ISOLDE Solenoidal Spectrometer experiment

By using an ex-MRI magnet, heavy radioactive ion beams (RIBs) produced by the HIE-ISOLDE post-accelerator are directed at a light target and the kinematics of the reaction is measured.

The purpose of the experiment is to measure properties of atomic nuclei replicating the conditions present in some astrophysical processes, such as the production of chemical elements in stars.

[1][2] The experiment will also produce results that provide a better understanding of nucleon-nucleon interactions in highly-unstable, very radioactive (exotic) nuclei.

[2] Conventional nuclide production experiments are performed by bombarding target materials with protons or neutrons, and analysing the produced isotopes after irradiation.

Due to the inverse kinematics method used, the resolutions of measurements is affected by relativistic effects, especially when the centre-of-mass moves at a high velocity in the laboratory frame.

[2] Simple reactions with radioactive beams can be studied using the concept of inverse kinematics with a Helical Orbit Spectrometer (HELIOS).

The beams of interest, chosen by their chemistry and mass, are then ionised and accelerated before being impinged onto a heavy hydrogen target.