David Hinde studied physics at the University of Manchester and then moved to the Australian National University (ANU) to obtain a PhD in nuclear physics in 1982. After holding a Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship at the ANU, he worked at the Research Center of Nuclear Physics in Japan and the Hahn-Meitner-Institut in Berlin, before returning to the ANU. He was awarded the Australian Academy of Science’s Pawsey Medal in 1992, and became leader of the Nuclear Reaction Dynamics Group in the Department of Nuclear Physics in 1997. His current interests include understanding nuclear reactions forming superheavy elements, interactions of weakly-bound and radioactive nuclei, and development of novel experimental instrumentation.

Nuclear fusion forming the heaviest elements
by Professor David Hinde

The fusion of two heavy nuclei is the only way to form superheavy elements, which are unstable nuclei that are far heavier than uranium, the heaviest element found naturally on Earth. These nuclear collisions occur over very small distances (10-¹⁴metres) and times (10-²⁰seconds), yet involve the rearrangement of hundreds of protons and neutrons as the two colliding nuclei merge into one. Sophisticated experiments initiated and carried out at the ANU have led to surprising results, throwing light on the key variables controlling the fusion process. These form a multi-dimensional potential energy surface that is traversed as the nuclear shape evolves during fusion. Recently developed unique instrumentation promises further insights into the physics of this evolving composite quantum system.

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Nuclear fusion forming the heaviest elements

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