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

Released 12/08/06

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.

Report Summary (PDF)

Condensed-Matter and Materials Physics: The Science of the World Around Us: An Interim Report (BPA)

Released 09/14/06

As part of the 2010 physics decadal survey project, DOE and NSF requested the NRC to assess opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in condensed matter and materials physics (CMMP). The study is to review recent accomplishments and new opportunities; identify potential future impact of CMMP; consider its contributions to national needs; assessing priorities for tools and facilities; analyze current research and funding; and make recommendations for realizing the full benefit of CMMP. This interim report provides a summary of the early assessment of eight important challenges facing CMMP research in the coming decade and a brief review of the international situation. The final report will present a detailed discussion of these challenges including recommendations for addressing them.

Controlling the Quantum World (BPA)

Released 07/24/06

As part of the 2010 physics decadal survey project, DOE and NSF requested the NRC to assess opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology. In particular, the NRC was asked to cover the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identify new and compelling scientific questions. The report presents discussions of the role of and challenges for AMO science in instrumentation; scientific research near absolute zero; development of extremely intense x-ray and laser sources; exploration and control of molecular processes; photonics at the nanoscale; and development of quantum information technology. The report also offers an assessment of and recommendations about critical issues concerning maintaining U.S. leadership in AMO science and technology.

Revealing the Hidden Nature of Space and Time: Charting the Course for Elementary Particle Physics (BPA)

Released 04/26/06

As part of its current physics decadal survey, Physics2010, the NRC was asked by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to recommend priorities for the U.S. particle physics program for the next 15 years. The challenge faced in this study was to identify a compelling leadership role for the United States in elementary particle physics given the global nature of the field and the current lack of a long-term and distinguishing strategic focus. This report provides an assessment of the scientific challenges in particle physics including the key questions and experimental opportunities; the current status of the U.S. program and the strategic framework in which it sits; and a set of strategic principles and recommendations to sustain a competitive and globally relevant U.S. particle physics program.