Physics Division 1996 to 1998
Physics Division 1996 to 1998A number of new facility research possibilities are being considered based on the accelerators operated by Physics Division, as well as the use of the new Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) approved for construction at ORNL. In particular, the high-intensity 1-GeV proton beams available at the SNS could be utilized for many research applications. Two of such possibilities (a high intensity radioactive beam facility and a neutrino detector) are described in some detail in this section. These unique new facilities could be constructed and operated with nearly zero interference with the operation of the SNS in fulfilling its mission as a high-intensity pulsed neutron source. The construction of a Next-Generation Isotope Separator On Line (NISOL) Facility would continue ORNL's leadership role in the evolving field of radioactive ion beam science. The Oak Ridge Large Neutrino Detector (ORLaND) facility would broaden the research capabilities of ORNL into a very active new arena.
A plan for locating the NISOL facility at the SNS site utilizing a fraction of the SNS beam has been developed over the past year and a half and is outlined herein. Likewise, a proposal for constructing a large neutrino detector, prepared by the ORLaND collaboration, representing twenty-three universities and scientific institutions and organized through the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), also is described in this section as is some of the pertinent neutrino physics. This facility would be used for a neutrino oscillation search as well as for other studies of neutrino-induced reactions.
Other new scientific initiatives that have been investigated by the Physics Division scientific staff include: