The Hope College Nuclear Group has begun to take advantage of the Radioactive Nuclear Beams (RNB) available at Notre Dame and Michigan State University. Specifically, this project will undertake measurements of the 3n decay channel following the fusion of 6He with 209Bi to study the effects of the neutron-skin character of 6He, the fusion cross section of 8Be with 28Si to examine the effects of a possible proton-skin, and the electromagnetic dissociation of fissile systems induced by RNB. This proposal will also support collaborative participation in RNB experiments proposed by others from Notre Dame, Oak Ridge National Labs, and Michigan State University. Undergraduate students from Hope College will participate in all aspects of the experiments. Our experience over the years demonstrates that undergraduate research enhances a student's education and preparation.
