"Laser Studies of Basic Atoms and Nuclei - an Olympics of Precision"

Dr. David Shiner

UNT - Physics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

3:30 p.m., Room 104, Physics Building

Refreshments

3:15 p.m., Room 104

Abstract: I will provide an overview of research my students and I perform in our lab at UNT. The research provides experimental benchmarks that test (1) the atomic theory and computation of electron-electron interactions in helium, the simplest multi-electron atom, and (2) the nuclear interactions and computations that predict the observed size of few-nucleon nuclei. The tabletop experiments give experience and training in developing new laser sources and optical techniques. We then apply these experiments to test our current understanding of these basic physical systems.