Abstract:  The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is the first tonne-scale bolometric experiment searching for neutrinoless double beta decay. The detector consists of an array of 988 TeO2 crystals arranged in a cylindrical compact structure of 19 towers. After the completion of the detector construction in August 2016, CUORE was successfully cooled down to a base temperature below 8 mK by the beginning of 2017. Following an intense period of detector commissioning and optimization, the first physics data were taken in May-September 2017, resulting in the most stringent limits to date on the neutrinoless double-beta decay of Te-130. We will describe the performance of the CUORE cryostat and the detector systems and discuss the first physics results from CUORE. We will also discuss a follow-up program, dubbed CUPID (CUORE Upgrade with Particle ID), a proposed next-generation bolometric experiment that aims to improve the sensitivity to 0nuDBD rate by another order of magnitude, and to be able to discover this rare process if it is consistent with the inverted hierarchy of neutrino masses.

Abstract:  Committee: Witold Nazarewicz (Chairperson), S. Balasubramaniam, A. Brown, D.Lee, B. O'Shea

Abstract:  The recent observations of the GW170817 electromagnetic counterpart suggest lanthanides were produced in this neutron star merger event. However many questions regarding heavy element production in mergers remain: can such events account for all the r-process lanthanide material observed in the galaxy? are precious metals such as gold produced in sufficient amounts? are actinides produced? where within the merger environment does nucleosynthesis occur and under what specific conditions? Such questions can only be answered with careful studies of the nuclear physics uncertainties affecting r-process calculations. Here I will discuss recent extended calculations of beta-delayed fission and their implications for r-process nucleosynthesis. The influence of fission fragment distributions will also be addressed with a particular emphasis on the unknown origin of the r-process rare-earth peak at A~164. Since the rare-earth peak is formed as the r-process path begins to draw closer to stability, the rare-earth nuclei contributing to peak formation will soon be within reach of nuclear physics experiments performed at, for example, the CPT at CARIBU and the upcoming FRIB. Here I will present the latest results for the masses found to produce the rare-earth peak in a low entropy accretion disk wind scenario and compare directly with recent mass measurements from the CPT at CARIBU. Such collaborative efforts between theory and experiment could soon be in a position to make definitive statements regarding the mechanism of rare-earth peak formation and thus the astrophysical site of the r process.

Abstract:  There will be an evacuation drill for the lab on Wednesday, May 9 at 2:15pm. At that time the alarm will sound and everyone should follow the evacuation protocols for all areas of the FRIB footprint to include the NSCL, all office areas, FRIB Service Building, SRF Highbay, and trailers. Evacuees should proceed to the nearest possible rally point. Rally points are located at the following locations: southeast of the MSU College of Law Building, the courtyard between FRIB, Biochemistry, BPS, and Chemistry, and north of the Molecular Plant Sciences Building. Please be mindful of traffic if crossing a street to get to a rally point.

Abstract:  NS3 is a summer school for undergraduate students that aims to introduce the participants to the field of nuclear science. NS3 will be hosted by Michigan State University (MSU) and will offer lectures and hands-on activities covering selected nuclear science topics. The school activities will take place at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and will include lectures by local and visiting researchers, nuclear physics labs, a tour of the facility, discussions with graduate students and faculty, and more.