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2025
2026
  • 2 September 2025
  • 11:00 EDT

Ab initio nuclear properties from low-resolution chiral interactions

 Ab initio methods for low-energy nuclear physics have vastly improved their range both in terms of isotopes and observables of interest over the past two decades [1]. Driven by formal and numerical advances, this progress now allows them to tackle phenomena from spectroscopy to deformation, from neutrinoless double-beta decay to reactions of astrophysical interest. In this talk, I will address recent progress in the design of nuclear interactions, discussing strategies adopted by different groups. In particular, I will focus on two new low-resolution interactions recently developed [2] and how they can contribute to a better description of nuclear properties all over the nuclear chart. [1] H. Hergert, A Guided Tour of ab initio Nuclear Many-Body Theory, Front. Phys. 8, 379 (2020) [2] P. Arthuis, K. Hebeler & A. Schwenk, Neutron-rich nuclei and neutron skins from chiral low-resolution interactions, arXiv:2401.06675 (2024)
  • 3 September 2025
  • 3:30 EDT

Experimental studies of the pygmy dipole resonance

 In atomic nuclei, the term pygmy dipole resonance (PDR) has been commonly used for the electric dipole (E1) strength around and below the neutron-separation energy. It has been shown that the PDR strength strongly impacts neutron-captures rates in the s- and r-process, which synthesize the majority of heavy elements in our universe. A precise understanding of the PDR's microscopic structure is essential to pin down how it contributes to the gamma-ray strength function often used to calculate neutron-capture rates with statistical approaches. In fact, the different responses to isovector and isoscalar probes highlighted earlier the complex structure of the PDR and emphasized that different underlying structures would indeed need to be disentangled experimentally if stringent comparisons to microscopic models wanted to be made. In this seminar, I will give a broad overview on recent experimental investigations of the PDR and how associated results help to better understand its structure. I will specifically feature recent one-neutron (d,p) transfer studies of the PDR in 208Pb, 120Sn, 62Ni, and 50Ti, which eluminate its neutron single-particle character. For 208Pb, the new data will be briefly compared to the large suite of complementary, experimental data available highlighting how our collaboration established (d,p) as an additional, valuable, experimental probe to study the PDR and its collectivity. To highlight future possibilities, I will also present first results from a new experimental setup recently commissioned at the Super-Enge Split-Pole Spectrograph at Florida State University for particle-gamma coincidence experiments, called CeBrA, and highlight the value other particle transfer reactions could add to studying the microscopic structure of the PDR. Ideas for performing similar experiments at Argonne National Laboratory and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University will be discussed if time permits. The low-energy nuclear physics group at Florida State University acknowledges support by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant Nos. PHY-2012522, PHY-2412808, PHY-2405485, and by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under Grant No. DE-NA0004150 [Center for Excellence in Nuclear Training And University-based Research (CENTAUR)] as part of the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances Centers of Excellence Program. Support by Florida State University is also gratefully acknowledged.
  • 4 September 2025 – 6 December 2025

Arts Exhibition: Physical Spells [The Wor(l)d in the Atom]

 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00AM – 5:00PM Location: 311 Abbot (6th floor), downtown East Lansing Looking at physics from the perspective of linguistics may sound like an act of black magic or the definitive detachment of reality, but, behind the invisibility cloak of particles, it is possible to find the secret verses where both intertwine their labyrinths. Physical Spells [The Wor(l)d in the Atom] explores unexpected ways of understanding physics as if it were language, leading to the discovery of its own linguistic layer. Phonetics arising from the voice of the experimental areas at FRIB where particles trace their routes, morphology revealed in the realm of quarks, syntax writing metaphors in the processes of metamorphose of isotopes. The exhibition proposes an interactive exploration of this world of words in the world of atoms, making the public a key element that activates the processes and dialogues with the artworks, delving into their own research. View event
  • 4 September 2025
  • 4:00 EDT

Opening Reception: Physical Spells [The Wor(l)d in the Atom]

 MSU Museum | 6th Floor, 311 Abbot Road, East Lansing Thursday, September 4 at 4-6pm Join us for the opening reception of Physical Spell [The Wor(l)d in the Atom], a hands-on, immersive exhibition by MSUFCU Arts Power Up artist-in-residence Violeta López López. Step into a playful world where language and physics collide. Drawing on the aesthetics of video games, this interactive installation invites you to explore unexpected connections between atoms and words, quarks and sentences. Movement, curiosity, and collaboration unlock layers of meaning throughout the space. Be among the first to experience this experimental exhibition and meet the artist. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to all. View event
  • 8 September 2025 – 19 September 2025

FRIB Theory Alliance Topical Program - Future directions in nuclear beta decay at FRIB
  • 12 September 2025
  • 5:30 EDT

Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Nos. 16-18, Op. 31

 Program Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31, No. 1 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) I. Allegro vivace II.Adagio grazioso III. Rondo: Allegretto Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2, “Tempest” Ludwig van Beethoven I.Largo – Allegro II.Adagio III.Allegretto Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. 31, No. 3, “The Hunt” Ludwig van Beethoven Allegro I.Scherzo: Allegretto vivace II.Menuetto: Moderato e grazioso III.Presto con fuoco
  • 28 September 2025
  • 1:00 EDT

Public Talks by Laura Greene, chief scientist at the National MagLab
  • 26 October 2025
  • 1:00 EDT

Public Talks by Katja Nowack, Cornell University
  • 9 November 2025
  • 1:00 EST

Public Talk by Sophia Economou, Virginia Tech
  • 7 December 2025
  • 1:00 EST

Public Talk by Clifford Jack, Jr.; Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic