Study of 3He-induced reactions and elastic scattering on light isotopes: Measurement, benchmarking and theoretical investigation of differential cross sections suitable for Ion Beam Analysis.

• Applicant: Varvara Foteinou, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 465963898

The present proposal aims at providing an important contribution in the field of Ion Beam Analysis via the measurement of differential cross sections of 3He-induced reactions and elastic scattering, suitable for the application of the NRA and EBS techniques for the depth-profiling of light isotopes. Material analysis with 3He as the probing beam presents the distinct advantage of causing the simultaneous excitation of most light isotopes with enhanced sensitivity and accuracy, mainly due to the relatively high differential cross sections and Q-values involved, while at the same time, there is no need for special radiation safety precautions, as in the case of deuteron-induced reactions where certain precautions are indispensable due to the neutrons emitted from various reaction channels and/or the deuteron breakup. The principal objectives of this study will be: (a) The measurement, with the highest possible precision, of the differential cross sections of a number of 3He-induced reactions and elastic scattering on light isotopes, at suitable (low) energies and at multiple backward angles, (b) the subsequent benchmarking of the obtained results using high-purity, isotopically-enriched thick targets of accurately known composition and (c) the interpretation of the experimental data in the framework of the R–matrix theory, along with DWBA calculations.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Greece
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Kokkoris