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Nuclear Science and Engineering (Course 22)

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Undergraduate Subjects

22.00 introduction to modeling and simulation.

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Offered under: 1.021 , 3.021 , 10.333 , 22.00 Prereq: 18.03 or permission of instructor U (Spring) 4-0-8 units. REST

See description under subject 3.021 .

22.001 Introduction to Undergraduate Research I (New)

Prereq: None U (Spring) 1-0-2 units

Provides instruction in communication and basic research skills needed for effective undergraduate research. Addresses a wide range of communication, from within the research group to formal papers and presentations. Basic research skills include time management, building strong relationships with research advisors and lab groups, and cultivating the habit of regular self-reflection. Current participation in a UROP within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Department or Plasma Science and Fusion Center is strongly recommended. Limited to 25. Preference to students accepted into the FUSars program, followed by students UROPing on any nuclear-related project.

22.002 Introduction to Undergraduate Research II (New)

Prereq: 22.001 U (Fall) 1-0-2 units

Instruction in formal communications for undergraduate research, particularly preparing journal manuscripts. Students practice self-reflection and motivation skills to enable independent research. Provides foundation to build and maintain professional networks. Current participation in a UROP within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Department or Plasma Science and Fusion Center with one term of prior experience is strongly recommended. Limit to 25. Preference to students accepted into the FUSars program, followed by students UROPing on any nuclear-related project.

22.003 NEET Seminar: Renewable Energy Machines

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, Spring) 1-0-2 units Can be repeated for credit.

Seminar for students enrolled in the Renewable Energy Machines NEET thread. Focuses on topics around renewable energy via guest lectures and research discussions.

22.01 Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Ionizing Radiation

Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-1-8 units. REST

Provides an introduction to fundamental concepts in nuclear science and its engineering applications. Describes basic nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and kinematics. Covers the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, emphasizing radiation detection, shielding, and radiation effects on human health and materials. Presents energy systems based on fission and fusion nuclear reactions, as well as industrial and medical applications of nuclear science.

E. Jossou, M. Short

22.011 Nuclear Engineering: Science, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 1-0-2 units

Discusses the field of nuclear science and engineering, including technologies essential to combating climate change and ensuring human health and well-being. Introduces and provides beginner-level experience with programming, radiation, detection, nuclear physics, and nuclear engineering. Students work on projects such as building radiation-sensing robots to navigate a maze of radioactive sources using autonomous navigation via machine learning. No previous experience with electronics, building robots, programming, or nuclear science required. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Limited to 20. Preference to first-year undergraduates.

A. White, M. Short, J. Buongiorno, J. Parsons

22.015 Radiation and Life: Applications of Radiation Sources in Medicine, Research, and Industry

Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Fall) 3-0-0 units

Introduces students to the basics of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; radiation safety and protection; and an overview of the variety of health physics applications, especially as it pertains to the medical field and to radioactive materials research in academia. Presents basic physics of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, known effects of the human body, and the techniques to measure those effects. Common radiation-based medical imaging techniques and therapies discussed. Projects, demonstrations, and experiments introduce students to standard techniques and practices in typical medical and MIT research lab environments where radiation is used. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Limited to 10. Preference to first-year students.

22.016 Seminar in Fusion and Plasma Physics

Prereq: None U (Fall) 1-0-0 units

Discusses the challenges and opportunities on the path to fusion energy through a range of plasma and fusion energy topics, including discussion of the global energy picture, basic plasma physics, the physics of fusion, fusion reactors, tokamaks, and inertial confinement facilities. Covers why nuclear science, computer science, and materials are so important for fusion, and how students can take next steps to study fusion while at MIT. Includes tours of laboratories at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Limited to 20. Preference to first years and sophomores majoring in Course 22.

22.017 Nuclear in the News

Prereq: None U (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 1-0-1 units

Covers the state of nuclear energy and technologies in popular media and current events. Topics include: modern-day Chernobyl, advances in fission reactor building, and the corporate use of fusion devices. Discussions guided by student interest and questions. Includes presentations by expert faculty in nuclear science and engineering. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students.

22.02 Introduction to Applied Nuclear Physics

Prereq: None U (Spring) 5-0-7 units. REST

Covers basic concepts of nuclear physics with emphasis on nuclear structure and interactions of radiation with matter. Topics include elementary quantum theory; nuclear forces; shell structure of the nucleus; alpha, beta and gamma radioactive decays; interactions of nuclear radiations (charged particles, gammas, and neutrons) with matter; nuclear reactions; fission and fusion.

M. Li, J. Li

22.022 Quantum Technology and Devices

Subject meets with 8.751[J] , 22.51[J] Prereq: 8.04 , 22.02 , or permission of instructor U (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Examines the unique features of quantum theory to generate technologies with capabilities beyond any classical device. Introduces fundamental concepts in applied quantum mechanics, tools and applications of quantum technology, with a focus on quantum information processing beyond quantum computation. Includes discussion of quantum devices and experimental platforms drawn from active research in academia and industry. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

P. Cappellaro

22.03[J] Introduction to Design Thinking and Rapid Prototyping

Same subject as 3.0061[J] Prereq: None U (Fall) 2-2-2 units

Focuses on design thinking, an iterative process that uses divergent and convergent thinking to approach design problems and prototype and test solutions. Includes experiences in creativity, problem scoping, and rapid prototyping skills. Skills are built over the course of the semester through design exercises and projects. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 22 & Course 3 majors and minors, and NEET students.

