Numerical Simulations of Alpha DecayKenneth A. Kiers Current Position: Assistant Professor of Physics
Numerical Simulations of Alpha Decay (Current) This
project is funded by the Student Research Training Program (SRTP) at TU and
involves Andy Platt, a Taylor student. The goal of the project is to perform a
quantum mechanical study of the propagation of an alpha particle as it leaves
a decaying nucleus. Before being detected, the alpha has no
"preferred" direction of propagation. In the language of quantum
mechanics, its wave function has "spherical symmetry" (or
"circular symmetry" in this case, since the present study is
performed in two dimensions). The act of measuring the alpha’s position
destroys the symmetry of the alpha’s wave function and gives the alpha a
preferred direction of propagation. Taylor’s computing facilities will
enable an in-depth numerical study of this process and will hopefully help to
yield new insights. |