"Uncovering Novel Isotopes: Expanding Our Understanding of Fundamental Science"

Physicists at Michigan State University have discovered new isotopes of rare-Earth elements thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium by breaking apart the nuclei of platinum using the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). This achievement will aid in understanding neutron-rich nuclei and the processes that forge new elements in neutron star collisions, potentially replicating the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) responsible for creating heavy elements in the Universe. The discovery demonstrates the power of FRIB and its potential for advancing nuclear physics and astrophysics.