Studying Exotic Nuclear Masses at Argonne National Lab

Join us in studying the nuclear physics of stars, supernova, neutron star mergers and other energetic astrophysical phenomena via one of the most fundamental properties of nuclei: their mass! We determine the nuclear masses of exotic isotopes via their properties inside of an ion trap, which confines charged particles in free space via magnetic and electric fields. The Canadian Penning Trap (CPT), located at Argonne National Laboratory in suburban Chicagoland, has precisely measured the masses of hundreds of exotic nuclei, and is currently moving to the N = 126 Factory at the same lab, which will provide a new suite of exotic nuclei previously unaccessible to experimenters!

The Argonne Ion Trapping group and the CPT are looking for students to play a significant role in this process. Semester projects are flexible, and would primarily focus on analysis of existing CPT data and simulations related to exotic nuclei production at the N = 126 Factory. These efforts encompass a swath of languages; regardless of your previous coding experience, we'll have a project ready to tailor to you!

Semester projects would ideally continue into the summer, where we have full-time, paid summer positions available with our group at Argonne National Lab. Summer work would include further simulation and analysis studies, but also consist of hands-on work in the construction and commissioning of the N = 126 Factory.

If you're interested in our work at Argonne, please join us!

Name of research group, project, or lab
Argonne Ion Trapping Group
Why join this research group or lab?

Semester project opportunities are primarily computational, and can be flexed to fit what you might be looking for. Hours and commitment time are also flexible; we will work with you to create something optimized to what you're looking for!

Summer projects are full-time, paid opportunities on-site at Argonne National Lab. Pay is competitive, and the experience provides an invaluable lens into national lab-based research, and an excellent opportunity to network at a major cutting-edge science facility. 

Opportunities to fully integrate into our research group, via attending group meetings and assisting during experimental beamtimes, are available. Travel to Argonne during the semester is a possibility.

Our group consists of multiple faculty members and students who are all ready to work with you; you'll be joining a lively group of research peers!

Representative publication
Logistics Information:
Project categories
Physics & Astronomy
Student ranks applicable
First Year
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

While previous experience in physics and coding is useful, it is by no means required. All we ask is for an excitement and willingness to learn!

Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Summer - Full Time
Compensation
Research for Credit
Paid - General
Paid - Work-Study Required
Unpaid - Volunteer
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

Coding (multiple languages) and simulation skills, and various techniques in experimental nuclear physics

Project start
Whenever you are available
Contact Information:
Mentor
wporter@nd.edu
Ph.D Student
Name of project director or principal investigator
Maxime Brodeur
Email address of project director or principal investigator
mbrodeur@nd.edu
1 sp. | 2 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours (+3)
1 credit / 3-6 hours2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hoursSummer - Full Time
Project categories
Physics & Astronomy