M. Short, E. Olivetti

22.033 Nuclear Systems Design Project

Subject meets with 22.33 Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-0-12 units

Group design project involving integration of nuclear physics, particle transport, control, heat transfer, safety, instrumentation, materials, environmental impact, and economic optimization. Provides opportunity to synthesize knowledge acquired in nuclear and non-nuclear subjects and apply this knowledge to practical problems of current interest in nuclear applications design. Past projects have included using a fusion reactor for transmutation of nuclear waste, design and implementation of an experiment to predict and measure pebble flow in a pebble bed reactor, and development of a mission plan for a manned Mars mission including the conceptual design of a nuclear powered space propulsion system and power plant for the Mars surface, a lunar/Martian nuclear power station and the use of nuclear plants to extract oil from tar sands. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Z. Hartwig, M. Short

22.039 Integration of Reactor Design, Operations, and Safety

Subject meets with 22.39 Prereq: 22.05 and 22.06 U (Fall) 3-2-7 units

Covers the integration of reactor physics and engineering sciences into nuclear power plant design, focusing on designs projected to be used in the first half of this century. Topics include materials issues in plant design and operations, aspects of thermal design, fuel depletion and fission-product poisoning, and temperature effects on reactivity. Addresses safety considerations in regulations and operations, such as the evolution of the regulatory process, the concept of defense in depth, general design criteria, accident analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, and risk-informed regulations.  Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

E. Bagglietto

22.04[J] Social Problems of Nuclear Energy

Same subject as STS.084[J] Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. HASS-S

Surveys the major social challenges for nuclear energy. Topics include the ability of nuclear power to help mitigate climate change; challenges associated with ensuring nuclear safety; the effects of nuclear accidents; the management of nuclear waste; the linkages between nuclear power and nuclear weapons, the consequences of nuclear war; and political challenges to the safe and economic regulation of the nuclear industry. Weekly readings presented from both sides of the debate, followed by in-class discussions. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. Limited to 18.

22.05 Neutron Science and Reactor Physics

Prereq: 18.03 , 22.01 , and ( 1.000 , 2.086 , 6.100B , or 12.010 ) U (Fall) 5-0-7 units

Introduces fundamental properties of the neutron. Covers reactions induced by neutrons, nuclear fission, slowing down of neutrons in infinite media, diffusion theory, the few-group approximation, point kinetics, and fission-product poisoning. Emphasizes the nuclear physics bases of reactor design and its relationship to reactor engineering problems.

22.051 Systems Analysis of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Subject meets with 22.251 Prereq: 22.05 Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-2-7 units

Studies the relationship between technical and policy elements of the nuclear fuel cycle. Topics include uranium supply, enrichment, fuel fabrication, in-core reactivity and fuel management of uranium and other fuel types, used fuel reprocessing, and waste disposal. Presents principles of fuel cycle economics and the applied reactor physics of both contemporary and proposed thermal and fast reactors. Examines nonproliferation aspects, disposal of excess weapons plutonium, and transmutation of long lived radioisotopes in spent fuel. Several state-of-the-art computer programs relevant to reactor core physics and heat transfer are provided for student use in problem sets and term papers.  Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.052 Quantum Theory of Materials Characterization

Subject meets with 22.52 Prereq: 8.231 or 22.02 U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Holistic theoretical foundation of characterization techniques with photons, electrons, and neutron probes in various spaces. Techniques for assessing real space, reciprocal space, energy space, and time space utilizing microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy, and time-domain methods. Elucidation of microscopic interaction mechanisms of materials. Practical assessment of what each characterization measures, methods for linking experimental features to microscopic materials information, state of the art methods for combining information, and machine learning aids. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.054[J] Materials Performance in Extreme Environments

Same subject as 3.154[J] Prereq: 3.013 and 3.044 U (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-2-7 units

See description under subject 3.154[J] .

22.055 Radiation Biophysics

Subject meets with 22.55[J] , HST.560[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Provides a background in sources of radiation with an emphasis on terrestrial and space environments and on industrial production. Discusses experimental approaches to evaluating biological effects resulting from irradiation regimes differing in radiation type, dose and dose-rate. Effects at the molecular, cellular, organism, and population level are examined. Literature is reviewed identifying gaps in our understanding of the health effects of radiation, and responses of regulatory bodies to these gaps is discussed. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.06 Engineering of Nuclear Systems

Prereq: 2.005 U (Spring) 4-0-8 units

Using the basic principles of reactor physics, thermodynamics, fluid flow and heat transfer, students examine the engineering design of nuclear power plants. Emphasizes light-water reactor technology, thermal limits in nuclear fuels, thermal-hydraulic behavior of the coolant, nuclear safety and dynamic response of nuclear power plants.

