ENSAR2 core aim is to provide access to nine of the complementary world-class large-scale facilities in nuclear physics: GANIL (F) and ALTO (F), LNL-LNS (I), CERN-ISOLDE (CH), JYFL (FI), GSI (G), KVI-CART (NL), NLC (PL), IFIN-HH/ELI-NP (RO) and a theoretical physics infrastructure: ECT* (I). During the first reporting period, ENSAR2 infrastructures provided, in total, more than 14000 hours of access to particle accelerators and more than 900 of workshop days.
To enhance the access to these facilities, the Joint Research Activities of ENSAR2 involve all facets of operation of an accelerator facility starting with the improvement of laser techniques for the production and study of Rare Ion Beams (RESIST), in which many of the intended developments have already been met and, in several cases, exploited for physics. Furthermore, various developments for ISOL beam production and use (EURISOL), as Boron beam at ISOLDE, have been realised.
In parallel, technological developments on accelerators, spectrometers and electronics are performed for stable-ion beam facilities with direct applications to production of radioisotopes for medicine and the improvement of identification of reaction products at low energies (TecHIBA). In particular, the GES-FPCSA chip, that is extra high dynamic range microelectronics pre-amplifier, was developed during the first period.
Complementary activities develop new technologies and methods for the simultaneous detection of particles and gamma rays with same type of detectors (PASPAG) and 3-dimensional gamma-ray tracking with high-resolution germanium detectors (PSeGe). Within PASPAG, the status of new scintillator materials and their basic characterisation and the sensor characterisation and base design of hybrid detectors were investigated. The PSeGe team proceeded, for instance, to the implantation of Boron in planar detectors to produce new contact technologies.
In addition, general platforms for physics models, event generators and analysis tools are created and a study on data management is performed (SATNuRSE). More specifically, a complete simulation of the experimental setup foreseen for the reaction of aluminium on silicon ions has been developed.
The development of modern theoretical tools for describing, interpreting, and predicting experimental results will support the work in nuclear-physics facilities (TheoS). TheoS team develops new theoretical approaches for both nuclear structure and nuclear dynamics.
The network activities of ENSAR2 have been set-up with specific actions to strengthen the community work. In this vein, the scientific interests of the nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics communities are discussed within NUSPRASEN to optimise use of the large RIs. The “Workshop on nuclear structure” was organised in December 2016 and three schools were supported by NUSPRASEN.
Furthermore, cooperation about ECR ion sources (MIDAS) completes beam developments in JRAs. MIDAS team organised four hands-on trainings.
Dissemination on nuclear spectroscopy instrumentation (NUSPIN) and gas-filled detectors and systems (GDS) ensures an efficient transfer of knowledge between scientists. Within NUSPIN, two workshops and two meetings of working groups were organised. The GDS team organised the Topical Meeting “GDS coupling to auxiliary detection systems”.
Enhancement of collaboration between large-scale and small-scale facilities improves the development and facilitates tests of high-level equipment and enhances training of young researchers (ENSAF). The main event for ENSAF was the organisation of the “International Workshop on Accelerator Operation and Management” in October 2016.
Networks stimulate also innovation, relationships with industry (NuPIA) and application-oriented research, in particular about technologies for nuclear medicine and studies of radiation biological effects (MediNet). For example, in order to enhance communication about innovation activities within ENSAR2, NuPIA team developed a dissemination kit. MediNet physicists wrote an overview of requirements and currently are pursuing strategies concerning technologies developed in the context of nuclear physics for application in medicine.
In addition to these networks, the managing network FISCO2 insures a smooth running of the integrating activity in all aspects of technical, scientific, financial, and administrative activities. In particular, the Impact Studies started in 2016.
