| opportunity |
location |
|
| 13.50.00.C1016 |
AFIT, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 454337542 |
Nuclear data plays a crucial role in a wide variety of applications, including many related to national security [1]. There are key gaps in these data that require further study such as cross sections for neutron-induced nuclear reactions. Generally this work involves designing, modeling, and assembling accelerator beam experiments; traveling to external facilities to set up and perform the experiments; and building, calibrating, and characterizing radiation detectors. These radiation detectors can also be used for specific applications of interest, such as measuring ionizing radiation in the atmosphere [2]. Novel manufacturing approaches such as photopolymerization or 3D printing allow for detector geometries that would otherwise be impractical or even impossible [3].
Our lab works in all aspects of nuclear physics measurements as well as the development and characterization of radiation detectors. Successful applicants will have or be in progress to earn a PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Experience is desired in the areas of radiation detection, nuclear physics, data analysis (with C++ and Python), and radiation transport simulations.
[1] Karolina Kolos, Vladimir Sobes, Ramona Vogt, Catherine E. Romano, Michael S. Smith, Lee Bernstein, et al. "Current nuclear data needs for applications," Phys. Rev. Research 4, 021001, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.021001
[2] Jeffrey M Chaffin, Juan J Manfredi, Gregory S Bowers, William J Erwin, James C Petrosky, "High Elevation Radiation Array (HERA) detectors for airborne thunderstorm investigations," Nuclear Instruments and Methods A 1063, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169334
[3] Brian G Frandsen, Michael Febbraro, Thomas Ruland, Theodore W Stephens, Paul A Hausladen, Juan J Manfredi, James E Bevins, "Fast-, light-cured scintillating plastic for 3D-printing applications," Journal of Nuclear Engineering 4 (1), 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/jne4010019
Nuclear physics; radiation detection; nuclear reactions; nuclear engineering; scintillators; novel materials; accelerator experiments; data analysis; detector arrays; radiation transport