22.061 Fusion Energy

Prereq: 22.01 or permission of instructor U (Spring) 4-1-7 units

Surveys the fundamental science and engineering required to generate energy from controlled nuclear fusion. Topics include nuclear physics governing fusion fuel choice and fusion reactivity, physical conditions required to achieve net fusion energy, plasma physics of magnetic confinement, overview of fusion energy concepts, material challenges in fusion systems, superconducting magnet engineering, and fusion power conversion to electricity. Includes in-depth visits at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center and active learning laboratories to reinforce lecture topics.

22.071 Analog Electronics and Analog Instrumentation Design

Prereq: 18.03 Acad Year 2024-2025: U (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-3-6 units. REST

Presents the basics of analog electronics, covering everything from basic resistors to non-linear devices such as diodes and transistors. Students build amplifiers with op amps and study the behavior of first- and second-order oscillating circuits. Lectures followed by short laboratory exercises reinforce theoretical knowledge with experiments. Includes project in second half of the term in which students design radiation instruments of their choice (e.g. Geiger radiation counters, or other types of sensors and instruments). Teaches use of Arduino microcontrollers as simple data acquisition systems, allowing for real-time data processing and display. Culminates in student presentations of their designs in an open forum. Limited to 20.

A. Danagoulian, M. Short

22.072 Corrosion: The Environmental Degradation of Materials

Subject meets with 22.72 Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Applies thermodynamics and kinetics of electrode reactions to aqueous corrosion of metals and alloys. Application of advanced computational and modeling techniques to evaluation of materials selection and susceptibility of metal/alloy systems to environmental degradation in aqueous systems. Discusses materials degradation problems in marine environments, oil and gas production, and energy conversion and generation systems, including fossil and nuclear.  Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 

22.074 Radiation Damage and Effects in Nuclear Materials

Subject meets with 3.31[J] , 22.74[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Studies the origins and effects of radiation damage in structural materials for nuclear applications. Radiation damage topics include formation of point defects, defect diffusion, defect reaction kinetics and accumulation, and differences in defect microstructures due to the type of radiation (ion, proton, neutron). Radiation effects topics include detrimental changes to mechanical properties, phase stability, corrosion properties, and differences in fission and fusion systems. Term project required. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

M. Short, B. Yildiz

22.078[J] Nuclear Energy and the Environment: Waste, Effluents, and Accidents

Same subject as 1.098[J] Subject meets with 1.878[J] , 22.78[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Introduces the essential knowledge for understanding nuclear waste management. Includes material flow sheets for nuclear fuel cycle, waste characteristics, sources of radioactive wastes, compositions, radioactivity and heat generation, chemical processing technologies, geochemistry, waste disposal technologies, environmental regulations and the safety assessment of waste disposal. Covers different types of wastes: uranium mining waste, low-level radioactive waste, high-level radioactive waste and fusion waste. Provides the quantitative methods to compare the environmental impact of different nuclear and other energy-associated waste. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

H. Wainwright

22.081[J] Introduction to Sustainable Energy

Same subject as 2.650[J] , 10.291[J] Subject meets with 1.818[J] , 2.65[J] , 10.391[J] , 11.371[J] , 22.811[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Fall) 3-1-8 units

Assessment of current and potential future energy systems. Covers resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use technologies, with emphasis on meeting 21st-century regional and global energy needs in a sustainable manner. Examines various renewable and conventional energy production technologies, energy end-use practices and alternatives, and consumption practices in different countries. Investigates their attributes within a quantitative analytical framework for evaluation of energy technology system proposals. Emphasizes analysis of energy propositions within an engineering, economic and social context. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to juniors and seniors.

M. W. Golay

22.09 Principles of Nuclear Radiation Measurement and Protection

Subject meets with 22.90 Prereq: 22.01 U (Fall) 1-5-9 units. Institute LAB

Combines lectures, demonstrations, and experiments. Review of radiation protection procedures and regulations; theory and use of alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron detectors; applications in imaging and dosimetry; gamma-ray spectroscopy; design and operation of automated data acquisition experiments using virtual instruments. Meets with graduate subject 22.90 , but homework assignments and examinations differ. Instruction and practice in written communication provided.

A. Danagoulian, G. Kohse

22.091, 22.093 Independent Project in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

For undergraduates who wish to conduct a one-term project of theoretical or experimental nature in the field of nuclear engineering, in close cooperation with individual staff members. Topics and hours arranged to fit students' requirements. Projects require prior approval by the Course 22 Undergraduate Office. 22.093 is graded P/D/F.

<em>Consult Undergraduate Officer</em>

22.099 Topics in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Provides credit for work on material in nuclear science and engineering outside of regularly scheduled subjects. Intended for study abroad with a student exchange program or an approved one-term or one-year study abroad program. Credit may be used to satisfy specific SB degree requirements. Requires prior approval. Consult department.

Consult Undergraduate Officer

22.S092-22.S094 Special Subject in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None U (Spring) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Seminar or lecture on a topic in nuclear science and engineering that is not covered in the regular curriculum.

