1. Programme Advisory Committee for Nuclear Physics 27th meeting, 24–25 January 2008 RECOMMENDATIONS WALTER GREINER

2. Preamble The PAC is pleased to learn about the decision of the Committee of Plenipotentiaries to increase the JINR budget by 24% in 2008. The PAC notes with interest the plan being considered by the Institute Directorate together with the Russian Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” concerning the establishment of a JINR- based International Nanotechnology Centre of the Member States. Heavy-ion physics at low and high energy addresses fundamental problems which require research for several decades. Important applications for practical life and society are exemplary demonstrated by tumor therapy with heavy-ion and proton beams.

3. 3 Activities of the JINR University Centre The PAC took note of the information about the activities of the JINR University Centre in 2007. The PAC highly appreciates the successful implementation of the Educational Programme pursued by the Centre. The motivation, education, and attraction of young people for modern science are of vital importance for the future of the Institute. The utmost care and development of and very active involvement in the education and training process should be a permanent task for the JINR laboratories and research groups.

4. Project IREN The PAC heard a status report on the project IREN. The PAC recognizes the efforts by FLNP to resolve the problems arisen by the damage of the SLAC 5045 klystron which entailed the delay in the project realization. Due to this, the PAC’s recommendations of April 2007 on the completion of the first stage of IREN project and on the closure of the theme “Construction of the IREN facility” (03-4-0993-94/2007) have not been fulfilled. (The PAC recommended closing this theme in 2007. Then a new theme “Test of the IREN facility Phase I” should be opened for one year with first priority).

5. The FLNP Directorate reported the work schedule for 2008 which should be completed by electron beam extraction to the non- multiplying target and by immediate start-up of the experimental programme of applied research. The parameters of the IREN facility (Phase I) could permit performing accurate measurements of the neutron cross section addressed to astrophysics and medical applications. Recommendation. The PAC supports the decision of the JINR Directorate to extend the theme “Construction of the IREN facility” for 2008 with first priority and looks forward to achieving the expected results in the current year.

6. Proposal of a new project “Deep underwater muon and neutrino detector at Lake Baikal (project BAIKAL)”. The PAC heard with great interest the presentation of the BAIKAL project, which aims at increasing the participation of DLNP in many respects including the preparation of the next- generation 1 km 3 detector. The BAIKAL detector is now, together with AMANDA, the world’s largest detector for high- energy neutrino beams coming from the universe or which are generated by annihilation processes of dark matter.

7. The main physics goals  Search for astrophysical point sources of neutrinos of high energy (>15 GeV)  Search for neutrinos from the annihilation of dark matter candidates (WIMPs).  Search for exotic particles like magnetic monopoles and etc.  Search for a diffuse flux of ultrahigh energy (>10 TeV) neutrinos.

8. The Site NT-200+ 4 cables x 4km to shore. 1100-1300m depth

9. Total Recommendation. The PAC considers the BAIKAL project to be of great importance for the neutrino programme of DLNP and recommends its approval with high priority.

10. Spectroscopy of heavy nuclei at FLNR Heaviest SHE - limited experimental data (E , T 1/2 ) Deformed mid-shell nuclei: opportunity for detailed nuclear structure studies Transfermium nuclei: Z > 100 Shell-stabilized nuclei Large density of sp levels, strong Coulomb field => Heavy nuclei: demanding theoretical testing ground

12. Velocity filter for asymmetric combinations (modernization of VASSILISSA) High transmission for asymmetric combinations (beams of 12 C, 14,15 N, 16,18 O, 20,22 Ne)  movable plates of electrostatic deflectors Availability for symmetric combinations ( 136 Xe + 136 Xe → 272 Hs*)  50 cm long plates, high electrostatic field strength

13. Future plans: Advantage of Dubna 244 Md 245 Md 243 Fm 244 Fm 246 Md 247 Md 245 Fm 246 Fm 248 Md 249 Md 247 Fm 248 Fm 250 Md 251 Md 249 Fm 250 Fm 252 Md 253 Md 251 Fm 252 Fm 254 Md 255 Md 253 Fm 254 Fm 256 Md 257 Md 255 Fm 256 Fm 258 Md 259 Md 257 Fm 258 Fm 260 Md 261 Md 259 Fm 260 Fm 249 Lr 250 Lr 248 No 249 No 251 Lr 252 Lr 250 No 251 No 253 Lr 254 Lr 252 No 253 No 255 Lr 256 Lr 254 No 255 No 257 Lr 258 Lr 256 No 257 No 259 Lr 260 Lr 258 No 259 No 261 Lr 262 Lr 260 No 261 No 263 Lr 264 Lr 262 No 263 No 251 Db 252 Db 250 Rf 251 Rf 253 Db 254 Db 252 Rf 253 Rf 255 Db 256 Db 254 Rf 255 Rf 257 Db 258 Db 256 Rf 257 Rf 259 Db 260 Db 258 Rf 259 Rf 261 Db 262 Db 260 Rf 261 Rf 263 Db 264 Db 262 Rf 263 Rf 265 Db 266 Db 264 Rf 265 Rf 253 Bh 254 Bh 252 Sg 253 Sg 255 Bh 256 Bh 254 Sg 255 Sg 257 Bh 258 Bh 256 Sg 257 Sg 259 Bh 260 Bh 258 Sg 259 Sg 261 Bh 262 Bh 260 Sg 261 Sg 263 Bh 264 Bh 262 Sg 263 Sg 265 Bh 266 Bh 264 Sg 265 Sg 267 Bh 268 Bh 266 Sg 267 Sg 78 Pt, 79 Au, 80 Hg, 81 Tl, 82 Pb, 83 Bi targets – « cold fusion » 90 Th, 92 U, 94 Pu, 95 Am, 96 Cm targets – « hot fusion » 102 103 104 105 106 107 146148150152154156158160 Present limits  ≥ 3 -5 nb for decay  ≥ 50 - 100 nb for prompt => Acces to less neutron-deficient nuclei 263 Sg 262 Sg

