The primary objective of this US-Hungary physics research project between Dr. Aaron Galonsky of Michigan State University and Dr. Ferenc Deak of the Central Physics Institute, Budapest, Hungary, is to study nucleus-nucleus collisions which produce hot zones. For low projectile energies the dominant mode of cooling is neuron emission, but fragments are occasionally emitted too. During the cooling of these zones, changes occur in both the kinetic energy spectra and the distribution of internal excitation energy of such fragments. Using a colinear neutron- fragment coincidence technique, the researchers plan to collect experimental information on the dependence of internal energy on kinetic energy as a means of testing de-excitation models. This project in 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.
