16/11/2023
Using heavy-ion collisions at the , scientists determine the thickness of the neutron skin. This is the first measurement of the neutron skin of lead-208 using the strong force as a probe which can provide an insight into the structure of nuclei and neutron stars.
In this process, when lead nuclei (left) are collided, the neutron distribution affects the shape of the quark–gluon plasma matter produced (middle), leaving measurable imprints in the distributions of detected particles (right).
Find out more: https://home.cern/news/news/physics/thick-skinned-using-heavy-ion-collisions-lhc-scientists-determine-thickness