Research Highlights of Nuclear Physics

¹⁴N+p Fusion in Stars
The rate of the ¹⁴N+p fusion reaction helps to regulate the energy generated in stars and plays a role in determining stellar lifetimes. Our recent experimental work (P.F. Bertone et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 152501 (2001)) has shown that the rate of this reaction is lower than previously believed. This reduction would increase estimates of stellar ages by about a billion years.

p-d Elastic Scattering
Precise measurements of analyzing powers in p-d elastic scattering show evidence for the presence of three-nucleon forces. Present theories can not explain our results and our data spurs active theoretical efforts on many fronts. This measurements may be the first indication of the break-down of traditional meson-exchange picture of nucleon-nucleon interaction. (see Brune et al. Phys.Lett.B.428, p.13(1998) and Karwowski et al. Acta Phys.Pol.30,p.1479(1999)).

Properties of ⁶Li
Contrary to expectations based on current theoretical calculations and the observed quadrupole moment our measurements of the properties of ⁶Li indicate that the deformation of this nucleus is extremely small, unlike that of the other lighter nuclei. (see Veal et al. Phys.Rev.Lett. 81 p.1187(1998) and Phys.Rev. C in press).

Nuclear Reactions in Novae
We have completed the first large-scale survey of the nuclear reactions that occur as part of a nova explosion. A number of these reactions lead directly to effects that can be observed with telescopes and will be the focus of new measurements at radioactive beam facilities (see Iliadis et al., to be published in Ap. J.).