Physics colloquium-“Radioactive Atoms and Molecules for Fundamental Physics”

Ronald Fernando Garcia Ruiz

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Physics

Abstract: A precise understanding of the interaction between the atomic nucleus and its bound electrons enables the exploration of physical phenomena across a wide range of energy scales. Atoms and molecules containing nuclei with extreme proton-to-neutron ratios can be artificially created to amplify and study specific nuclear phenomena. As a result, precision measurements of these systems can provide unique and complementary insights into the properties of the atomic nucleus, nuclear matter, and the fundamental particles and forces of nature.   In this talk, I will present recent highlights and perspectives from laser spectroscopy experiments of these exotic species. I will also discuss the relevance of these experiments in addressing open problems in nuclear and particle physics.

All lectures in Hill Hall 202 unless otherwise specified