plane, probing the metal-poor tail of the disc as well as the remnants of Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage, a dwarf galaxy which merged approximately 8-11 Gyr ago. Finally, I will discuss which novel abundance ratios may offer a physical interpretability when distinguishing stellar components which PCA lacks.
15 Dec

A New Regime of High-Gradient Acceleration: Exploring Short-Pulse Two-Beam Acceleration

15 December 2023 - 3:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Argonne National Laboratory

Chunguang Jing

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The quest for high-gradient acceleration technologies is essential for the advancement of linear colliders, free-electron lasers, and compact accelerator-based applications. Pioneered by the AWA (Argonne wakefield accelerator) group, the utilization of short-pulse SWFA (structure wakefield accelerator) technology has shown remarkable promise in surpassing the long-standing barrier of ~100 MV/m in X-band normal conducting structures. Recent experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, with gradient exceeding 300 MV/m in various X-band structures, including accelerating structures and an X-band photogun. Furthermore, a breakthrough was made with the discovery of a breakdown-insensitive acceleration regime in pulse durations below 10 ns.

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