Difference between revisions of "Al (p,n) Si"

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(New page: = <sup>27</sup>Al (p,n) <sup>27</sup>Si =)
 
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==Background==
  
= <sup>27</sup>Al (p,n) <sup>27</sup>Si =
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The shorthand for this experiment indicates the basics of the process that will take place:
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<center><sup>27</sup>Al (p,n) <sup>27</sup>Si</center>
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In other words, protons(p) of sufficient energy incident on an <sup>27</sup>Al target will be absorbed by the atom and knock off a neutron(n) to generate <sup>27</sup>Si, where in both cases 27 indicates the atomic mass. However, this will only happen if the protons have sufficient energy.  In this experiment, you will measure the <i>neutron threshold</i>, or the energy incident protons must be accelerated to in order achieve nuclear fusion.
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==Accelerator Operation==
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In order to acquire sufficiently energetic protons for this experiment, you will have to learn to create and direct a proton ion beam in the tandem accelerator. There are a number of components to the accelerator, which you will need to know the function of and how they will affect the nature of the proton beam.
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===Components===
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<ul>
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<li><b>The [[Ion Source]]:</b> Negative H<sup>-</sup> are created here and accelerated at relatively low energies.</li>
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<li><b>The [[Tandem | Tandem Accelerator]]:</b> Negative H<sup>-</sup> ions are accelerated to the center of the tandem, stripped of the electrons to create protons, and then accelerated through the rest of the tandem to a high energy.</li>
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<li><b>The [[Target Room]]:</b> The high energy proton beam is directed onto an aluminum foil target, hopefully creating a nuclear fusion reaction.</li>
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</ul>
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In addition to these main sections of the accelerator, you will need to be able to use the [[Ion Optics | ion optics]] in the accelerator effectively to steer and focus the beam.
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===
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==Data Collection==
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==Analysis==

Revision as of 16:47, 28 August 2010

Background

The shorthand for this experiment indicates the basics of the process that will take place:

27Al (p,n) 27Si

In other words, protons(p) of sufficient energy incident on an 27Al target will be absorbed by the atom and knock off a neutron(n) to generate 27Si, where in both cases 27 indicates the atomic mass. However, this will only happen if the protons have sufficient energy. In this experiment, you will measure the neutron threshold, or the energy incident protons must be accelerated to in order achieve nuclear fusion.

Accelerator Operation

In order to acquire sufficiently energetic protons for this experiment, you will have to learn to create and direct a proton ion beam in the tandem accelerator. There are a number of components to the accelerator, which you will need to know the function of and how they will affect the nature of the proton beam.

Components

  • The Ion Source: Negative H- are created here and accelerated at relatively low energies.
  • The Tandem Accelerator: Negative H- ions are accelerated to the center of the tandem, stripped of the electrons to create protons, and then accelerated through the rest of the tandem to a high energy.
  • The Target Room: The high energy proton beam is directed onto an aluminum foil target, hopefully creating a nuclear fusion reaction.

In addition to these main sections of the accelerator, you will need to be able to use the ion optics in the accelerator effectively to steer and focus the beam.

=

Data Collection

Analysis