TUNL Research Groups

Current Research Endeavors:

The Polarized Target Group has investigated the spin dependence of nucleon-nucleon forces and also has performed precision tests of parity and time-reversal symmetries in nuclear interactions. To do these experiments we use cryogenic polarized targets and polarized neutron beams. In the course of this work we have also contributed to the technology of cryogenic systems and nuclear physics and even some condensed matter physics. We have collaborated in experiments at Los Alamos National Laboratory and at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia.

We use two types of polarized target cryostats. One is a statically polarized target facility that polarizes nuclei with a high magnetic field (7 tesla) and ultralow temperature ( 0.012 kelvin). The other is a dynamically polarized target cryostat that operates at 2.5 tesla and 0.5 kelvin and uses microwaves to cause nuclear spin state transitions.