Grasping the core of the atom

The atomic nucleus is a system made of protons and neutrons (nucleons) that interact through intricate nuclear forces. The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus defines the different chemical elements and their respective isotopes that are found in nature. These ions attract electrons to form atoms and these atoms are combined to build molecules that are the building blocks of chemical and biological complex structures.

Nuclear Physics connects the smallest (Particle Physics) and largest (Astrophysics) scales in nature. Thus, the atomic nucleus is the perfect laboratory to study the properties of elementary particles and their interactions. In addition, the origin and abundance of the different isotopes are determined by the nuclear reactions that occur in different stages of the life of the stars and define their fate. 

 

 

 

Our research at CIAFF focuses on:

Theoretical Nuclear Structure

We aim at understanding the structure of the nuclei with microscopic theories based on self-consistent mean-field and beyond-mean-field approximations combined with sophisticated nuclear interactions. These theoretical tools are used to compute nuclear properties such as binding energies, radii, excitation energies, decay modes, fission, etc., that can be compared with experimental data. 

Nuclear astrophysics

We aim at describing the cosmic origin of the chemical elements observed in the Universe, as well as the nuclear processes that occur within and power astrophysical objects. In particular, we study the production of heavy elements during the so-called rapid neutron-capture process, which modelling requires the knowledge of thousands of exotic nuclei, most of which cannot be produced and/or measured in current experimental facilities.

For more information, you can visit the NT@UAM website.