22.S095 Special Subject in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None U (Fall) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

22.S097 Special Subject in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

22.C01 Modeling with Machine Learning: Nuclear Science and Engineering Applications

Subject meets with 22.C51 Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and 6.100A ; Coreq: 6.C01 U (Spring) 2-0-4 units Credit cannot also be received for 1.C01 , 1.C51 , 2.C01 , 2.C51 , 3.C01[J] , 3.C51[J] , 7.C01 , 7.C51 , 10.C01[J] , 10.C51[J] , 20.C01[J] , 20.C51[J] , 22.C51 , SCM.C51

Building on core material in 6.C01 , focuses on applying various machine learning techniques to a broad range of topics which are of core value in modern nuclear science and engineering. Relevant topics include machine learning on fusion and plasma diagnosis, reactor physics and nuclear fission, nuclear materials properties, quantum engineering and nuclear materials, and nuclear security. Special components center on the additional machine learning architectures that are most relevant to a certain field, the implementation, and picking up the right problems to solve using a machine learning approach. Final project dedicated to the field-specific applications. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Students cannot receive credit without simultaneous completion of the core subject 6.C01 .

E. Jossou, M. Li

22.C25[J] Real World Computation with Julia

Same subject as 1.C25[J] , 6.C25[J] , 12.C25[J] , 16.C25[J] , 18.C25[J] Prereq: 6.100A , 18.03 , and 18.06 U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 18.C25[J] .

A. Edelman, R. Ferrari, B. Forget, C. Leiseron,Y. Marzouk, J. Williams

22.C51 Modeling with Machine Learning: Nuclear Science and Engineering Applications

Subject meets with 22.C01 Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and 6.100A ; Coreq: 6.C51 G (Spring) 2-0-4 units Credit cannot also be received for 1.C01 , 1.C51 , 2.C01 , 2.C51 , 3.C01[J] , 3.C51[J] , 7.C01 , 7.C51 , 10.C01[J] , 10.C51[J] , 20.C01[J] , 20.C51[J] , 22.C01 , SCM.C51

Building on core material in 6.C51 , focuses on applying various machine learning techniques to a broad range of topics which are of core value in modern nuclear science and engineering. Relevant topics include machine learning on fusion and plasma diagnosis, reactor physics and nuclear fission, nuclear materials properties, quantum engineering and nuclear materials, and nuclear security. Special components center on the additional machine learning architectures that are most relevant to a certain field, the implementation, and picking up the right problems to solve using a machine learning approach. Final project dedicated to the field-specific applications. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Students cannot receive credit without simultaneous completion of the core subject 6.C51 .

22.EPE UPOP Engineering Practice Experience

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Offered under: 1.EPE , 2.EPE , 3.EPE , 6.EPE , 8.EPE , 10.EPE , 15.EPE , 16.EPE , 20.EPE , 22.EPE Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) 0-0-1 units Can be repeated for credit.

See description under subject 2.EPE . Application required; consult UPOP website for more information.

K. Tan-Tiongco, D. Fordell

22.EPW UPOP Engineering Practice Workshop

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Offered under: 1.EPW , 2.EPW , 3.EPW , 6.EPW , 10.EPW , 16.EPW , 20.EPW , 22.EPW Prereq: 2.EPE U (Fall, IAP, Spring) 1-0-0 units

See description under subject 2.EPW . Enrollment limited to those in the UPOP program.

22.THT Undergraduate Thesis Tutorial

Prereq: None U (Fall) 1-0-2 units

A series of lectures on prospectus and thesis writing. Students select a thesis topic and a thesis advisor who reviews and approves the prospectus for thesis work in the spring term.

P. Cappallaro

22.THU Undergraduate Thesis

Prereq: 22.THT U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research, leading to the writing of an SB thesis, to be arranged by the student and appropriate MIT faculty member. See department undergraduate headquarters.

22.UAR[J] Climate and Sustainability Undergraduate Advanced Research

Same subject as 1.UAR[J] , 3.UAR[J] , 5.UAR[J] , 11.UAR[J] , 12.UAR[J] , 15.UAR[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, Spring) 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

See description under subject 1.UAR[J] . Application required; consult MCSC website for more information.

D. Plata, E. Olivetti

22.UR Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program is an excellent way for undergraduate students to become familiar with the Department of Nuclear Engineering. Student research as a UROP project has been conducted in areas of fission reactor studies, utilization of fusion devices, applied radiation research, and biomedical applications. Projects include the study of engineering aspects for both fusion and fission energy sources.

Consult M. Bucci

22.URG Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program is an excellent way for undergraduate students to become familiar with the department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. Student research as a UROP project has been conducted in areas of fission reactor studies, utilization of fusion devices, applied radiation physics research, and biomedical applications. Projects include the study of engineering aspects for fusion and fission energy sources, and utilization of radiations.

Graduate Subjects

22.101 applied nuclear physics.

Prereq: Physics II (GIR) and 18.03 G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

Provides an accelerated introduction to the basic principles of nuclear physics and its application within nuclear science and engineering. Fundamentals of quantum mechanics, nuclear properties, and nuclear structure. Origins of radioactivity and radioactive decay processes. Development of nuclear reaction theory, including cross sections, energetics, and kinematics. The interactions of photons, electrons, neutrons, and ions with matter, including the use of nuclear data and modeling tools. Basic theory of radiation and particle detection, shielding, and dosimetry. Uses of nuclear physics in energy, medicine, security, and science applications.

