Crystal ball will reveal the secrets of the atomic nucleus

Unstable atomic nuclei have been a challenge to researchers throughout the world for quite some time. With the help of AGATA (Advanced GAmma Tracking Array) - an instrument used to study the structure of atomic nuclei by observing the old radiation the nuclei emits - research in experimental nuclear physics will be revolutionised. New knowledge of the function of the atomic nucleus and how the elements in our environment have been created through various types of astrophysical processes, for example supernova explosions, will be made available.

According to Bo Cedervall, professor of experimental nuclear physics at KTH, AGATA is a basic research project whose new technology can provide important benefits to the health services for example through the provision of improved medical images in PET and SPECT scans. This is an example of so-called functional imaging and these are key methods used in cancer diagnostics.

The detectors’ directional sensitivity and excellent energy absorbance also provide new opportunities to use them to search for radioactive material in different safety applications.

AGATA, which among other things consists of a ball of highly purified germanium crystals with a circumference of about 1 m, is included in the new generation of gamma radiation detectors. AGATA will be used for example at FAIR, the new international accelerator facility which is being built in Germany and where Sweden is a member and will contribute with approximately SEK 100 million.

The AGATA project will gradually be built up over the next few years and it will represent major developments in the understanding of atomic nuclei under extreme conditions. This is important in order to test and further develop theoretical models of the structure of atomic nuclei.

For more information, contact Bo Cederwall at 08 - 55 37 82 03 or cederwall@nuclear.kth.se

Peter Larsson