gResonant is an ERC Starting grant awarded to Ann-Cecilie Larsen.
Project period: March 1, 2015 - February 28, 2020
Key scientific questions
What is the nature of resonances in the γ-decay probability below/close to particle threshold in atomic nuclei? What is the impact of such resonant γ decay on unknown neutron-capture reaction cross sections for the heavy-element nucleosynthesis?
How can the most important of these unknown cross sections be predicted with a sufficient precision, so that they don’t represent a major source of uncertainty in astrophysics applications, for next-generation nuclear reactors, and transmutation of nuclear waste?
Vision and goals
The obtained results will greatly improve our fundamental understanding of nuclear γ-decay resonances below/close to the particle threshold energies for nuclei close to the valley of stability, and also for neutron-rich and superheavy nuclei.
The results are expected to bring novel, experimental results of vital importance for predicting unknown reaction cross-sections and reaction rates, and will give a major leap forward for our understanding of nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics and applied nuclear physics.