Physics with radioactive beams at CERN-ISOLDE
T. Nilsson
The ISOLDE radioactive beam facility at CERN has now been operating for
more than 35 years, delivering a unique range of radioactive isotopes as
low-energy beams, often reaching the highest intensities. Recently, the
addition of the post-accelerator REX-ISOLDE permits accelerating a wide
range of radioactive beams and enlarging the scientific scope of the
facility. The large range of radioactive beams is complemented by a
number of cutting-edge experimental set-ups, permitting experiments
within nuclear physics, atomic physics, astrophysics, fundamental
interactions as well as condensed matter physics and life sciences.
The lectures will give an overview of the experimental programme pursued
at ISOLDE with emphasis on studies of nuclear structure through decay
experiments and low-energy reactions, and nuclear ground state
properties through mass measurements and laser spectroscopy of exotic
nuclei. This will be illustrated by recent results obtained at the
facility, together with an overview of the associated experimental
equipment. The crucial interplay of the radioactive beam production
process and the experiments at an ISOL-facility will be highlighted. A
brief description of applications as well as studies of fundamental
interactions using slow RIBs will be given. Furthermore, the future
perspectives of ISOL facilities in Europe and the possible connections
to neutrino physics will be mentioned.
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