HRIBF is the only radioactive beam facility in the U.S. to use the Isotope Separator On-Line (ISOL) method and one of only four such facilities in the world (Canada's TRIUMF, SPIRAL at GANIL and ISOLDE at CERN). It is the first facility in the world to accelerate neutron-rich fission fragments above the Coulomb barrier. By using beams of short-lived nuclei with intensities of a few ions per minute to tens of millions per second, researchers can better understand the properties of nuclei, their role in the universe and how the unique properties of rare isotopes can improve people's lives.
The decision to close HRIBF came as a shock, with no involvement from the nuclear physics community in reaching the decision. The unique capabilities of HRIBF should not be lost. It is a productive facility with a large US and international user base and has been the source of some of the most important and highest profile work to emerge from our field in recent years (see the presentation given by Dr. Timothy Hallman, the Associate Director for Nuclear Physics of the Office of Science, DOE). Given the significant contributions being made by this facility to advance low-energy nuclear physics, we do not understand the logic behind the decision to close it.
The domestic and international user community of HRIBF is demonstrating its support for the facility, highlighting its unique capabilities and urges the Department of Energy to keep HRIBF alive.
sending a personalized letter of support to Members of Congress (U.S. based scientists)
Details of the relevant committees from Congress are located here, along with some advice on making contact.
In order to present an accurate and complete picture of support for HRIBF we request that you either CC or inform us at the address beneath regarding your correspondence with DOE and Congress.
Information will also be communicated by email through the HRIBF-users mailing list. If you would like to be added to the list you can subscribe by sending an email request to users@supporthribf.org
Sincerely,
HRIBF Users Executive Committee
Update!
The final support HRIBF campaign report, submitted to DOE and other interested parties, can be found here. (14th April 2011)
Remarks & Letter Extracts received by Support HRIBF
