FYSJ5103 PH2: Nuclear Structure: Mass Measurements and Implications for Astrophysics (JSS30) (2 cr)

This course is organized in collaboration with course PH1.

Changes in nuclear structure are reflected in nuclear binding energies. High-precision mass measurements with Penning traps have made it possible to study nuclear structure in detail and to provide accurate inputs for nuclear astrophysics calculations, such as for the rapid neutron capture process. Recently, multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometers have become more and more popular, providing a fast method to prepare pure ion samples and measure masses. The course will give an overview of Penning trap mass spectrometry, multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometers, recent results from mass measurements for nuclear structure and astrophysics, and implications for nuclear astrophysics. An experimental hands-on exercise in the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap and/or MR-TOF will be included.

After the course the participant should have a good understanding of mass measurements with Penning traps and multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometers, and how these devices can be used for preparing ion samples for example for decay spectroscopy experiments. The students can give examples of recent experiments and how mass measurements impact nuclear astrophysics calculations