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H2020Doctoral network2019–2024

LISA · Laser Ionization and Spectroscopy of Actinide elements

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2019-11-01 → 2024-09-30
EU contribution
€3,994,658
Participants
13
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Laser Ionization and Spectroscopy of Actinide elements

The LISA consortium conducts research to increase our understanding of the atomic and nuclear properties of the actinides. These are a group of radioactive elements crucial to our basic understanding of nuclear chemistry and applications including nuclear power. Of long-standing interest to the fields of fundamental atomic and nuclear physics, their study is an essential prerequisite for understanding the so-called superheavy elements. Within the different work packages (WP) of the LISA consortium, complementary research methods were applied to produce and study the actinides, which are elusive due to their chemical similarities, complex atomic structure and hugely varying scarcity. LISA brought together specialists of the field to train the next generation of young researchers. Techniques combining nuclear chemical preparation, laser spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, supported by theoretical studies, have yielded insights into chemical behaviour and nuclear structure. A key objective of LISA was to demonstrate the societal value of its research, focusing on radioecological surveys through ultra-trace analysis and 225Ac for targeted alpha therapy (TAT). Progress included fast switching between laser schemes for rapid sample analysis and advancements in analyzing Pu isotopic ratios. LISA also succeeded in producing Ac in its atomic and molecular forms, providing highly pure samples for medical applications.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

LISA aims to train the next generation of atomic, nuclear and laser scientists by conducting research to increase our understanding of the atomic and nuclear properties of the chemical elements known as the actinides. Of long-standing interest to the fields of fundamental atomic and nuclear physics, this effort is an essential prerequisite for unravelling the structure of the superheavy elements at the end of Mendeleev’s table. This knowledge is required for the effective production, identification and handling of these elements, and is thus a necessary foundation for our goals of understanding and exploiting the potential for practical applications of the actinides in the fields of medical physics, nuclear applications and environmental monitoring. Our consortium of world-leading experts in radioactive ion beam research and applications, laser spectroscopy, scientific laser technologies (industrial partners) and nuclear and atomic theorists will recruit and train 15 doctoral students. LISA will form a cohesive and symbiotic collaboration for training young scientists in the pursuit of the following research objectives: Develop laser-based actinide ion beam production and purification techniques; develop laser technology; measurement of ionization potentials and electron affinities; extract atomic and nuclear properties from laser spectroscopy studies; enhance the prospects for direct use of the actinide isotopes themselves (theranostic applications), or the application of techniques for their detection (environmental monitoring). LISA will be structured into 7 work packages (WP), separated according to specific types of technical or research challenges, training, communication and management, but highly interlinked to ensure a close interaction between the ESR fellows. This structure is designed to expose all trainees to the breath of activity types across the network and also to foster working relationships that will endure long after the project ends.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • ORGANISATION EUROPEENNE POUR LA RECHERCHE NUCLEAIRE · GENEVE 23CoordinatorSwitzerland
  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisFrance
  • FRIEDRICH-SCHILLER-UNIVERSITÄT JENA · JENAGermany
  • GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET · GoeteborgSweden
  • GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITAET HANNOVER · HannoverGermany
  • GRAND ACCELERATEUR NATIONAL D'IONS LOURDS · CaenFrance
  • GSI HELMHOLTZZENTRUM FUR SCHWERIONENFORSCHUNG GMBH · DarmstadtGermany
  • HUBNER GMBH & CO KG · KasselGermany
  • JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ · MainzGermany
  • JYVASKYLAN YLIOPISTO · JyvaskylaFinland
  • KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenBelgium
  • M-SQUARED LASERS LIMITED · GLASGOWUnited Kingdom
  • RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN · GroningenNetherlands

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union