Exploring Exotic Isotopes

Westmont students Josef Bingener (‘25) and Ethan Camp (’27) have participated in a novel nuclear physics experiment with Professor Robert Haring-Kaye. They traveled to Florida State University (FSU) to study the structural properties of an exotic isotope of gallium (72Ga) that survives for only a few hours before decaying to a different isotope. 

“We’re interested in studying this nucleus since little is known experimentally about its shape and structure,” says Haring-Kaye, professor of physics at Westmont. “Contemporary theoretical calculations predict that it could be significantly more deformed (non-spherical) than its neighboring gallium isotopes. Thus, this case study could provide a unique test of state-of-the-art theoretical predictions.”

Using an array of detectors, they identified 72Ga as it relaxed from high to low energy in the nuclear fusion reaction that produced it. A larger group of researchers working on this project joined them at the array, including professors and students from Mississippi State University and FSU. This unique collaboration included researchers from at least five different countries, including Eritrea, Nepal, Nigeria, Indonesia and the United States.

The physics department puts a priority on mentoring student research. In the last four years, professors have supervised 17 summer research internships as well as numerous research projects during the academic year.

The addition of an engineering program and new professors has increased exciting opportunities for physics students. “In particular, we’re focusing on the core of the physics major to prepare students for stellar careers in academia and industry,” says Ben Carlson, assistant professor of physics.