Clustering in Boron-9 as a Test of Mirror Symmetry featuring Jack Bishop (University of Birmingham, UK)

Hosted by: Araceli Garcia Flores (IFUNAM)

Abstract: Nuclear clustering is a phenomenon where the structure of the nucleus tends towards clumps of alpha particles rather than a homogenous ball of protons and neutrons. Understanding this feature of the nuclear force is particularly important for astrophysics, for instance in the Hoyle state which is essential to the triple-alpha process.

This talk discusses current experimental efforts to understand the role of clustering in systems that cannot be composed solely of alpha particles, and how mirror symmetry can be used to probe the structure of these unusual states. This is focused around understanding the first-excited state of 9B, which has posed an experimental challenge for many decades, and on the insights that recent experiments and theoretical models can play in elucidating this conundrum.

Professional homepage: https://jackbishopbham.github.io/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-bishop-nuclear-physicist