Hidden Magnetism Inside Atoms Explains Mysterious Gamma Rays

Topic: Physics

Scientists at FRIB and LLNL discovered that magnetic transitions inside atomic nuclei are responsible for a mysterious phenomenon called low-energy enhancement. They studied the decay of a radioactive copper isotope into zinc and found that only magnetic transitions produced the effect. This discovery could improve nuclear models and help scientists better understand processes relevant to nuclear energy, national security, and astrophysics.

A decades-old puzzle in nuclear physics has been trying to figure out why some atomic nuclei release more low-energy gamma rays than expected. Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light and radio waves. They are released when excited atomic nuclei lose energy and move into lower, more stable states during radioactive decay.

The researchers at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) studied the decay of a radioactive copper isotope into zinc. They used specialized instruments to separate two distinct decay states and examine them individually. In one state, the decay involved an electric transition, where protons inside the nucleus shifted their positions. But in the other state, the neutrons and protons in the nucleus essentially flipped their internal magnets.

Only the magnetic transition produced the low-energy enhancement in gamma rays. This result showed that the phenomenon is magnetic in nature. The researchers proposed the experiment and worked together to monitor it continuously during a weeklong run.

The findings could improve nuclear models across a wider range of elements and reactions. It could also help scientists better model nuclear reactions in stars, supernovae, and neutron star mergers. This could lead to a better understanding of processes relevant to nuclear energy, national security, and astrophysics.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it can improve our understanding of nuclear reactions and help us predict where low-energy enhancement occurs. It can also have implications for nuclear energy, national security, and astrophysics.

Key Facts

• The researchers studied the decay of a radioactive copper isotope into zinc at FRIB and LLNL.
• They found that magnetic transitions inside atomic nuclei are responsible for low-energy enhancement in gamma rays.
• Only magnetic transitions produced the effect, not electric transitions.
• The findings could improve nuclear models across a wider range of elements and reactions.
• This discovery can have implications for nuclear energy, national security, and astrophysics.

Key Terms

Gamma rays

A type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light and radio waves.

Magnetic transition

When neutrons and protons in the nucleus flip their internal magnets.

Implications

This discovery is important because it can improve our understanding of nuclear reactions and help us predict where low-energy enhancement occurs. It can also have implications for nuclear energy, national security, and astrophysics.