Fundamental research in molecular, atomic and sub-atomic physics using radioactive probes.

Radioactive isotopes and molecules are unique probes to answer key questions in nuclear and particle physics, atomic physics and quantum chemistry. Our consortium uses state-of-the-art measurement techniques, which we develop(ed) at KU Leuven and implement(ed) at international accelerator centers like e.g. ISOLDE-CERN (CH), GANIL (F), JYFL (FI) and GSI-FAIR (D). Our broad expertise in complementary precision methods, which we use to answer overarching research questions, forms the basis of our project.The development and application of new and upgraded methods, such as laser polarization of ions in a Paul trap, a new active target SpecMAT as a detector in the ISOLDE Solenoid Spectrometer, resonance ionization laser spectroscopy in gas jets, or in perpendicular or collinear geometry, will provide new possibilities for accurate spectroscopic studies on exotic isotopes. New isotope production methods will support this fundamental research, as well as the search for novel medical radioisotopes, important in research for new cancer therapies, and to study the 8 eV isomer in 229Th, an absolute requirement for the development of a nuclear clock.

Keywords:radioactive isotopes and molecules, laser spectroscopy, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, fundamental interactions

Disciplines:Experimental aspects of nuclear physics, Applied aspects of nuclear physics, Atomic physics, Molecular physics