kranek@physics.oregonstate.edu, (541)737-1692, office: WNGR 367
Ken Krane's research involves the study of the properties of the nucleus by radioactive decay techniques. One area of study is the transition region around mass 150, where the nuclear shapes are changing from spherical to ellipsoidal. By a careful study of the energies and intensities of the gamma radiation from these nuclei, which are produced at large accelerators from collisions of heavy ions, it is possible to map the gradual shape transitions and their effects on the nuclear structure. Prof. Krane's group has also done gamma-ray angular distribution studies with nuclei polarized at low temperatures (in the range of 10 mK) and angular correlation studies using multidetector arrays. Another area of research is the capture of neutrons by nuclei, in which we use OSU's nuclear reactor to measure cross sections for radiative neutron capture.
rubin@physics.oregonstate.edu, (541)737-1693, office: WNGR 499
Professor Landau's research focuses on the theory and simulation of subatomic, few-body systems involving quarks, particles and nuclei. Currently his activities focus on the development of curricular materials (texts and courses) on computational physics and computational science education.
david.hamby@oregonstate.edu, (541)737-8682, office: Radiation Center, E120
Dr. Hamby's research focuses on novel nuclear instrumentation design and development. A recent research awarded of $1.25M was granted to Professor Hamby from the NNSA to conduct research into the use of scintillating detectors to support the mission of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. These detectors use high-speed digital circuitry and smart technology to detect the gaseous emissions resulting from underground nuclear tests in all parts of the world. Research to design and test simultaneous beta and gamma spectroscopy systems has been in progress in his laboratory for the past few years, with funding provided by the DOE/NEER program. Broad range neutron spectrometric techniques are being developed, as are investigations into neural network applications for beta spectroscopy. Students with appropriate backgrounds (physics, electronics, engineering, etc) have the opportunity to work on various projects related to instrumentation development.
Walter Loveland, Chemistry
lovelanw@onid.orst.edu, (541)737-7078, office: RAD CTR B123
The long term goals of the nuclear chemistry research group are to search for new phenomena at the limits of nuclear stability, to study the dynamics and thermodynamics of colliding nuclei and to apply nuclear techniques to the study of environmental and/or biomedical problems. In support of these goals, the group is pursuing, or has recently pursued, the following research: the study of fusion enhancement with neutron-rich radioactive projectiles (in reactions that are relevant for the synthesis of new heavy nuclei), the study of fusion enhancement with halo nuclei, and the study of "hot fusion" path to the heaviest nuclei and why it works.
