Department of Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications

The Department of Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications operates the premier laboratory in Australia for accelerator-based research in nuclear physics, providing and developing facilities for local staff and national and international outside users. The facilities are used for postgraduate and postdoctoral training over a wide range of research, from basic to applied.

Located close to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australia, Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications is one of the Departments that make up the Research School of Physics and Engineering at The Australian National University.

Our research groups

Nuclear structure group

The main Focus of our research is on the properties of individual quantum states in nuclei and the identification of new nuclei using gamma-ray, electron, particle and time-correlated techniques.

Nuclear reaction dynamics group

The Nuclear Reaction Dynamics group has developed expertise in the design and development of unique, efficient particle detection systems. These are used in fundamental research into the important processes of nuclear fusion, where two nuclei merge into one, and nuclear fission, where one nucleus splits into two.

Accelerator mass spectrometry group

The AMS group at ANU is small but dynamic, and utilises the relatively high-energies (in AMS terms) capable with the ANU 14UD pelletron accelerator to analyse a large number of isotopes at very high sensitivity.

Positron research group

The positron research group studies the interactions of antimatter(positrons) with matter in a range of different contexts. Current research is in basic quantum physics and the applications of positrons in medical physics, in particular Positron Emission Tomography. We engage in a wide range of collaborations within Australia and across the world.

Space plasma power and propulsion group

The Space Plasma Power and Propulsion (SP3) research group is at the forefront of research, development and testing of propulsion systems for spacecraft. Our expertise in plasma physics, electronics and RF power systems has led to new plasma thrusters and ion beam systems for surface processing and analysis.

Accelerator development group

Research within the department is also closely tied to a program of continuous upgrading and development of the 14UD and linear booster accelerators.

Contacts

Head, Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications

(02) 612 52097

Administrator, Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Applications

(02) 612 52083