Scientific Opportunities with a Rare-Isotope Facility in the United States

Over ten years ago, U.S. nuclear scientists proposed construction of a new rare isotope accelerator in the United States, which would enable experiments to elucidate the important questions in nuclear physics. To help assess this proposal, DOE and NSF asked the NRC to define the science agenda for a next-generation U.S. Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). As the study began, DOE announced a substantial reduction in the scope of this facility and put off its initial operation date by several years. The study focused on an evaluation of the science that could be accomplished on a facility reduced in scope. This report provides a discussion of the key science drivers for a FRIB, an assessment of existing domestic and international rare isotope beams, an assessment of the current U.S. position about the FRIB, and a set of findings and conclusions about the scientific and policy context for such a facility. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction and Background2 Key Science Drivers for a Rare-Isotope Beam Facility3 Rare-Isotope Beams in the United States and Abroad4 Assessing the U.S. Position5 Findings and ConclusionsAppendix A: Charge to the CommitteeAppendix B: Meeting AgendasAppendix C: Selected List of Operating and Planned Rare-Isotope Facilities WorldwideAppendix D: GlossaryAppendix E: Additional Remark on Clinical Use of Rare IisotopesAppendix F: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members