Established in 2000 by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife, Betty, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation has long been a cornerstone of scientific support, particularly in the realms of scientific discovery and environmental conservation. The Experimental Physics Investigators initiative specifically targets mid-career researchers, providing them with the resources to develop their research programs rather than focusing on single, isolated projects. This approach grants scientists the freedom to explore new ideas and adapt their research directions as new data emerges, a flexibility that is often lacking in federal grant systems. By investing in the scientists themselves, the foundation aims to foster an environment where bold, original science can thrive without the pressure of immediate, predefined outcomes.

Crider’s research focuses on some of the most neutron-rich atomic nuclei known to exist, a domain that presents significant challenges for experimental physicists. These exotic nuclei are unstable and decay rapidly, often releasing neutrons in complex patterns that are difficult to observe and measure with current technology. Understanding the decay processes of these nuclei is crucial for advancing nuclear models and improving our knowledge of how heavy elements are formed in the universe. Crider’s work seeks to unravel the intricacies of neutron emission, including the number of neutrons released and their subsequent behavior, which provides critical data for testing theoretical predictions about nuclear structure and stability.

With the support of the Moore Foundation, Crider plans to develop a new compact detector designed to track neutron interactions with unprecedented precision. This detector will address a key limitation in current experimental setups: the difficulty in distinguishing between multiple neutrons and a single neutron that interacts with the detector more than once. By resolving this ambiguity, the new technology will provide a clearer picture of neutron emission and the behavior of these unusual nuclei. The compact design of the detector also offers practical advantages, making it easier to deploy in various experimental environments and potentially allowing for the study of short-lived, rare isotopes that are difficult to produce and observe. This innovation could significantly enhance the capabilities of experimental nuclear physics, enabling researchers to gather more accurate and detailed data from their experiments.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Crider said, reflecting on the significance of the recognition. “The ideas behind this project bring together several areas of research I’ve been working toward throughout my career, from neutron detection and nuclear decay to the development of new detector technologies. The Moore Foundation’s support gives us the freedom to bring those ideas together and try something genuinely new. If we succeed, we’ll have a new way to understand how some of the most exotic nuclei in nature decay.” Crider’s enthusiasm underscores the transformative potential of the project, which aims to bridge gaps in current knowledge and open new avenues for exploration in nuclear physics. The award not only validates his past work but also provides the resources necessary to push the field forward in meaningful ways.

Theodore Hodapp, the program director for the Experimental Physics Investigators initiative, emphasized the broader impact of the program on the landscape of experimental physics. “With nearly 100 investigators now at work, we are seeing the range of bold, original science we hoped this initiative would make possible,” Hodapp said. “From the start, our aim has been to accelerate progress at the frontier of experimental physics by giving brilliant mid-career scientists the kind of flexible, sustained support that federal grants rarely can. That freedom lets them take on risky, high-reward experiments and follow ideas when research results lead them down new pathways.” Hodapp’s comments highlight the foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting scientists who are willing to take intellectual risks. The program’s success in attracting a diverse group of researchers demonstrates its effectiveness in promoting original and impactful scientific work.

Crider’s research project is a collaborative effort involving several experts from different institutions. Ron Unz, a health physicist and project manager at Mississippi State University’s Institute for Clean Energy Technology, will assist with the detector development and instrumentation aspects of the project. Unz’s expertise in health physics and project management will be instrumental in ensuring that the detector is built to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Additionally, Julie Butler, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Mount Union, will provide support for machine learning approaches to help the team understand detector signals. Butler’s work in machine learning will be crucial for processing the complex data generated by the new detector, allowing for more accurate and rapid analysis of neutron interactions. This interdisciplinary collaboration brings together diverse skills and perspectives, enhancing the project’s potential for success.

Benjamin Crider joined Mississippi State University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy after earning his doctorate in physics from the University of Kentucky in 2014. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Richmond in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in physics from the University of Kentucky in 2009. Crider’s extensive educational background and research experience have prepared him to tackle the complex challenges associated with studying neutron-rich nuclei. His selection as a Moore Foundation Investigator is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field, as well as his ability to contribute to the advancement of nuclear physics. The award will enable him to continue his research and further develop the innovative detector technology that could have far-reaching implications for the study of exotic nuclei.

The development of the new compact detector represents a significant step forward in experimental nuclear physics, offering a more precise and efficient way to study neutron emission. By distinguishing between multiple neutrons and single neutrons that interact multiple times, the detector will provide clearer data on the behavior of neutron-rich nuclei. This improved precision will allow researchers to test nuclear models with greater accuracy and gain a deeper understanding of how heavy elements are formed. The compact design of the detector also makes it more versatile, potentially enabling the study of rare isotopes that are difficult to produce and observe. As Crider and his team work to bring this technology to fruition, the potential for new discoveries in nuclear physics grows, promising to expand our knowledge of the fundamental forces that govern the universe.

The Moore Foundation’s support of Crider’s work exemplifies the value of flexible, long-term funding in driving scientific innovation. By providing researchers with the resources to pursue their ideas without the constraints of traditional grant structures, the foundation enables them to take on risky, high-reward experiments that could lead to breakthrough discoveries. Crider’s project, with its focus on developing a new detector technology, is a prime example of how such support can foster original and impactful science. As the field of experimental physics continues to evolve, initiatives like the Experimental Physics Investigators program will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the physical world and paving the way for future innovations. The success of Crider’s project could have far-reaching implications for nuclear physics and beyond, demonstrating the power of flexible funding in driving scientific progress.

Subject of Research: Development of a compact neutron detector for studying neutron-rich atomic nuclei

Article Title: Physicist Ben Crider selected for prestigious $1.35 million Moore Foundation Investigator Award

Article References: Physicist Ben Crider selected for prestigious $1.35 million Moore Foundation Investigator Award. (n.d.). Original publication

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Keywords: nuclear physics, neutron detection, atomic nuclei, experimental physics, Moore Foundation, detector technology, isotope research, nuclear decay, Physicist, Crider, selected, prestigious