14. The PAC recommends that the proposed upgrade of the VASSILISSA separator be started in 2008.

15. Main experiments planned at FLNR in 2008 The PAC approves the FLNR programme of scientific research in heavy-ion physics planned for 2008. It supports the continuation of the traditional trends in the studies carried out at the Laboratory, in particular the investigations of properties of transfermium elements, chemical properties of superheavy elements, light exotic nuclei near and beyond the drip line and the development of the accelerators and main experimental set-ups of the Laboratory. The PAC notes the importance of short–term experiments searching for new phenomena, especially in the field of producing new elements and isotopes.

16. 5.04.2007 21:47:46 (Moscow time) Result from the 48 Ca + 242 Pu experiment: chemical properties of 287 114 Result from the 48 Ca + 242 Pu experiment: chemical properties of 287 114 Deposition Temp.: -72 °C 283 112 10.9 s 9.53 MeV 287 114 10.04 MeV 279 Ds 0.24 s SF 103+114 283 112 4.0 s 9.54 MeV 287 114 0.51 s 10.02 MeV 279 Ds 0.18 s SF DGFRS Observed in chemistry

17. 6.5. 2007 08:49:26 (Moscow time) Result from the 48 Ca + 244 Pu experiment 288 114 Result from the 48 Ca + 244 Pu experiment 288 114 9.95 MeV 284 112 109 ms SF 62+nd Deposition Temp.: -85 °C 284 112 101 ms SF 288 114 0.8 s 9.95 MeV DGFRS New chemical experiments are scheduled for 2008

19. What is beyond 48 Ca? 48 Ca + 238 U, 237 Np, 244 Pu, 243 Am, 248 Cm, 249 Cf, no heavier targets New reactions should be searched for synthesis of superheavy elements

20. Nuclear Map

21. Alternative methods for synthesis of superheavies No chances for low-intensive beams of accelerated fission fragments like 132 Sn More intensive beam is needed 160Gd + 186W is a good testing reaction

22. Future plans: reaction induced by titanium

23. Fréjus peak Modane Entrance to the road tunnel France 1 SF-event per year (T 1/2 =10 9 y) corresponds to the concentration: EkaOs/Os = 5. 10 -15 g/g 1 SF-event per year (T 1/2 =10 9 y) corresponds to the concentration: EkaOs/Os = 5. 10 -15 g/g Experiments on the search for superheavy elements in osmium samples (Modane, France)

24. Dubna Radioactive Ion Beams facility

25. Fusion, transfer and breakup reaction mechanisms induced by halo nucleus 6 He JINR (Dubna), CSNSM (Orsay), IRS (Strasbourg), ULB (Bruxelles), Vanderbilt Univ. (USA) 6 He + 166 Er 172 Yb* 166 Yb + 6n 6 He + 166 Er 170 Yb* + 2n 6 He + 166 Er 168 Er* + 4 He 166 Er( 6 He,6n) 166 Yb & 165 Ho( 6 Li,5n) 166 Yb 166 Er( 4 He,4n) 166 Yb //PRC48(1993)319// 321 DRIBs January ’08

26. SETUP FOR EXCITATION FUNCTION MEASUREMENTS WITH MSP-144 Degrader 6 He-beam Targets For E < 25 MeV  MSP-144 (focal plane) Deep sub-barrier fusion of 6 He with 206 Pb Ec.m. = 15 MeV ! 6 He+ 206 Pb  210 Po + 2n 4 He+ 208 Pb ΔE>±2MeV Experimental results (2006) March 2008 experiments dE/dx~40keV/mm L target ~20mm ΔE~±0.4MeV astrophysics, nucleosynthesis DRIBs March ’08

