Fermium Studied at GSI/FAIR — Researchers Investigate Nuclear Properties of Element 100 with Laser Light

GSI/FAIR Collaboration Discovers New Insights into Fermium

Darmstadt, Germany — A team of researchers at the GSI/FAIR facility has made significant progress in understanding the nuclear properties of fermium, element 100 on the periodic table. Using laser spectroscopy, they were able to precisely measure the atomic mass and nuclear charge radius of fermium isotopes for the first time. These findings, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, provide valuable insights into the structure and stability of heavy elements.

Laser Spectroscopy Technique

The GSI/FAIR team employed laser spectroscopy to study fermium isotopes. This technique involves shining a laser beam at atoms and measuring the wavelengths of light that are absorbed or emitted. By analyzing these wavelengths, researchers can determine the energy levels of the atoms and extract information about their nuclear properties.

Precision Measurements of Fermium Isotopes

Using laser spectroscopy, the researchers measured the atomic mass of fermium-257 with an unprecedented precision of 0.00000004 atomic mass units (amu). This is the most accurate mass measurement ever performed for a fermium isotope. They also determined the nuclear charge radius of fermium-255 and fermium-257, providing new insights into the size and shape of these atomic nuclei.

Understanding the Stability of Heavy Elements

The nuclear properties of heavy elements like fermium are crucial for understanding their stability and behavior in the universe. By measuring the atomic mass and nuclear charge radius of fermium isotopes, the GSI/FAIR team has gained valuable information about the forces that govern the structure of these nuclei. Their findings contribute to our understanding of how heavy elements are formed and how they decay over time.

Future Research Directions

The GSI/FAIR team's study opens up new avenues for research into the nuclear properties of heavy elements. By combining laser spectroscopy with other experimental techniques, researchers can further explore the structure, stability, and decay mechanisms of these fascinating elements. These investigations will not only advance our fundamental knowledge of nuclear physics but also have implications for fields such as astrophysics and nuclear waste management.