Proceedings of Fourth International Conference on Fission and Properties of Neutron-Rich Nuclei
Publication Date:
November 2009
Publisher Location:
World Scientific, Hackensack, New Jersey, United States of America
Conference Name:
Fourth International Conference on Fission and Properties of Neutron-Rich Nuclei
Conference Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida, United States of America
Abstract
The Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosts a dedicated user program in nuclear physics using exotic beams. Vigorous and innovative research programs concentrating on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and nuclear reactions are based at HRIBF, along with a Center of Excellence for Stewardship Science operated by Rutgers University and UNIRIB consortium. Recent work has concentrated on investigation of exotic nuclei beyond the N=50 and N=82 closed shells. HRIBF was developed out of an existing accelerator complex at ORNL at a modest initial cost. Projects to improve facility efficiency and reliability are underway. However, HRIBF will require additional investments to remain productive and competitive over the decade between now and the completion of the long-planned next-generation U.S. exotic beam facility. There are several additional ways in which a modest upgrade could substantially improve HRIBF performance and operation. The most promising and cost-effective of these appears to be addition of a high-power electron accelerator for production of neutron-rich species by photofission.