Status and Science of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Unanswered questions include how the elements heavier than iron were formed in nature and what are the limits of atomic nuclei both in atomic number and in neutron number. Up to the present, claims for the synthesis of element 118 [1] have been made and new searches are underway. How many more elements might ultimately be found is unknown. Equally unknown for all but the very lightest elements is the limit to the number of isotopes [2]. These mysteries are a reflection of our poor understanding of how to model the interactions at play in atomic nuclei. Another manifestation of our lack of understanding is the uncertainties in modeling astrophysical processes involving nuclei [3]. The nuclear processes that drive stars, stellar evolution, and stellar explosions are central to understanding the cosmos, yet most are not known to sufficient accuracy. Answers to the questions and solutions the challenges mentioned above require production and study of rare isotopes. The major project in the USA in isotope beam production is the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, FRIB. FRIB will use heavy-ion beams and in-flight separation following projectile fragmentation or fission to produce beams of a large fraction of all possible isotopes. To do this, FRIB will accelerate all stable ions up to at least 200 MeV/u at beam powers of 400kW. Experimental facilities will include fast, stopped and re accelerated beam capabilities. The talk will describe the plans for FRIB, the expected performance, and outline the expected science program