Course Contents
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The Illuminated Atomic Nucleus: Exploring Nuclear Structure via Photonuclear Reactions[/h1][/b]
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Students interested in nuclear physics, electromagnetic interactions, and experimental techniques will find this lecture a good opportunity to deepen their understanding of how photons are used to probe and excite atomic nuclei. The lecture covers both fundamental concepts and current research topics, making it suitable for students at various stages of their curriculum.
The lecture provides an overview of the role of high-energy photons in nuclear physics. It starts with an [b]introduction[/b] to their basic properties, historical context, and relevance to the field of [b]Nuclear Photonics[/b]. The [b]theoretical section [/b]begins with a brief derivation from Maxwell’s equations and covers key concepts such as elastic scattering, nuclear photoabsorption, resonance fluorescence, and photodisintegration. Common [b]photon sources and experimental techniques[/b] will also be discussed, including bremsstrahlung, tagged photons, and laser Compton backscattering. Finally, we will discuss several [b]examples from current research activities[/b] to illustrate how photons are used to study different [b]nuclear excitation modes[/b] and their connection to [b]nuclear astrophysics[/b].
For students considering research in nuclear physics, this lecture provides useful context, practical examples, and insight into modern photon-based instrumentation and methods.
Literature
For those of you who would like to delve deeper into several key aspects of the lecture, I recommend the following [b]textbooks and review articles[/b]. You don't have to read them from cover to cover; rather, you can use them as sources to look up topics you didn't fully understand or to find more details than can be provided during the lecture.
[i](although...working through it completely would of course help you a lot!)[/i]
[b]Review Articles[/b]
- A. Zilges, D. L. Balabanski, J. Isaak, and N. Pietralla, "Photonuclear reactions - from basic research to applications",
Prog. Part. Nucl. Phys. 122, 103903 (2022) ([b][url=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ppnp.2021.103903]Link to publication![/url][/b])
- E. Hayward, "Photonuclear Reactions", Monograph, U.S. National Bureau of Standards (1970).
- F. R. Metzger, "Resonance Fluorescence in Nuclei", Prog. Nucl. Phys. 7, 53 (1959).
[b]Textbooks[/b]
[u]Electromagnetism[/u]
- John D. Jackson, "Classical Electrodynamics", John Wiley & Sons
[u]Detection of Electromagnetic Radiation[/u]
- Glenn F. Knoll, "Radiation Detection and Measurement", John Wiley & Sons
- Gordon R. Gilmore, "Practical Gamma-ray Spectrometry", John Wiley & Sons
[u]Introductory to Nuclear Physics[/u]
- Theo Mayer-Kuckuk, "Physik der Atomkerne", B.G. Teubner
- Kenneth S. Krane, "Introductory Nuclear Physics", John Wiley & Sons
- Aage Bohr and Ben R. Mottelson, "Nuclear Structure - Vol. I & II", World Scientific
Preconditions
recommended (but not required):
B.Sc. in physics with basics in nuclear physics
Online Offerings
moodle
- Lecturer: Johann Isaak