Nuclear Physicist Course

Lesson 1 • Special Relativity Essentials

Introduces Lorentz transformations, mass-energy equivalence, and relativistic kinematics. Connects to nuclear binding energy and reaction Q-values.

Lesson 2 • Mathematics for Nuclear Physics

Covers vector calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra essential for nuclear modeling. Establishes the quantitative toolkit used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Nuclear Scales

Defines nuclear dimensions, energy units, and natural constants used in nuclear calculations. Orients students to the scale differences between atomic and nuclear phenomena.

Lesson 4 • Atomic Structure and Spectra

Examines electron orbitals, quantum numbers, and atomic spectra as a bridge to nuclear shell models. Reinforces operator methods from quantum mechanics.

Lesson 1 • Nuclear Sizes and Charge Distributions

Analyzes electron scattering and muonic atom data to extract nuclear charge distributions. Links experimental observables to nuclear structure models.

Lesson 2 • Nuclear Binding Energy

Derives binding energy from mass defect and applies the semi-empirical mass formula. Explains the stability valley and peak binding near iron.

Lesson 3 • Nuclear Deformation and Collective Models

Covers rotational and vibrational collective motion in deformed nuclei. Complements the shell model for mid-shell nuclei.

Lesson 4 • Nucleons and Nuclear Forces

Describes protons, neutrons, and the strong nuclear force governing their interactions. Establishes the force framework needed for binding energy analysis.

Lesson 1 • Radioactive Decay Law

Derives the exponential decay law from statistical principles and defines half-life and activity. Provides the quantitative foundation for all decay calculations.

Lesson 2 • Beta Decay

Covers beta-minus, beta-plus, and electron capture with Fermi theory and selection rules. Introduces neutrino physics and the weak interaction role.

Lesson 3 • Alpha Decay

Explains alpha particle emission via quantum tunneling through the Coulomb barrier. Derives the Geiger-Nuttall law relating decay constant to Q-value.

Lesson 4 • Gamma Decay and Internal Conversion

Describes electromagnetic transitions between nuclear excited states and multipole selection rules. Connects to nuclear structure through transition probabilities.

Lesson 1 • Direct Reactions

Covers stripping, pickup, and knockout reactions as probes of nuclear structure. Introduces DWBA formalism for angular distribution analysis.

Lesson 2 • Reaction Kinematics and Q-Values

Applies conservation of energy and momentum to nuclear reactions in lab and center-of-mass frames. Calculates threshold energies and product kinematics.

Lesson 3 • Neutron Physics and Moderation

Analyzes neutron interactions, slowing-down theory, and thermal neutron cross sections. Directly relevant to reactor physics introduced later.

Lesson 4 • Compound Nucleus Reactions

Develops the Bohr compound nucleus model and Breit-Wigner resonance formula. Explains resonance capture and statistical decay widths.

Lesson 1 • Scintillation Detectors

Describes inorganic and organic scintillators, photomultiplier tubes, and light yield. Emphasizes NaI and LaBr3 for gamma spectroscopy.

Lesson 2 • Radiation Interaction with Matter

Covers charged particle stopping power, photon attenuation, and neutron moderation in detector media. Provides the physical basis for all detector operation.

Lesson 3 • Semiconductor Detectors

Covers HPGe and silicon detector operation, charge collection, and superior energy resolution. Addresses cooling requirements and detector fabrication.

Lesson 4 • Spectroscopy and Data Analysis

Applies pulse height analysis, efficiency calibration, and peak fitting to gamma spectra. Introduces neutron activation analysis as a quantitative technique.

Lesson 1 • Fission Product Inventory

Tracks fission product buildup, decay heat, and poisoning effects over irradiation time. Relevant to fuel management and shutdown safety.

Lesson 2 • Chain Reaction and Criticality

Develops the four-factor formula and criticality condition for a multiplying medium. Connects neutron multiplication to reactor design parameters.

Lesson 3 • Fission Fragment Properties

Characterizes fragment mass, charge, and kinetic energy distributions from fission. Introduces prompt neutron and gamma emission from fragments.

Lesson 4 • Delayed Neutrons and Precursors

Identifies delayed neutron precursor groups and their decay constants. Explains their critical role in reactor control dynamics.

Lesson 1 • Plasma Physics for Fusion

Introduces plasma temperature, density, and confinement time as fusion parameters. Derives the Lawson criterion for net energy gain.

Lesson 2 • Fusion Reaction Energetics

Calculates Q-values and cross sections for D-T, D-D, and p-B fusion reactions. Compares energy yield and neutron production across fuel cycles.

Lesson 3 • Fusion Neutronics and Materials

Analyzes 14 MeV neutron interactions with structural and breeding blanket materials. Addresses tritium breeding ratio and material activation.

Lesson 4 • Inertial Confinement Fusion

Covers laser-driven implosion, hot-spot ignition, and target gain physics. Contrasts with magnetic confinement in driver energy and pulse duration.

Lesson 1 • Reactor Safety and Control Systems

Examines control rod worth, shutdown systems, and passive safety features. Analyzes loss-of-coolant and reactivity insertion accident scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Reactor Types and Fuel Cycles

Compares light-water, heavy-water, gas-cooled, and fast reactor designs by neutron spectrum and fuel. Introduces once-through and closed fuel cycle strategies.

Lesson 3 • Reactor Kinetics

Develops point kinetics equations with delayed neutrons and solves for power transients. Analyzes reactor period and the role of reactivity feedback.

Lesson 4 • Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics

Analyzes heat generation in fuel, coolant flow, and temperature distributions. Links thermal limits to safe operating power levels.