The primary tools for study of Nuclear
Physics within the Nuclear Science Laboratory of the Institute for
Structure and Nuclear Physics are three particle accelerators. The
largest of these is the FN Tandem Van de Graaff which is capable of
terminal voltages in excess of 10.6 MV. Most beams for the FN are
created using 40 cathode Multi-Cathode Sputter ion source (SNICS)
while a duoplasmatron is used for Helium beams (HIS). Beam energies
available with the FN range from a few MeV up to more than 100 MeV.
While the majority of beams used in the NSL are continuous, experimenters
may also bunch and pulse the beams. The buncher/pulser system is capable
of producing beam pulses with approximately 1 nsec width separated
by multiples of 100 nsec. Beams accelerated by the FN can be directed
to one of seven available beamlines spanning two target rooms. Dedicated
beamlines include setups for Radiation Chemistry, AMS, PIXE and Radioactive
Beams in addition to several general purpose beamlines.
While the FN can provide higher energy
beams, the two single ended accelerators of ISNAP can provide much
more intense H and He beams. These are primarily used for Experimental
Nuclear Astrophysics where the goal is often to measure reactions
with very small cross sections at lower energies. The KN accelerator
has a maximum terminal voltage of 3.6 MV while the JN accelerator
is capable of reaching more than 1 MV. Both accelerators feed the
same target room which allows experimenters to extend the range of
energies available for a single experiment. Dedicated beamlines include
a recirculating gas target as well as two general purpose setups.
The target room for the JN/KN system is completely separate from the
FN which allows for simultaneous running of both systems.
Two significant additions to the NSL are
scheduled to occur in the near future. The installation of the new
recoil mass separator, ST. GEORGE, with a recirculating He jet gas
target will soon be completed. In addition, construction will be started
on a new 5MV vertical pelletron from NEC with an ECR source in the
terminal. This accelerator will replace the KN, provide higher energy
beams as heavy as 40 amu to the ST. GEORGE system and still deliver
intense H and He beams to the existing beamlines.