22.102 Applications of Nuclear Science and Engineering (New)

Prereq: None G (Spring) 1-0-2 units

Provides an overview of the current research directions and application areas in the field of nuclear science and engineering. Faculty from throughout the department each present an introduction to their field of specialization, along with targeted assignments to develop awareness and cross-links between fields.

S. Kemp, M. Short

22.103 Nuclear Technology and Society (New)

Prereq: 22.01 or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-6 units Credit cannot also be received for 22.16

Introduces the societal context and challenges for nuclear technology. Major themes include economics and valuation of nuclear power, interactions with government and regulatory frameworks, safety, quantification of radiation hazards, and public attitudes to risk. Covers policies and methods for limiting nuclear-weapons proliferation, including nuclear detection, materials security, and fuel-cycle policy.

22.11 Applied Nuclear Physics

Prereq: 22.02 or permission of instructor G (Fall; first half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

Introduction to nuclear structure, reactions, and radioactivity. Review of quantization, the wave function, angular momentum and tunneling. Simplified application to qualitative understanding of nuclear structure. Stable and unstable isotopes, radioactive decay, decay products and chains. Nuclear reactions, cross-sections, and fundamental forces, and the resulting phenomena.

22.12 Radiation Interactions, Control, and Measurement

Prereq: 8.02 or permission of instructor G (Fall; second half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

The interaction, attenuation, and biological effects of penetrating radiation, especially neutrons and photons. Physical processes of radiation scattering and absorption, and their cross-sections. Outline of health physics. Biological effects of radiation, and its quantification. Principles of radiation shielding, detection, dosimetry and radiation protection.

22.13 Nuclear Energy Systems

Prereq: 2.005 , 22.01 , or permission of instructor G (Spring; first half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

Introduction to generation of energy from nuclear reactions. Characteristics of nuclear energy. Fission cross-sections, criticality, and reaction control. Basic considerations of fission reactor engineering, thermal hydraulics, and safety. Nuclear fuel and waste characteristics. Fusion reactions and the character and conditions of energy generation. Plasma physics and approaches to achieving terrestrial thermonuclear fusion energy.

22.14 Materials in Nuclear Engineering

Prereq: Chemistry (GIR) or permission of instructor G (Spring; second half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

Introduces the fundamental phenomena of materials science with special attention to radiation and harsh environments. Materials lattices and defects and the consequent understanding of strength of materials, fatigue, cracking, and corrosion. Coulomb collisions of charged particles; their effects on structured materials; damage and defect production, knock-ons, transmutation, cascades and swelling. Materials in fission and fusion applications: cladding, waste, plasma-facing components, blankets.

22.15 Essential Numerical Methods

Prereq: 12.010 or permission of instructor G (Spring; first half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit.

Introduces computational methods for solving physical problems in nuclear applications. Ordinary and partial differential equations for particle orbit, and fluid, field, and particle conservation problems; their representation and solution by finite difference numerical approximations. Iterative matrix inversion methods. Stability, convergence, accuracy and statistics. Particle representations of Boltzmann's equation and methods of solution such as Monte-Carlo and particle-in-cell techniques.

N. Louriero, I. Hutchinson, H. Wainwright

22.16 Nuclear Technology and Society

Prereq: 22.01 or permission of instructor G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units Can be repeated for credit. Credit cannot also be received for 22.103

Nuclear Reactor Physics

22.211 nuclear reactor physics i.

Prereq: 22.05 G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Provides an overview of reactor physics methods for core design and analysis. Topics include nuclear data, neutron slowing down, homogeneous and heterogeneous resonance absorption, calculation of neutron spectra, determination of group constants, nodal diffusion methods, Monte Carlo simulations of reactor core reload design methods.

22.212 Nuclear Reactor Analysis II

Prereq: 22.211 Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-2-7 units

Addresses advanced topics in nuclear reactor physics with an additional focus towards computational methods and algorithms for neutron transport. Covers current methods employed in lattice physics calculations, such as resonance models, critical spectrum adjustments, advanced homogenization techniques, fine mesh transport theory models, and depletion solvers. Also presents deterministic transport approximation techniques, such as the method of characteristics, discrete ordinates methods, and response matrix methods.

22.213 Nuclear Reactor Physics III

Prereq: 22.211 Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Covers numerous high-level topics in nuclear reactor analysis methods and builds on the student's background in reactor physics to develop a deep understanding of concepts needed for time-dependent nuclear reactor core physics, including coupled non-linear feedback effects. Introduces numerical algorithms needed to solve real-world time-dependent reactor physics problems in both diffusion and transport. Additional topics include iterative numerical solution methods (e.g., CG, GMRES, JFNK, MG), nonlinear accelerator methods, and numerous modern time-integration techniques.

22.251 Systems Analysis of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Subject meets with 22.051 Prereq: 22.05 Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Fall) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-2-7 units

Study of the relationship between the technical and policy elements of the nuclear fuel cycle. Topics include uranium supply, enrichment, fuel fabrication, in-core reactivity and fuel management of uranium and other fuel types, used fuel reprocessing and waste disposal. Principles of fuel cycle economics and the applied reactor physics of both contemporary and proposed thermal and fast reactors are presented. Nonproliferation aspects, disposal of excess weapons plutonium, and transmutation of long lived radioisotopes in spent fuel are examined. Several state-of-the-art computer programs relevant to reactor core physics and heat transfer are provided for student use in problem sets and term papers. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Nuclear Reactor Engineering

22.312 engineering of nuclear reactors.