27. JanFebMarAprMaiJunJulAugSepOctNovDec U400 Fusion & transfer reactions with 6 He VASSILISSA + GABRIELA nuclear spectroscopy MSP-144, fusion with 6 He GNS, chemistry of Z=112, 114 (113) Hoyle states in 12 C GNS, 48 Ca+ 226 Ra→Hs VASSILISSA, SF of 244,246 Fm 50 Ti+ 243 Am (preparation & experiment) U400M DRIBs ACCULINNA, production of exotic nuclei DRIBs Preparation for MASHA (cabin & testing) beam available 60 h/week →| Allocation of beam time and maintenance schedule

28. Experiments under discussion at U400 ExperimentTimeBeam 1Exotic (Hoyle) states in 12 C14 12 C, 10 MeV/u, 50 pnA 2Investigation of stability of neutron rich Al, Si and P- isotopes with the magic neutron number N=32 14 48 Ca, 20 Mev/u, 1000 pnA 3Search for shell effects in mass distribution of 160 Gd + 186 W reaction products in the vicinity of the Coulomb barrier 11 160 Gd, 5 MeV/u, 1 pnA 4Investigation of capture, quasifission and fusion-fission in 58 Fe+ 244 Pu reactions 17 58 Fe, 5 MeV/u, 2 pnA 5Investigation of capture, quasifission and fusion-fission in 48 Ca+ 226 Ra reactions 21 48 Ca, 5 MeV/u, 2 pnA 6Investigation of orientation effects in quasifission and fusion-fission in 70 Zn+ 144 Nd and 64 Zn+ 150 Nd reactions 14 64,70 Zn, 5 MeV/u, 2 pnA 7Investigation of fission probability of spherical nuclei 48 Ca+ 208 Pb above the Coulomb barrier 14 48 Ca, 5 MeV/u, 1000 pnA 8Investigation of spontaneous fission of 244,246 Fm, 260 Rf, 250,254 No23 22 Ne, 40 Ar, 48 Ca, 5MeV/u, 1000 pnA 9Investigation of the β-delayed fission in the lead region: 196 At and 180 Tl nuclei 10 40 Ca, 5.5 MeV/u, 1000 pnA 10Study of the 21 + isomer in 94 Ag10 40 Ca, 5.5 MeV/u, 1000 pnA Total:148

29. Experiments under discussion at U400M ExperimentTimeBeam 1 Structure investigation of 8,10 He in 6,8 He+ 3 H reactions48 11 B, 33 MeV/u, 10 pμA 2 6,8 He yields investigation in reactions 7 Li, 11 B+C20 7 Li, 11 B, 20 – 40 MeV/u, 2 pμA 3 Total cross-section measurements in reaction 6 He+ 4 He14 11 B, 33 MeV/u, 10 pμA 5 Investigation of 6 He structure in quasifree scattering on 4 He 20 11 B, 33 MeV/u, 10 pμA Total:116

30. The PAC appreciates the results of the U400M cyclotron upgrade performed in 2007, which is essential for the acceleration of low-energy beams at this facility. Assembling the new experimental setups at the cyclotron U400M will ensure non–stop experiments to study superheavy elements during the modernization of U400 expected at the end of 2009.

31. October-December 2007 U400M Modernization Results Ion beams with energy 5,5 MeV/n and intensity 0,2 ρμA, acceleration and extraction to the second direction. Increasing the light ion beams intensity for production of secondary beams (limit will be tested). Ion beams with energy 5,5 MeV/n and intensity 0,2 ρμA, acceleration and extraction to the second direction. Increasing the light ion beams intensity for production of secondary beams (limit will be tested).

32. Recommendations. The PAC notes that the further development of the DRIBs project, in particular, the forthcoming modernization of the U400 cyclotron, is important for realization of the scientific plans of the Flerov Laboratory. The PAC recommends that the experimental programme of the Laboratory proposed for the period 2008–2009 be fully implemented. The PAC recommends focusing the efforts on mounting and commissioning the experimental setups which are important for the future studies of transfermium elements. Concentrating financial resources on the full completion of the parts necessary for the accelerator systems to start the modernization of the U400 cyclotron at the end of 2009 is also recommended.

33. Adjustment of priorities in the JINR Nuclear Physics Programme for 2008–2010 The PAC took note of the report, presented by M. Itkis, and supports the priorities in the JINR Nuclear Physics Programme proposed by him in accordance with the main provisions of the updated JINR road map for the period for 2008–2010.

34. Scientific reports The PAC heard with interest the report “Quantum optical experiment on measurement of the gravitational force acting on the neutron”, presented by A. Frank. The PAC welcomes this new direction of neutron studies and proposes that the Directorate support the continuation of this work with high priority. The PAC was pleased with the report "Possibilities of producing exotic nuclei in complete fusion and transfer- type reactions", presented by N.Antonenko. Continuation of this research is encouraged.

35. Next meeting of the PAC The next meeting of the PAC for Nuclear Physics will be held on 19–20 June 2008.

36. Tentative agenda Reports and recommendations on the themes and projects to be completed in 2008 Consideration of new projects Status of the IREN project Status of the CATALYSIS experiment Poster presentations of new results and proposals by young scientists in the field of nuclear physics research Scientific reports Information about the NICA project.