In a ground-breaking move in May 2022, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU) initiated its precision measurement program. The staff at FRIB’s Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) facility embarked on a mission to take high-energy, rare-isotope beams and manipulate them to a lower energy state for accurate mass measurements of specific particles. This innovative program aims to shed light on the intriguing properties of exotic isotopes, such as aluminum-22, which is believed to possess a unique “halo” structure of loosely orbiting protons surrounding the nucleus.
Led by Ryan Ringle and Georg Bollen, the team recently published a research paper titled “Precision Mass Measurement of the Proton Dripline Halo Candidate 22Al” in Physical Review Letters. The study focused on verifying the mass of aluminum-22, an isotope that is speculated to exhibit a proton halo structure. This structure, characterized by protons orbiting the nucleus beyond the reach of the strong nuclear force, is a rare phenomenon that offers valuable insights into the nature of atomic particles.
To conduct the study, the researchers utilized a process known as “projectile fragmentation” at FRIB to create a high-energy isotope beam of aluminum-22. By accelerating the beam to half the speed of light and inducing a collision with a target, they produced short-lived isotopes that could be accurately measured. Through meticulous beam cooling and filtering procedures, the team was able to achieve precise mass measurements of aluminum-22, marking a significant step towards confirming the existence of its proton halo structure.
While the mass measurement of aluminum-22 is a crucial milestone, further investigations are underway to fully verify its proton halo. The Beam Cooler and Laser Spectroscopy (BECOLA) facility at FRIB is set to conduct experiments focused on determining the charge radius and shape deformation of the nucleus, essential elements for confirming the presence of a proton halo. This collaborative effort between theoretical physicists and experimentalists at FRIB highlights the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research and the importance of student involvement in advancing such groundbreaking studies.
Notably, graduate student Scott Campbell played a pivotal role in the research, leading the experimental efforts as part of his dissertation. The collaboration between students and experienced researchers at FRIB provides a unique learning opportunity, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge scientific facility. The proximity of FRIB to the university campus enables students to balance lab work with academic studies, fostering a dynamic and immersive learning environment.
The precision mass measurement program at FRIB represents a significant advancement in the field of nuclear physics, offering valuable insights into the unique properties of rare isotopes. The confirmation of a proton halo structure in aluminum-22 has the potential to deepen our understanding of nuclear physics and pave the way for future discoveries in the field. The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of research at FRIB underscores the importance of teamwork and innovation in driving scientific progress.
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