Prereq: ( 2.001 and 2.005 ) or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Engineering principles of nuclear reactors, emphasizing power reactors. Power plant thermodynamics, reactor heat generation and removal (single-phase as well as two-phase coolant flow and heat transfer), and structural mechanics. Engineering considerations in reactor design.

J. Buongiorno

22.313[J] Thermal Hydraulics in Power Technology

Same subject as 2.59[J] , 10.536[J] Prereq: 2.006 , 10.302 , 22.312 , or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-2-7 units

Emphasis on thermo-fluid dynamic phenomena and analysis methods for conventional and nuclear power stations. Kinematics and dynamics of two-phase flows. Steam separation. Boiling, instabilities, and critical conditions. Single-channel transient analysis. Multiple channels connected at plena. Loop analysis including single and two-phase natural circulation. Subchannel analysis.

E. Baglietto, M. Bucci

22.315 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Focuses on the application of computational fluid dynamics to the analysis of power generation and propulsion systems, and on industrial and chemical processes in general. Discusses simulation methods for single and multiphase applications and their advantages and limitations in industrial situations. Students practice breaking down an industrial problem into its modeling challenges, designing and implementing a plan to optimize and validate the modeling approach, performing the analysis, and quantifying the uncertainty margin.

E. Baglietto

22.33 Nuclear Engineering Design

Subject meets with 22.033 Prereq: 22.312 G (Fall) 3-0-15 units

Group design project involving integration of nuclear physics, particle transport, control, heat transfer, safety, instrumentation, materials, environmental impact, and economic optimization. Provides opportunity to synthesize knowledge acquired in nuclear and non-nuclear subjects and apply this knowledge to practical problems of current interest in nuclear applications design. Past projects have included using a fusion reactor for transmutation of nuclear waste, design and implementation of an experiment to predict and measure pebble flow in a pebble bed reactor, and development of a mission plan for a manned Mars mission including the conceptual design of a nuclear powered space propulsion system and power plant for the Mars surface. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.38 Probability and Its Applications To Reliability, Quality Control, and Risk Assessment

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Interpretations of the concept of probability. Basic probability rules; random variables and distribution functions; functions of random variables. Applications to quality control and the reliability assessment of mechanical/electrical components, as well as simple structures and redundant systems. Elements of statistics. Bayesian methods in engineering. Methods for reliability and risk assessment of complex systems, (event-tree and fault-tree analysis, common-cause failures, human reliability models). Uncertainty propagation in complex systems (Monte Carlo methods, Latin hypercube sampling). Introduction to Markov models. Examples and applications from nuclear and other industries, waste repositories, and mechanical systems. Open to qualified undergraduates.

22.39 Integration of Reactor Design, Operations, and Safety

Subject meets with 22.039 Prereq: 22.211 and 22.312 G (Fall) 3-2-7 units

Integration of reactor physics and engineering sciences into nuclear power plant design focusing on designs that are projected to be used in the first half of this century. Topics include materials issues in plant design and operations, aspects of thermal design, fuel depletion and fission-product poisoning, and temperature effects on reactivity. Safety considerations in regulations and operations such as the evolution of the regulatory process, the concept of defense in depth, general design criteria, accident analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, and risk-informed regulations. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

E. Baglietto, K. Shirvan

22.40[J] Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion

Same subject as 2.62[J] , 10.392[J] Subject meets with 2.60[J] , 10.390[J] Prereq: 2.006 , (2.051 and 2.06), or permission of instructor G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

See description under subject 2.62[J] .

A. F. Ghoniem, W. Green

Radiation Interactions and Applications

22.51[j] quantum technology and devices.

Same subject as 8.751[J] Subject meets with 22.022 Prereq: 22.11 G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

22.52 Quantum Theory of Materials Characterization

Subject meets with 22.052 Prereq: 8.511 or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

22.54[J] Biomedical Systems: Modeling and Inference

Same subject as 6.4800[J] Prereq: ( 6.3100 and ( 18.06 or 18.C06[J] )) or permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Fall) 4-4-4 units

See description under subject 6.4800[J] .

E. Adalsteinsson, T. Heldt, C. M. Stultz, J. K. White

22.55[J] Radiation Biophysics

Same subject as HST.560[J] Subject meets with 22.055 Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

22.561[J] Magnetic Resonance Analytic, Biochemical, and Imaging Techniques

Same subject as HST.584[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-0-12 units

See description under subject HST.584[J] .

L. Wald, B. Bilgic

Plasmas and Controlled Fusion

22.611[j] introduction to plasma physics i.

Same subject as 8.613[J] Prereq: ( 6.2300 or 8.07 ) and ( 18.04 or Coreq: 18.075 ) G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Introduces plasma phenomena relevant to energy generation by controlled thermonuclear fusion and to astrophysics. Elementary plasma concepts, plasma characterization. Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields. Coulomb collisions, relaxation times, transport processes. Two-fluid hydrodynamic and MHD descriptions. Plasma confinement by magnetic fields, simple equilibrium and stability analysis. Wave propagation in a magnetic field; application to RF plasma heating. Introduction to kinetic theory; Vlasov, Boltzmann and Fokker-Planck equations; relation of fluid and kinetic descriptions. Electron and ion acoustic plasma waves, Landau damping.

