Powerful linear accelerator begins smashing atoms – 2 scientists on the team explain how it could reveal rare forms of matter

[Admin]

The accelerator at FRIB started working at low power, but when it finishes ramping up to full strength, it will be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator on Earth.

Powerful linear accelerator begins smashing atoms – 2 scientists on the team explain how it could reveal rare forms of matter : Read more

 

[allanrbrewer]

"scandium, calcium and potassium. These isotopes are commonly found in neutron stars..."
Could you explain that quote a bit please - I thought that neutron stars were essentially one big nucleus?

 

[allanrbrewer]

"smash this beam of ions into a ...rotating disk of carbon."
Why is the carbon rotating - what is the function of this?

 

[billslugg]

From Wiki:
"Current models indicate that matter at the surface of a neutron star is composed of ordinary atomic nuclei crushed into a solid lattice with a sea of electrons flowing through the gaps between them."

The target rotates so that no one spot gets all the energy. This would make it melt.

 

[allanrbrewer]

Thanks.
re the targets - Carbon's melting point is higher than Beryllium so presumably the Be target would have to rotate also?

 

[billslugg]

Thanks.
re the targets - Carbon's melting point is higher than Beryllium so presumably the Be target would have to rotate also?

Probably all linear collider targets rotate. Many X-ray tubes have rotating targets as well.