Former Ph.D. Students of Henry R. Weller

  • Sabourov, Konstantin (2003)
    A Unique SEt of Transition Matrix Elements for the 2H(d,gamma)4He Reaction at Ebeam=115 keV
    Konstantin has measured vector and tensor analyzing powers for the D(d,gamma)4He reaction at the very-low energy of 115 keV. Previous work resulted in three possible solutions for the transition matrix elements involved in this reaction. Konstantin's data result in a unique solution. We are presently corresponding with theorists (Dr. Hartmut Hoffman of Erlangen) to understand and interpret this result. This reaction is important to understand since it is a sensitive way to measure the "D-state" of the alpha particle. This D-state has a huge effect on the cross section for two deuterons to fuse into 4He, since it allows them to do so in a relative s-state (ie. no angular momentum barrier). Konstantin has completed data taking and almost completed data analysis and interpretation. He is presently writing his dissertation. I have read two chapters of his dissertation. Alot of the many revisions I requested deal with style and grammar. I expect Konstantin to be able to defend his dissertation by the spring of 2003. Update: Dr. Sabourov received his PhD when he passed his defense in the spring of 2003. The results of his study were very successful. The detailed transition matrix elements, both amplitudes and phases, which he extracted from his data agreed very well with the final results of the Microscopic Resonating Group Model Calculations of Prof. Hartmut Hofmann. The results of this work have been prepared for publication, and are presently being edited by Dr. Hofmann. Meanwhile, Konstantin has accepted a postdoctoral position with Prof. Albert Young, of NCSU and TUNL. Konstantin is working on a project with Dr. Young at the Los Alamos National Laboratory involving using ultra cold neutrons.
  • Nelson, Steve O. (2003)
    Evidence for a Resonance at Ep=127 keV in the 14N(p,gamma)15O Reaction
    Steve is presently a postdoctoral research associate, with half of his salary being paid by TUNL, and half of it by the University of Connecticut. His research is concentrated on a HIGS project, which is a collaboration with Dr. Moshe Gai of Uconn. The experiment is to measure the 16O(gamma,alpha)12C reaction rate. The inverse reaction is a key reaction in helium burning processes. Its value, for example, determines whether a supernova evolves into a black-hole or a neutron star. Update: Steve left Duke and TUNL in June of 2003, and accepted an NRL Fellowship. He is presently working at the Naval Research Laboratory.