Skip to main content

nuclear reaction neutron star nanomaterials

First Ever Nuclear Reaction in Neutron Star Remnants Measured Using Nanomaterials

A Breakthrough in Astrophysics and Nuclear physics

Depiction of neutron star collision and element formation through nuclear reactions

Physicists have successfully observed a nuclear reaction that takes place during neutron star collisions, offering experimental data for a process that was once purely theoretical. this research, conducted by the University of Surrey, sheds light on the creation of the universe's heaviest elements and may lead to breakthroughs in nuclear reactor technology.

Historic First Measurement of a Weak r-Process Reaction

The ⁹⁴Sr(α,n)⁹⁷Zr Nuclear Reaction

In collaboration with the University of York, University of Seville, and TRIUMF—Canada's national particle accelerator center—researchers have achieved a historic milestone: the first direct measurement of a week r-process reaction cross-section using a radioactive ion beam. This study focused on the ⁹⁴Sr(α,n)⁹⁷Zr reaction, where strontium-94 absorbs an alpha particle, emits a neutron, and transforms into zirconium-97.

This research has been featured in Physical Review Letters.

Significance of the Weak r-Process in Element Formation

Dr. Matthew Williams, lead author from the University of Surrey, explained, "The weak r-process is fundamental to the formation of heavy elements, as evidenced in ancient stars—celestial fossils preserving the chemical imprints of a singular cataclysmic event, such as a supernova or neutron star merger. This study provides the first direct experimental data to validate models that, until now, were purely theoretical."

Innovative Use of Nanomaterials in Nuclear Experiments

Developing Helium-Based Nano-Targets

Researchers at the University of Seville pioneered a novel nano-material approach to enable the experiment, embedding helium within ultra-thin silicon films. This innovation created billions of microscopic helium bubbles, each measuring only a few tens of nanometers, overcoming the challenge of working with helium—a noble gas that neither reacts nor solidifies.

Utilizing TRIUMF's Advanced Radioactive Ion Beam Technology

Leveraging TRIUMF's cutting-edge radioactive ion beam technology, the team accelerated short-lived strontium-94 isotopes into these specialized targets, enabling them to probe nuclear reactions under astrophysical conditions akin to those in extreme cosmic environments.

Implications for Nuclear Physics and Reactor Design

Dr. Williams remarked, "This groundbreaking achievement bridges astrophysics and nuclear physics, marking the first application of nanomaterials in this context and unlocking promising new avenues for nuclear research."

Advancing Nuclear Reactor Technology

"Beyond its astrophysical significance, understanding the behavior of radioactive nuclei is essential for advancing nuclear reactor design. These nuclei are continuously generated in reactors, yet their reactions have remained challenging to study. Such data are vital for optimizing reactor longevity, predicting component replacement intervals, and developing next-generation, high-efficiency systems."

Future Research and Broader Implications

Future research will integrate these findings into astrophysical models, providing deeper insights into the formation of the universe's heaviest elements. Continued exploration of these processes could enhance our understanding of both the extreme physics governing neutron star collisions and their broader implications for nuclear technology.

Source

Curious about how nanomaterials are unlocking the secrets of cosmic collisions? Read our full article to learn how this milestone in nuclear physics can transform our understanding of heavy element formation and reactor technology.

Expand your horizons with these insightful blogs:

Subscribe today and join the conversation on the future of science!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NASA chile scientists comet 3i atlas nickel mystery

NASA and Chilean Scientists Study 3I/ATLAS, A Comet That Breaks the Rules Interstellar visitors are rare guests in our Solar System , but when they appear they often rewrite the rules of astronomy. Such is the case with 3I/ATLAS , a fast-moving object that has left scientists puzzled with its bizarre behaviour. Recent findings from NASA and Chilean researchers reveal that this comet-like body is expelling an unusual plume of nickel — without the iron that typically accompanies it. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about how comets form and evolve, sparking both excitement and controversy across the scientific community. A Cosmic Outsider: What Is 3I/ATLAS? The object 3I/ATLAS —the third known interstellar traveler after "Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019) —was first detected in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network , which scans he skies for potentially hazardous objects. Earlier images from Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory had unknowingly captured it, but ...
Post a Comment
Read more

bermuda triangle rogue waves mystery solved

Bermuda Triangle Mystery: Scientist Claims Rogue Waves May Explain Vanishing Ships and Aircraft for decades, the Bermuda Triangle has captured the world's imagination, often described as a supernatural hotspot where ships vanish and aircraft disappear without a trace. From ghostly ships adrift to unexplained plane crashes, this stretch of ocean between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida remains one of the most infamous maritime mysteries. But now, Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton , suggests the answer may not be extraterrestrial at all. Instead, he argues that the truth lies in rogue waves — giant, unpredictable surges of water capable of swallowing even the largest ships within minutes. The Bermuda Triangle: A Legacy of Fear and Fascination The Bermuda Triangle has inspired decades of speculation , with theories ranging from UFO abductions to interdimensional rifts. Popular culture, documentaries and countless books have kept the legend alive, of...
Post a Comment
Read more

nist breakthrough particle number concentration formula

NIST Researchers Introduce Breakthrough Formula for Particle Number Concentration Understanding the number of particles in a sample is a fundamental task across multiple scientific fields — from nanotechnology to food science. Scientists use a measure called Particle Number Concentration (PNC) to determine how many particles exist in a given volume, much like counting marbles in a jar. Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a novel formula that calculates particle concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. Their work, published in Analytical Chemistry , could significantly improve precision in drug delivery, nanoplastic assessment and monitoring food additives. Related reading on Nanotechnology advancements: AI systems for real-time flood detection . What is Particle Number Concentration (PNC)? Defining PNC Particle Number Concentration indicates the total count of particles within a specific volume of gas or liquid,...
Post a Comment
Read more