Nuclear and Plasma Physics

Nuclear and plasma physics form complementary pillars in our understanding of the fundamental forces and states of matter. Nuclear physics investigates the structure, dynamics and interactions of atomic nuclei, encompassing processes such as fission, fusion and various decay mechanisms. Plasma physics, on the other hand, studies ionised gases where charged particles interact collectively under electromagnetic forces. Together, these disciplines drive advances in energy generation, astrophysical research and industrial applications. Recent innovations in computational modelling, high-resolution diagnostics and experimental reactor design are steadily bridging theoretical predictions with practical implementations, paving the way for more efficient and controlled fusion reactions as well as improved nuclear technologies.

Research in Nature Index

Recent heavy-ion collision studies have revealed surprising patterns of global spin alignment in vector mesons, hinting at strong force field effects in quark–gluon plasma environments [1]. This finding deepens our grasp of the non-perturbative regime of quantum chromodynamics, potentially unlocking new approaches to probe the strong interaction at high densities and temperatures.

In pursuit of uncovering fundamental particle properties, the search for Majorana neutrinos has gained momentum. Experiments operating at millikelvin temperatures successfully achieve ultralow backgrounds, pushing the limits of neutrinoless double-β decay sensitivity and offering a route to resolving whether neutrinos are indeed their own antiparticles [2].

Parallel efforts in the study of neutron-rich systems have culminated in the observation of a correlated free four-neutron state: this resonance-like structure provides a valuable experimental benchmark for theories of the nuclear force under extreme neutron imbalances [3]. By clarifying how nucleons cluster, such breakthroughs promise to refine nuclear interactions’ modelling and assist in mapping the boundaries of nuclear stability.

Finally, precision in nuclear structure has reached new heights with the direct observation of radiative decay in the low-energy 229Th isomer [4]. This achievement is a pivotal step toward a nuclear-optical clock, potentially surpassing existing atomic clocks in frequency accuracy and stability. It also offers profound implications for testing fundamental physics, from possible drifts in fundamental constants to novel metrological applications.

Topic trend for the past 5 years

Technical terms

Global spin alignment: A phenomenon where the spins of produced particles exhibit preferred orientations in high-energy collisions.

Majorana neutrino: A neutrino that is its own antiparticle, implying lepton-number-violating processes.

Correlated four-neutron system: A transient cluster of four neutrons interacting without protons, challenging nuclear-force models.

Nuclear clock isomer: A low-energy excited nuclear state suitable for ultra-precise frequency standards.

References

1. Pattern of global spin alignment of ϕ and K*0 mesons in heavy-ion collisions. Nature (2023).
2. Search for Majorana neutrinos exploiting millikelvin cryogenics with CUORE. Nature (2022).
3. Observation of a correlated free four-neutron system. Nature (2022).
4. Observation of the radiative decay of the 229Th nuclear clock isomer. Nature (2023).

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