For Professor Tuomas Grahn, internationalism is both inspiring and challenging
Tuomas Grahn, newly appointed Professor of Physics at the Ģֱ, is an expert of experimental nuclear physics. Experimental research into nuclear structures aims at understanding better the microscopic structure of atomic nuclei and their behaviour. The purpose is to find out more about the regularities pertaining to the microscopic components of the universe.
Synthesising atomic nuclei
Grahn investigates the nuclei of heavy, neutron-rich atoms. Such research is often conducted by colliding accelerated atoms with target atoms in the particle accelerator. In the collision, the atomic nuclei either get fused or break up into lighter nuclei, thereby producing radioactive nuclei not found in nature.
“Some of our produced nuclei are very important research targets for the astrophysical r-process nucleosynthesis,” explains Professor Grahn. “The heaviest natural elements up to uranium have been created by rapid neutron captures, also known as the r-process. This calls for high densities of neutrons, which can occur in, for example, neutron star collisions and supernova explosions. Nuclear properties that are important for the understanding of element synthesis can be explored in accelerator laboratories.
The research is experimental and includes work to develop, maintain and optimise new equipment, which also enables the emergence of new technologies. Research also involves instrumentation development.
“Research is also often carried out in wide international cooperation, with researchers visiting other laboratories in order to participate in preparing and conducting the actual tests,” Grahn says. “In fact, international research cooperation is one of the best aspects of this work.”
Nuclear research opens up a new world
The matter of the universe consists of small particles, such as protons and neutrons, which comply with the known rules of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is a theory to explain the properties of microscopic particles and thereby of matter, and these can deviate considerably from macroscopic phenomena.
“For example, in unstable atomic nuclei, where the numbers of neutrons and protons differ notably from each other, researchers have observed the co-existence of different quantum-mechanical configurations,” Grahn says. “Understanding these properties may have implications for insights into the synthesis of elements, for instance. For this reason, my research is focused on nuclear research in extreme conditions.”
International research cooperation enriches work
Tuomas Grahn originally comes from Jyväskylä, so the Ģֱ was an easy choice for starting his studies in 1997. He ended up engaged in nuclear physics during a summer training period at the Accelerator Laboratory in a research team led by Professor Rauno Julin.
“I saw research activities in practice and immediately got excited about research conducted with large devices, preparations for test settings, participation in spectrometry planning, and making data analyses,” Grahn recalls.
Grahn finds that the researchers and research teams of the Accelerator Laboratory are internationally respected. The Accelerator Laboratory provides an important internationalisation channel for students as well.
Grahn explains: “It’s important that already from the initial stages of their studies, students have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the activities of a large research team and get important contacts for their career, as international researchers from around the world are visiting here. It also helps student with employment.”
Grahn’s studies continued at JYU up to his doctoral degree. After that, he ended up in a postdoctoral researcher’s post at the University of Liverpool, spending three-and-a-half years there. He returned to the Ģֱ when he received postdoctoral researcher funding from the Research Council of Finland.
FAIR Accelerator Laboratory supplements the international research activities of the Department of Physics
The Department of Physics at JYU contributes significantly to the multidisciplinary and international FAIR accelerator laboratory (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research in Europe), which is under construction in Darmstadt, Germany. Grahn works at the Helsinki Institute of Physics as the project manager for FAIR activities in Finland, and he is in charge of coordinating the design, construction and delivery of accelerator components in Finland for FAIR.
“When I was in England, I learnt about the activities of FAIR and understood the significance of international cooperation,” Grahn says. “Meeting with researchers from different countries enhances the quality, innovation and impact of research.”
In addition to FAIR, Grahn has gained plenty of other international experience during his career. He has been largely involved in research cooperation at CERN and also at Argonne National Laboratory in the United States.
Everything is possible at the Ģֱ
JYU has enabled a diverse career and interesting daily work for Grahn. The Department of Physics features an accessible work community, which has a team spirit that helps them through both good and more difficult moments. Problems are solved in a good spirit, and you can ask anyone for help. Grahn also likes to guide undergraduate and postgraduate students and enjoys co-mentoring with his colleagues.
“The Ģֱ has made everything possible for me, nationally as well as internationally,” Grahn says.