N. Loureiro, I. Hutchinson

22.612[J] Introduction to Plasma Physics II

Same subject as 8.614[J] Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-0-9 units

Follow-up to 22.611[J] provides in-depth coverage of several fundamental topics in plasma physics, selected for their wide relevance and applicability, from fusion to space- and astro-physics. Covers both kinetic and fluid instabilities: two-stream, Weibel, magnetorotational, parametric, ion-temperature-gradient, and pressure-anisotropy-driven instabilities (mirror, firehose). Also covers advanced fluid models, and drift-kinetic and gyrokinetic equations. Special attention to dynamo theory, magnetic reconnection, MHD turbulence, kinetic turbulence, and shocks.

N. Loureiro

22.615 MHD Theory of Fusion Systems

Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Discussion of MHD equilibria in cylindrical, toroidal, and noncircular configurations. MHD stability theory including the Energy Principle, interchange instability, ballooning modes, second region of stability, and external kink modes. Description of current configurations of fusion interest.

N. Louriero

22.617 Plasma Turbulence and Transport

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Introduces plasma turbulence and turbulent transport, with a focus on fusion plasmas. Covers theory of mechanisms for turbulence in confined plasmas, fluid and kinetic equations, and linear and nonlinear gyrokinetic equations; transport due to stochastic magnetic fields, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, and drift wave turbulence; and suppression of turbulence, structure formation, intermittency, and stability thresholds. Emphasis on comparing experiment and theory. Discusses experimental techniques, simulations of plasma turbulence, and predictive turbulence-transport models.

22.62 Fusion Energy

Prereq: 22.611[J] G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Basic nuclear physics and plasma physics for controlled fusion. Fusion cross sections and consequent conditions required for ignition and energy production. Principles of magnetic and inertial confinement. Description of magnetic confinement devices: tokamaks, stellarators and RFPs, their design and operation. Elementary plasma stability considerations and the limits imposed. Plasma heating by neutral beams and RF. Outline design of the ITER "burning plasma" experiment and a magnetic confinement reactor.

22.63 Engineering Principles for Fusion Reactors

Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Fusion reactor design considerations: ignition devices, engineering test facilities, and safety/environmental concerns. Magnet principles: resistive and superconducting magnets; cryogenic features. Blanket and first wall design: liquid and solid breeders, heat removal, and structural considerations. Heating devices: radio frequency and neutral beam.

D. Whyte, Z. Hartwig

22.64[J] Ionized Gases

Same subject as 16.55[J] Prereq: 8.02 or permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 16.55[J] .

C. Guerra Garcia

22.67[J] Principles of Plasma Diagnostics

Same subject as 8.670[J] Prereq: 22.611[J] Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 4-4-4 units

Introduction to the physical processes used to measure the properties of plasmas, especially fusion plasmas. Measurements of magnetic and electric fields, particle flux, refractive index, emission and scattering of electromagnetic waves and heavy particles; their use to deduce plasma parameters such as particle density, pressure, temperature, and velocity, and hence the plasma confinement properties. Discussion of practical examples and assessments of the accuracy and reliability of different techniques.

J. Hare, A. White

Nuclear Materials

22.71[j] modern physical metallurgy.

Same subject as 3.40[J] Subject meets with 3.14 Prereq: ( 3.20 and 3.22 ) or permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 3.40[J] .

22.72 Corrosion: The Environmental Degradation of Materials

Subject meets with 22.072 Prereq: None G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Applies thermodynamics and kinetics of electrode reactions to aqueous corrosion of metals and alloys. Application of advanced computational and modeling techniques to evaluation of materials selection and susceptibility of metal/alloy systems to environmental degradation in aqueous systems. Discusses materials degradation problems in marine environments, oil and gas production, and energy conversion and generation systems, including fossil and nuclear.

22.73[J] Defects in Materials

Same subject as 3.33[J] Prereq: 3.21 and 3.22 Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 3.33[J] .

22.74[J] Radiation Damage and Effects in Nuclear Materials

Same subject as 3.31[J] Subject meets with 22.074 Prereq: 3.21 , 22.14 , or permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Studies the origins and effects of radiation damage in structural materials for nuclear applications. Radiation damage topics include formation of point defects, defect diffusion, defect reaction kinetics and accumulation, and differences in defect microstructures due to the type of radiation (ion, proton, neutron). Radiation effects topics include detrimental changes to mechanical properties, phase stability, corrosion properties, and differences in fission and fusion systems. Term project required. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.75[J] Properties of Solid Surfaces

Same subject as 3.30[J] Prereq: 3.20 , 3.21 , or permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Covers fundamental principles needed to understand and measure the microscopic properties of the surfaces of solids, with connections to structure, electronic, chemical, magnetic and mechanical properties. Reviews the theoretical aspects of surface behavior, including stability of surfaces, restructuring, and reconstruction. Examines the interaction of the surfaces with the environment, including absorption of atoms and molecules, chemical reactions and material growth, and interaction of surfaces with other point defects within the solids (space charges in semiconductors). Discusses principles of important tools for the characterization of surfaces, such as surface electron and x-ray diffraction, electron spectroscopies (Auger and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), scanning tunneling, and force microscopy.

