[ RadSafe ] Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter

[Cary Renquist]

A bit out of topic for Radsafe, but might be of interest to some of
ya...

"Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter explains the research
objectives, which include the desire not only to better understand the
nature of matter interacting at the nuclear level, but also to describe
the state of the universe that existed at the big bang. This report
explains how the universe can now be studied in the most advanced
colliding-beam accelerators, where strong forces are the dominant
interactions, as well as the nature of neutrinos."

As with all NAP items, the pdf version is available for free.
Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter -- National Academies
Press:
http://j.mp/ZNayEW

Nuclear physics today is a diverse field, encompassing research that
spans dimensions from a tiny fraction of neutrons and protons in the
atomic nucleus to the enormous scales of astrophysical objects in the
cosmos.

Its research objectives include the desire not only to better understand
the nature of matter interacting at the nuclear level but to describe
the liquid state of the Universe that existed at the big bang-a
phenomenon that can now be replicated in the most advanced
colliding-beam accelerators. Its discoveries impact other fields such as
astrophysics, particle physics, and cosmology, while the tools developed
by nuclear physicists not only are employed by other basic sciences but
have found wide-spread applications in a range of technologies that
benefit society.

The Committee on Assessment of and Outlook for Nuclear Physics (NP 2010)
has prepared a report assessing the outlook for nuclear physics research
in the United States.  Building on the U.S. Department of Energy's
Nuclear Science Advisory Committee's "2007 Long-range Plan Report," this
report, Exploring the Heart of Matter, develops a clear and compelling
articulation of the scientific rationale and objectives for nuclear
physics, placing near-term goals in a broader international context.
This report also puts the long-term priorities for the field (in terms
of major facilities, research infrastructure, and scientific manpower)
into a global context and recommends a strategy that can serve as a
framework for progress in U.S. nuclear physics through 2020 and beyond.


---
Cary Renquist
crenquist at isotopeproducts.com or cary.renquist at ezag.com