Fusing Nuclei Under Extreme Conditions
X-ray superbursts are fascinating phenomena in which an accreting neutron star emits the energy equal to the output of our sun in a century in just a few hours! The energy source fueling this explosive event is presently unknown. One possible source responsible is the fusion of neutron-rich nuclei, for example 24O + 24O → 48S, in the outer crust of the neutron star. Unlike the nuclear reactions driving our sun’s nuclear reactions however, these fusion reactions occur under conditions of low temperature and extremely high gravitational fields. A new generation of terrestrial radioactive beam facilities allow us to explore such reactions between neutron-rich nuclei at low temperature for the first time. A recent experiment by the deSouza group explores fusion between light neutron-rich nuclei in the sub-Coulomb barrier regime. Combined with advances in theoretical models these groundbreaking experiments promise to shed light on the fuel source for X-ray superbursts and to advance our understanding of how two nuclei fuse.
Read more: "Near- and sub-barrier fusion of 20O incident ions with 12C target nuclei," Michael J. Rudolph, Zachary Q. Gosser, Kevin Brown, Sylvie Hudan, Romualdo T. de Souza, Abdou Chbihi, Bertrand Jacquot, Michael Famiano, J. Felix Liang, Dan Shapira, Damien Mercier, Physical Review 2012, C85, 024605.
Distinguished Professor
Robert & Marjorie Mann Chair
Distinguished Professor
Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
Luther Dana Waterman Professor 2015-2020
James F. Jackson Professor 2014-2022
Class of 1948 Herman B Wells Endowed Professor
Adjunct Professor, Physics
Associate Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences and Research
Associate Professor (O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs),
Adjunct Professor (Chemistry)
Rudy Professor (O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs)
Adjunct Professor (Chemistry)
Professor & Associate Vice President for Engagement
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Adjunct Professor