Atomic Nucleus With Halo: Scientists Measure Size Of One-Neutron Halo With Lasers For First Time

Friday, February 20, 2009 - 08:21 in Physics & Chemistry

Atomic nuclei are normally compact structures defined by a sharp border. About twenty-five years ago, it was discovered that there are exceptions to this picture: Certain exotic atomic nuclei contain particles that shear off from the central core and create a cloud, which surrounds the central core like a 'heiligenschein' or halo. Now, for the first time, scientists have succeeded in precisely measuring this one-neutron halo by means of a laser, and in evaluating the dimensions of the cloud.

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