The objective of this US-Poland research project between Dr. Jurg X. Saladin of the University of Pittsburgh and Drs. W. Nazarewicz, S. Cwick, and Z. Szymanski of the University of Warsaw is to study nuclei under conditions of extreme rotational velocities. In the mass 70 to 80 region, the studies will focus on properties of rotational bands which are characterized by rapid changes as a function of the number of protons and neutrons and as a function of angular frequency. The researchers will determine quantities of the moments of inertia, electromagnetic transition rates, spin alignment, signature splitting and signature inversion. They will interpret the results of these measurements by means of cranked shell model calculations, which include Strutinsky averaging and take into account the effects of the pairing interaction. They will search for electric molecule transitions in the mass 80 region using an array of mini- orange electron spectrometers. Monopole transitions depend on the mixing of bands with different shapes and on the changes in the rms radius. The researchers will study the decay of superdeformed bands in the rare earth region into bands of normal deformation using the same measurements. They will also study the octupole effects in the actinide region. This project in theoretical nuclear physics fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
