Contact: Marguerite Halversen, University Relations, (517) 353-4355, halverse@msu.edu

10/14/2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. – A collaboration between Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and several predominantly Midwestern undergraduate institutions (Hope College, Wabash College, Western Michigan University, Westmont College, Florida State University, Indiana University—South Bend, Marquette University, Central Michigan University, and Concordia College) has resulted in new nuclear science detectors for NSCL and phenomenal research opportunities for students who do not always have the opportunity to participate in high-tech, forefront science research.

Basically, NSCL, the nation’s current leading rare isotope research facility, applied for a joint National Science Foundation (NSF) grant with the above-named schools so that they could be involved with the building and testing of two new pieces of nuclear detection equipment for use at the NSCL: The Modular Neutron Array (called MoNA) and the Sweeper Magnet. MoNA is a specialized detector that measures the speed and direction of neutrons after an interaction between a rare isotope beam and a target of a specific element. MoNA allows researchers to observe how nuclei behave in extreme conditions, creating an image of the interior of rare nuclei. The Sweeper Magnet is used in conjunction with MoNA and other detectors to separate the nuclear particles that result from an accelerator experiment. The Sweeper, built at Florida State University’s National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), generates a strong magnetic field using superconducting coils. As neutral particles, neutrons are not affected by the magnetic field and fly straight after the reaction. However, the charged remnants are “swept” away in a different direction towards other detection systems.

The result of this collaboration was positive for all involved parties. Undergraduate students at small colleges had (and continue to have) the opportunity to participate in a research project at the nation’s leading rare isotope research facility—building equipment to be used in world-class nuclear science experiments. They worked in groups to construct specific parts of the magnet and components of MoNA (specifically, 144 bars of plastic scintillators). They were then able to test the viability of this equipment at their own labs and later at the NSCL.

This week and next (12-20 October), these students will be at the NSCL at MSU to participate in an experiment using the detectors that they were vitally important in producing.

We believe that collaborations such as these not only help NSCL advance scientific discovery but allow undergraduate science students to participate in state-of-the-art research, ultimately enhancing their interest in science, specifically physics—a vital interest to cultivate in an era when the nation’s education of highly educated scientists is slipping. This project is but one of many projects that the NSCL engages in to advance science learning and research among college-age students—advancing research today and, ultimately, preparing scientists for the future.