Atomic nuclei are quantum systems that can adopt a wide range of shapes and exhibit complex collective motion. For decades, many excited states in near-spherical nuclei have been interpreted as surface vibrations, forming one of the central ideas used to describe nuclear structure. However, growing experimental evidence, including recent work by ANU researchers and students, suggests that this traditional picture may be incomplete. If so, some of the concepts taught in nuclear physics textbooks may need to be reconsidered.

This project investigates how atomic nuclei behave when excited and whether their observed properties are truly consistent with the long-standing vibrational model. Students will use modern experimental techniques to probe nuclear shape, collectivity, and the underlying quantum structure of atomic nuclei.

Research is centred on experiments performed at the ANU Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility. Two complementary approaches are used. Coulomb excitation reveals the shape and collective behaviour of a nucleus, while nucleon-transfer reactions provide insight into its microscopic structure. Together, these techniques offer a powerful way to test competing descriptions of nuclear motion and deformation.

Why is this exciting?

This project explores a deceptively simple question with potentially profound consequences: Do atomic nuclei really vibrate in the way we have assumed for decades, or is something more interesting happening?

The answer could reshape our understanding of collective motion in quantum many-body systems and challenge ideas that have formed the foundation of nuclear structure physics for generations.

Scholarships 

Scholarship support is available for outstanding Honours students commencing research in 2027. Interested students are encouraged to contact the supervisors to discuss available opportunities.

What will you do?

Projects can involve experimental work, detector development, data analysis, scientific computing, and interpretation of results using modern nuclear models. Students will work closely with researchers at ANU and international collaborators studying some of the most important open questions in nuclear structure physics.

Depending on your interests, you may:

• Perform experiments using the gamma-ray spectroscopy beamlines at the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facilit.
• Develop and commission new detector systems.
• Analyse reaction data to determine nuclear structure.
• Compare experimental results with modern theory calculations.
• Investigate how shell structure evolves in stable and exotic nuclei.
• Contribute to international collaborations studying stable and rare isotopes.

Skills you will develop

• Experimental nuclear physics
• Radiation detection and instrumentation
• Scientific programming and data analysis
• Accelerator-based experimental techniques
• Statistical analysis and modelling
• Scientific communication and teamwork

This project is suitable for students interested in nuclear physics, experimental science, instrumentation, computing, or data analysis. No specialised background in nuclear physics is required. Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn are far more important than prior experience. The project can be tailored to suit a student's interests, experience level, and desired learning outcomes.