How do neutron bells toll on the skin of the atomic nucleus? Vibrations of the surface of a heavy nucleus observed
Thursday, September 18, 2014 - 11:01
in Physics & Chemistry
Physicists have observed -- for the first time with such precision -- vibrations of the surface of a heavy nucleus, lead 208Pb. Through their extremely accurate measurements this team has unraveled the details of neutron oscillations in the atomic nucleus and determined how many neutrons on the surface, or ‘skin’, of the nucleus participate in unique vibrations known as pygmy resonances. If an accelerated ion of high energy impacts on the nucleus of a heavy element, it makes the nucleus vibrate in a very special manner: all of its neutrons begin to oscillate collectively with respect to all of its protons.