Toward A Spectroscopically Accurate Nuclear Structure Theory: Exploring Strongly Correlated Media via Spectral Observables

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $300,005 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Nuclear structure theory plays a key role at the cutting edge of science and underlies many frontiers of fundamental physics. The detailed knowledge of nuclear spectral properties is essential for multimessenger astrophysics, the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model, and numerous applications of nuclear data and technologies. However, despite decades-long efforts, the theory struggles with intellectual and computational challenges that prevent it from achieving an accurate and predictive description of nuclear spectral properties, not only for unknown exotic species but also for stable ordinary nuclei. In this project, the theory is advanced beyond the state of the art by implementing a new methodology for (i) evolving the fundamental strong interaction in the correlated media of atomic nuclei, (ii) ordering and navigating the increasing complexity of nucleonic propagation in such media with increasing particle number, and (iii) extrapolating the computation to astrophysical temperatures and densities. This effort is expected to reduce uncertainties in predictions of nuclear spectra for diverse applications. Graduate students engaged in the project are prepared to launch their careers in academia and industry. The novel results are integrated into university graduate courses, aiming at attracting young talents to the field of nuclear physics. This project focuses on the following theoretical and computational developments: (i) establishing a junction between t

Key facts

NSF award ID
2515056
Awardee
Western Michigan University (MI)
SAM.gov UEI
J7WULLYGFRH1
PI
Elena Litvinova
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Windows on the Universe (WoU), QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
Estimated total
$300,005
Funds obligated
$300,005
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028