Nuclear scattering processes underpin every astrophysical phenomenon, including the genesis of chemical elements. Experimentalists strive to build the catalogue of data about these fundamental processes, but much hasn’t been measured, much is beyond the reach of current technology to measure, and much will never be possible to measure. Theoretical studies interpret what data is obtained, but also predict what might be found and infer that which may not.

To sufficiently understand the interaction of scattering nuclei, the quantum potentials used in calculations must account for the behaviour of these nuclei. This is usually complicated – a certain quantum level may correspond to the nuclei behaving like a fluid drop that rotates, or vibrates, or both. Alternatively, it may indicate that the nucleus has divided into smaller, interacting clusters, or maybe all the energy is imbued to one or two protons or neutrons. Or, maybe the behaviour is a mix of all of these.

Two available MSc or PhD projects, modelling the collisions most likely in a stellar environment – individual nucleons or alpha particles interacting with a heavier nucleus, either elastically scattering, or undergoing fusion.

1. Scattering when the heavier nucleus contains an odd number of nucleons. In this case, the challenge is the intricate interaction of the valence nucleon with the core and the projectile. This project involves reviewing and developing scattering potentials based on different nuclear structure models including the shell model, and then applying them to an extension of a successful scattering theory that has predicted nuclear properties ahead of experiments, but thus far only for even-mass nuclei. The project will develop your coding skills, deepen your grasp of quantum physics, and give you experience with Australia’s best high performance computing resources. You will be encouraged to participate in the academic communities of three Group of Eight universities. No specific background knowledge is required beyond undergraduate quantum mechanics.
2. Developing a nuclear scattering potential encapsulating simultaneous rotation and vibration of the target nucleus. This ambitious project involves a deep review of existing structure models and scattering theory, followed by the challenge of using that knowledge to develop a physics formalism from its beginnings. The project will deepen your grasp of quantum physics, and you will be encouraged to participate in the academic communities of three Group of Eight universities. Beyond undergraduate quantum mechanics, strong mathematical skills are required.