Neutron-rich nuclei become increasingly sensitive to three-nucleon forces. These components of nuclear forces are at the forefront of theoretical developments based on effective field theories of quantum chromodynamics. I will discuss our understanding of three-nucleon forces and their impact on exotic nuclei, and show how new measurements test and constrain three-nucleon forces, and how this in turn constrains our knowledge of neutron-rich matter in neutron stars and other extreme astrophysical environments. Three-nucleon forces therefore provide an exciting link between the theoretical, experimental and observational nuclear physics frontiers.

Argonne Physics Division Colloquium Schedule