Astrophysical Nuclear Reactions Group 

overview

Nuclear astrophysics is the study of the origin of the chemical elements, and the study of how stars shine, evolve and ultimately die, both from the perspective of interactions between atomic nuclei. These interactions govern every phenomenon that we glimpse within stars using today’s pantheon of astronomical instruments, from telescopes to cosmic ray detectors. 

In order to understand these interactions fully, we must explore the interplay between atomic nuclei in the laboratory setting, especially for rare isotopes that don’t exist on Earth naturally. To do this, we use particle accelerators, rare isotope beams, and purpose-built specialist facilities within TRIUMF’s ISAC facilities.

The overarching theme of the astrophysics program is the laboratory measurement of nuclear reactions critical in stellar burning and explosions. ISAC boasts some of the best rare isotope beams available for research; this, combined with world-class instruments at DRAGON and TUDA, place TRIUMF among the world’s leading laboratories for measuring a wide variety of stellar nuclear reactions. The program attracts researchers from all over the world, and provides an excellent platform for Canadian researchers to perform world-leading experiments and drive progress in the understanding of stars.

Research feature

Decorative

Extracting the timescale of the birth of the Sun

An international collaboration of scientists has succeeded in measuring the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionised thallium (thallium-205 81+) ions at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt. The results have been published in the journal Nature. (Art: Danielle Adams)

facilities

The Astrophysical Nuclear Reactions research apparatus comprises two facilities: DRAGON and TUDA.

Group Members

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publications

Careers

For TRIUMF employment opportunities, please visit the Career Opportunities page.