Descripción del proyecto
This proposal delves into the science of nuclear isomers, complex quantum states with distinct energy levels and long lifetimes. Isomers hold untapped potential in nuclear physics and astrophysics, capable of revolutionizing energy production, impacting stellar evolution, enhancing timekeeping, and transforming medical imaging. Modelling isomers remains an ongoing challenge. With the global interest in isomer research growing, new models for the description of isomerism must be pursued. With this idea in mind, the proposal aims to develop an innovative theoretical framework unifying existing nuclear models, specifically, the algebraic interacting boson fermion-fermion model with constraints coming from shell model interactions, to bridge the theory gaps for resolving the mysteries of odd-odd isomers. This is in line with the mutual interests of the applicant and supervisor.
Odd-odd nuclei are very rich in the number of isomers, but their quantitative understanding is still amiss. Their isomer data will be analyzed to search for the global similarities and differences in spectroscopic properties across the nuclear landscape. The main goal is to quantify the decay properties, lifetimes, and structure of odd-odd isomers, particularly in shape-transitional regions, where the isomeric structure gets very complex and is not yet properly understood. The new theoretical tool will be generic in nature and can be used to study other nuclear physics phenomena, having a longer-term influence on nuclear physics research even after the fellowship. Interdisciplinary and broad-range nuclear physics applications, including Bose-Einstein Condensate, superheavy nuclei, and isomer experiments will be established, benefiting from the expertise of senior experimental collaborators at GANIL, Surrey, and London. The plan envisions cross-fertilisations between theoretical insights and experimental data, boosting the applicant's career, and inspiring the scientific awareness of the public.