Fission Barrier of neutron rich Ra isotopes for r-process investigation

A full training program on radioactive ion beam experiments with the gaseous active target will be pursued.

In particular, it aims to investigate with the ACTAR-TPC detector the transfer induced fission of neutron-rich nuclei, to put new constraints on the nucleosynthesis rapid capture process (r-process).

This will be possible thanks to high energy and intensity radioactive ion beams produced at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, in particular accessing the poorly-known region between Tl and Ra isotopes.

The goal of this action is to investigate n-induced fission probability as a function of the excitation energy of the nucleus, with respect to the n-capture probability.This action starts with the already approved experimental campaign neutron-deficient isotopes between Tl and Ra: such a campaign will be used as a training field on both active target technology, transfer induced reactions, and fission of heavy nuclei.

The full training will be reached developing an independent physics case on neutron-rich isotopes, more suitable for r-process investigation. The chosen bench-test is the 230Ra(d,p)231Ra reaction. I will be in charge of the proposal preparation, the experimental campaign, the data analysis, and publication.

Such an experiment aims to discriminate between fission barrier models, in order to provide new constraints that can affect the astrophysical location of the r-process. Only the most recent developments at RIB facilities will allow performing the experiments here proposed. This will be done along with a two years action at KU Leuven, under the guidance of Prof.

Riccardo Raabe, an expert in the active target technology and transfer induced studies.

This action will allow me to obtain a high level of specialization that will be suitable for permanent positions at radioactive ion beam facilities, or at research institutes involved in these topics.