Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ADVANCED NUCLEAR PHYSICS
Code PHYS490
Coordinator Dr ES Paul
Physics
E.S.Paul@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To build on the year 3 modules on Nuclear Physics To offer an insight into current ideas about the description of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of the basic properties of nuclear forces and the experimental evidence upon which these are based

(LO2) Knowledge of the factors governing nuclear shapes

(LO3) Understanding of the origin of pairing forces and the effect of these and rotational forces on nuclear behaviour

(LO4) An overview of phenomena observed for exotic nuclei far from the line of nuclear stability

(LO5) Knowledge of astrophysical nucleosynthesis processes

(LO6) Knowledge of phases of nuclear matter


Syllabus

 

Introduction Development of accelerators and detection systems over the years, future radioactive beam facilities, the unique nucleus Nucleon-Nucleon Force Spin and isospin, general properties of the N-N force, pion exchange, the deuteron, range of the nuclear force Nuclear Behaviour Mirror nuclei, isodoublets, independent particle model Forms of Mean Potential Square well, harmonic oscillator, spin-orbit coupling, Woods-Saxon, residual interaction, Hartree-Fock Nuclear Deformation Geometric description, Nilsson model, large deformations Hybrid Models Deformed liquid drop, Strutinsky shell correction, fission isomers Nuclear Excitations   Spherical nuclei, vibrations, rotations of a deformed system Rotating Systems Moment of inertia, pairing, quantum rotor, cranking model, backbending and the Backbender Nuclei at Extremes of Spin High l_x bands, band termination, high K bands, K isomers, superdeformation, shape coexistence Nuclei at Extremes of Isospin N=Z nuclei, exo tic nuclei, dripline nuclei, superheavies, halo nuclei Nuclei at Extremes of Mass and Charge Beyond lead, transuranium elements, superheavy elements, element 118 Mesoscopic Systems Nuclei and atomic metallic clusters, shell structure and deformation Nuclear Reactions Impact parameter, Q value, compound nuclei, heavy ion fusion-evaporation Nuclear Astrophysics Elemental abundances, astrophysical origin of the elements, p-p chain, triple alpha reaction and Hoyle state, CNO cycle, nucleosynthesis beyond Fe Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Neutrino Mass, Majorana particle Phases of Nuclear Matter Quark gluon plasma Our Research Highlights High spin states, nuclei far from stability, superheavy nuclei, laser spectroscopy, medical application


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 12 x 2hrs

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem sheets given out for discussion in tutorials
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

  4

      28
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 122
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
formal exam  150    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
continuous assessment    10       
continuous assessment    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.