Laser Spectroscopy at the limits of nuclear existence

The project will perform collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy on short-lived radioactive isotopes at ISOLDE-CERN.

The project is focused on understanding the role of many-body nuclear interactions on the evolution of structure with neutron excess. This will focus on the emergence of new magic numbers and weakening of established shell gaps.

The student will develop novel spectroscopic methods to enhance the sensitivity of the technique and enable more exotic isotopes to be studied.

This will include novel methods of ion trapping and cooling as well as development of laser ionization schemes and methods.