Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the formation of exotic nuclei, paving the way for advancements in scientific research and medical applications. The study, published in Nuclear Science and Techniques, introduces a model based on the Langevin equation that provides new insights into the creation of rare isotopes. This development could enhance the ability to produce valuable materials for various fields, from scientific research to medical diagnostics and treatments.
Simplifying the Complex
The description of nuclear reactions, especially in their production of exotic nuclei, is traditionally plagued by a high complexity. In general, the conventional methods of projectile fragmentation and fusion-evaporation are reaching their limit in the synthesis of new transuranium and superheavy elements.
Utilizing the Langevin model, Professor Zhang’s research team has developed a new one to study multinucleon transfer processes in Heavy Ion Collisions. This new idea not only simplifies the procedure associating with it, but also reduces the abundance of adjustable parameters, and attributes to key physical processes which leads towards a more clarity understanding in regard to energy dissipation during heavy-ion collisions.
Looking at Features of Nuclear Reactions
For instance, the Langevin equation model has been used to simulate nuclear reactions (e.g., 40Ar + 232Th [1], 136Xe +238U and 136Xe +209Bi []). The quasifission mechanisms have been investigated in great detail, both by predictions of the model on cross-sections and angular distributions (which are very well reproduced by experimental results), giving deepest insight into these processes.
Prof Zhang said the enhanced accuracy of MNT reaction predictions from this model could improve on generating isotopes that are hard to make otherwise. The isotopes are of great value to scientific studies and medicine as well (e.g., diagnosis and treatment)
A More Comprehensive and Practical Solution
The Langevin equation model should remain accessible and relevant to experiments as one of the major goals shared by these researchers. This result is a very important step in nuclear physics which helps to understand production of exotic nuclei by MNT reactions.
More work is required to tune the model to make it more of a useful, predictive tool for designing nuclear research and rare isotope production processes. The project, by the group of Beijing Normal University, combined strength with researchers from Beijing Academy of Science and Technology and National Laboratory of Heavy Ion Accelerator in Lanzhou is expected to open new directions for the exotic nuclei hunting, which is not only interesting in basic research but also important for science and medical applications.
