|
ISOL@MYRRHA: an Application of the MYRRHA Accelerator for Nuclear Physics
P. Van Duppen
Instituut voor Kern- en Stralingsfysica, K.U. Leuven, Belgium
Corresponding Author: piet.vanduppen@fys.kuleuven.be
In order to explore new research opportunities offered by the MYRRHA proton accelerator, a
preparatory feasibility study was initiated within the framework of the “Belgian Research Initiative
on eXotic nuclei” (BriX) network. This study investigates unique possibilities for fundamental
research using high intensity proton beams.
One of the possible interesting approaches for fundamental research using the 600 MeV proton
accelerator is the installation an Isotope Separator On-Line (ISOL) system to produce intense
low-energy radioactive ion beams (RIB) available for experiments requiring very long beam times.
From technical point of view this so-called ISOL@ MYRRHA project will follow closely the RIB
production schemes that are developed and successfully used at the ISOLDE–CERN (Switzerland)
and TRIUMF (Canada) facilities. ISOL@MYRRHA will be equipped with simplified and
ruggedized target-ion source systems, including laser ionization sources, that allow the use of a
selection of target materials that can withstand the proton beam power. By using a part (between
100 - 200 μA) of the 600 MeV proton beam this new facility will produce a wide spectrum
of intense and pure radioactive ion beams at energies around 50 keV. The rationale behind the
choice for simplified and ruggedized target-ion source systems is that the facility should deliver
RIB for experiments needing very long beam times up to a few months. The long beam times will
be available for high-precision experiments, experiments hunting for extremely weak signals or experiments
with an inherently low efficiency. In this sense ISOL@MYRRHA will be complementary
to other existing or planned facilities. Different physics cases are currently under investigation.
The prospects with ISOL@MYRRHA will be discussed and a limited number of possible physics
cases will be presented. The latter might include detailed decay studies of exotic nuclei, weak
interaction studies through precise nuclear β decay experiments in ion traps, laser spectroscopy
studies of interest to atomic physics as well as implantation and detection of specific radioactive
probes in different host materials, a topic of interest to solid state physics and applications in
nanotechnology.
| 