Isotopes of elements lighter than calcium offer a unique view into the evolution of the structure of atomic nuclei. In the past decade it has become possible to study experimentally isotopic chains of these elements from the most proton-rich isotope to the ones close to the neutron-dripline. It is becoming apparent that the structure of atomic nuclei with extreme neutron-to-proton ratios differs from the structure of beta-stable nuclei and that theoretical predictions become increasingly uncertain as the neutron excess increases. Much of this research employs fast beams of rare isotopes for which specialized experimental techniques had to be developed. This talk will review new insights gained into the structure of light exotic nuclei and address some of the experimental challenges.

ANL Physics Division Colloquium Schedule