"Measuring Neutron Capture Cross Sections of Radioactive and
Stable Nuclei by Activation: An Undergraduate Research Program"
Prof. Ken Krane
Oregon State University
Abstract
A research experience is an important component of successful
undergraduate physics programs, but many physics research
projects operate at a level that is beyond the background that
is characteristic of the typical undergraduate. In this talk
I will describe a 10-year project designed to involve undergraduate
physics majors in research in nuclear physics through the measurement
of cross sections for neutron capture using our campus reactor.
I will discuss the motivation for determining these cross sections
and describe a variety of different experiments that we have done.
This program has been very successful based on both student outcomes
(such as motivation and preparation for graduate school) and research
productivity (publication in leading physics journals).