PhD project: Low energy reactions for quiescent stellar evolution
Project description
The investigation of low-energy nuclear reactions occurring in stars requires intense ion beams, highly sensitive detection systems and often long data-acquisition times. Many of these measurements benefit enormously from being performed deep underground, where the natural background from cosmic rays is strongly suppressed, making it possible to study extremely rare nuclear-reaction events at energies close to those relevant in stellar environments.
PhD projects are available within our international collaborations at leading underground accelerator facilities, including LUNA and the Bellotti Ion Beam Facility at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (Italy) and the Felsenkeller underground accelerator laboratory (Germany). The research focuses on key nuclear reactions governing stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, from hydrogen and helium burning to reactions such as carbon fusion that determine the evolution and final fate of massive stars. Specific reactions and experimental campaigns vary from year to year depending on the programmes at the different facilities; prospective students are therefore encouraged to get in touch for information about current and upcoming projects.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in all stages of a low-energy nuclear astrophysics experiment, including target preparation, detector and experimental setup, beam tuning, data taking, data analysis and interpretation. The projects are suited to students with a strong academic background, a high degree of independence and an interest in working within international collaborations. Good data-analysis and programming skills are also desirable.
Project supervisor
- Professor Marialuisa Aliotta (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Nuclear Astrophysics.
- Find out more about Nuclear Physics.
- Find out more about the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.