Joint Seminar in Nuclear Physics
Zoom:
PROGRAM:
12:00 - 12:30 - Refreshments
12:30 - 13:30 - Precision Spectroscopy of Antiprotonic Atoms for Probing Strong-Field QED- Shikha Rathiת Technion
Abstract:
Precision measurements in quantum systems are critical for testing the boundaries of the Standard Model and exploring new physics [1]. Such investigations depend on a precise understanding of quantum electrodynamics (QED), one of the fundamentally best-understood theories. While bound-state QED (BSQED) predictions have been validated to high precision (parts per 1012) in simple systems like hydrogen [2], its predictions for high-Z atoms in strong Coulomb fields remain largely untested beyond first-order interactions. This limitation arises from experimental challenges and fundamental theoretical uncertainties related to nuclear effects [3]. PAX is a new experiment designed to test strong-field BSQED up to second-order through x-ray spectroscopy of antiprotonic atoms. These exotic systems exhibit Coulomb fields two to seven orders of magnitude stronger than those in their highly charged ion counterparts, amplifying QED effects and making them more accessible to measurement [4]. Our aim is to measure Rydberg transitions in gaseous targets using a novel Transition Edge Sensor x-ray detector, enabling high-precision measurements with a large solid angle and intrinsic resolution of ∼50 eV (FWHM) in the 50–250 keV range, achieving an accuracy of 10−5–10−6 . The PAX strategy will effectively eliminate uncertainties from the nucleus, allowing direct and purely QED-focused measurements. The first prototype detector test for PAX was recently conducted in the TELMAX area at ELENA, CERN. In my talk, I will present our experimental concept and our strategy and share some of the first very preliminary results from the test beam. I’ll also discuss the outlook for the next phases of the experiment.
13:30 - 14:00 - Coffee break
14:00 - 15:00 - Nuclear energy as a catalyst for advancing nuclear science and engineering in Israel - Erez Giladת Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Abstract:
In this talk, I will introduce the newly established Carmela and Josef Klein Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering at Ben-Gurion University, a dedicated academic center for research and education in nuclear energy. I will discuss how advanced nuclear energy applications can be powerful platforms for advancing nuclear science and engineering research in Israel. The institute represents an interdisciplinary approach, integrating physics, chemistry, and mathematics with mechanical, materials, chemical, electrical, cyber, and data sciences to address the full spectrum of nuclear energy challenges.
The second part of the talk will present selected research directions pursued by the neutron transport and reactor physics group at BGU, including computational reactor physics, neutron transport methods, reactor core optimization using the adjoint neutron flux, and neutron noise diagnostics.
