Nuclear Science

Studying accelerator-driven nuclear reactions

Our researchers apply novel irradiation techniques to generate nuclear data that can be used to validate or constrain theoretical models, and to produce radioactive isotopes that can be used as radiotracers for a wide range of research applications.

Researchers leverage CAMS instruments to bombard nuclear targets from across the periodic table with various charged particle beams at precise energies. The energy range and resolution of the CAMS accelerator enables us to explore unique data sets, cross sections, and excitation functions. In addition, by partnering with LLNL’s radiochemistry experts, we produce radiotracers that we use in our nuclear forensics research, and we support in-house AMS measurements. Our research teams also leverage the capabilities of LLNL’s radiochemistry labs and the Nuclear Counting Facility to extract novel data from our irradiations.

Research areas

A gamma spectrometer.

Experimental nuclear physics

Experiments at CAMS provide data on a wide range of nuclear data, informing our understanding in areas such as stockpile stewardship, nuclear nonproliferation, and fundamental science.

A researcher working on an instrument.

Isotope production

Our researchers advance nuclear medicine and radiotracer development by producing unique radionuclides through ion beam-induced nuclear reactions.

Learn more

Wilkinson, John Thomas
John Wilkinson
 [email protected]
Publications

Explore publications authored by LLNL scientists regarding their nuclear science research at CAMS

Technology

Explore relevant instruments and technologies researchers at CAMS use to study the carbon cycle

Maria Anastasiou

Scientist spotlight

Physicist Maria Anastasiou leverages LLNL’s accelerators to study nuclear reactions—from supernova explosions in stars, to reactions that are important to the Lab’s stockpile stewardship and nuclear forensics missions. She values the flexibility she finds at LLNL, where she can shift her research focus to new areas, such as her transition from studying astrophysics to developing alternative ways to measure nuclear reaction probabilities. She also enjoys using the Lab’s research tools to fine-tune experimental techniques, including accelerators at CAMS and detector configurations—a key focus of research conducted by Maria’s working group. In addition, she’s eager to mentor future scientists, which motivated her to collaborate with four Lab scientists to launch an internship program at LLNL. Maria joined LLNL as a postdoc in 2019 and converted to a staff scientist role in 2022. Learn more about Maria.