Peter Reiter, Universität zu Köln, Germany
Science Opportunities with AGATA
Argonne Physics Division Seminar - 11 June 2010

AGATA is a next generation high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer for nuclear structure studies based on the novel principle of gamma-ray tracking. It will be built from a novel type of high-fold segmented germanium detectors which will operate in position-sensitive mode by employing digital electronics and pulse-shape decomposition algorithms. AGATA will be several orders of magnitude more sensitive than current HPGe spectrometers. AGATA will thus be an instrument of major importance for nuclear structure studies at the very limits of nuclear stability, capable of measuring gamma radiation in a large energy range with the largest possible efficiency and with a very good spectral response. AGATA will be employed at the leading infrastructures for nuclear structure studies in Europe, both current ones and those currently under construction. The first implementation of the array called the AGATA demonstrator and consisting of 5 AGATA modules, is operated at INFN Legnaro. The presentation will describe the novel gamma-ray tracking method illustrated by first results obtained with the AGATA demonstrator. Examples of physics cases for different exploitation sites of the new spectrometer will be discussed.

ANL Physics Division Seminar Schedule