22.76[J] Ionics and Its Applications

Same subject as 3.55[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Discusses valence states of ions and how ions and charge move in liquid and solid states. Introduces molten salt systems and how they are used in nuclear energy and processing. Addresses corrosion and the environmental degradation of structural materials. Examines the applications of ionics and electrochemistry in industrial processing, computing, new energy technologies, and recycling and waste treatment.

J. Li, B. Yildiz

22.78[J] Nuclear Energy and the Environment: Waste, Effluents, and Accidents

Same subject as 1.878[J] Subject meets with 1.098[J] , 22.078[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Systems, Policy, and Economics

22.811[j] sustainable energy.

Same subject as 1.818[J] , 2.65[J] , 10.391[J] , 11.371[J] Subject meets with 2.650[J] , 10.291[J] , 22.081[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-1-8 units

Assessment of current and potential future energy systems. Covers resources, extraction, conversion, and end-use technologies, with emphasis on meeting 21st-century regional and global energy needs in a sustainable manner. Examines various energy technologies in each fuel cycle stage for fossil (oil, gas, synthetic), nuclear (fission and fusion) and renewable (solar, biomass, wind, hydro, and geothermal) energy types, along with storage, transmission, and conservation issues. Emphasizes analysis of energy propositions within an engineering, economic and social context. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

22.814[J] Nuclear Weapons and International Security

Same subject as 17.474[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 4-0-8 units

Examines the historical, political, and technical contexts for nuclear policy making, including the development of nuclear weapons by states, the evolution of nuclear strategy, the role nuclear weapons play in international politics, the risks posed by nuclear arsenals, and the policies and strategies in place to mitigate those risks. Equal emphasis is given to political and technical considerations affecting national choices. Considers the issues surrounding new non-proliferation strategies, nuclear security, and next steps for arms control.

R. S. Kemp, V. Narang

22.90 Nuclear Science and Engineering Laboratory

Subject meets with 22.09 Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 1-5-9 units

See description under subject 22.09 .

22.901 Independent Project in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

For graduate students who wish to conduct a one-term project of theoretical or experimental nature in the field of nuclear engineering, in close cooperation with individual staff members. Topics and hours arranged to fit students' requirements. Projects require prior approval.

22.911 Seminar in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring) 2-0-1 units Can be repeated for credit.

Restricted to graduate students engaged in doctoral thesis research.

C. Forsberg, J. Hare, M. Li

22.912 Seminar in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-1 units Can be repeated for credit.

22.921 Nuclear Power Plant Dynamics and Control

Prereq: None G (IAP) Not offered regularly; consult department 1-0-2 units

Introduction to reactor dynamics, including subcritical multiplication, critical operation in absence of thermal feedback effects and effects of xenon, fuel and moderator temperature, etc. Derivation of point kinetics and dynamic period equations. Techniques for reactor control including signal validation, supervisory algorithms, model-based trajectory tracking, and rule-based control. Overview of light-water reactor start-up. Lectures and demonstrations with use of the MIT Research Reactor. Open to undergraduates with permission of instructor.

J. A. Bernard

22.93 Teaching and Technical Communication Experience in Nuclear Science & Engineering

Prereq: Permission of department G (Fall, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For qualified graduate students interested in teaching as a career or other technical communication intensive careers. Classroom, laboratory, or tutorial teaching under the supervision of a faculty member or instructor. Students selected by interview. Credits for this subject may not be used toward master's or engineer's degrees. Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments and NSE communication lab capacity.

Consult NSE Academic Office

22.94 Research in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None G (IAP) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For academic research activities in Nuclear Science and Engineering for students who have not completed the NSE doctoral qualifying exam. Hours arranged with and approved by the research advisor. Units may not be used towards advanced degree requirements.

22.95 Internship in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: None G (IAP, Summer) 0-1-0 units Can be repeated for credit.

For Nuclear Science and Engineering students participating in research or curriculum-related off-campus experiences. Before enrolling, students must have an offer from a company or organization. Upon completion, the student must submit a final report or presentation to an approved MIT internship experience advisor, usually the student's thesis advisor or a member of the thesis committee. Subject to departmental approval. Consult the NSE Academic Office for details on procedures and restrictions. Limited to students participating in internships consistent with NSE policies relating to research-related employment.

22.S902-22.S905 Special Subject in Nuclear Science and Engineering

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Seminar or lecture on a topic in nuclear science and engineering that is not covered in the regular curriculum. 22.S905 is graded P/D/F.

22.THG Graduate Thesis

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research, leading to the writing of an SM, NE, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member. Consult department graduate office.

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Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree requires the satisfactory completion of an approved program of advanced study and original research of high quality..

Please note that the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) degrees are awarded interchangeably by all departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, except in the fields of biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, medical engineering, and medical physics. This means that, excepting the departments outlined above, the coursework and expectations to earn a Doctor of Philosophy and for a Doctor of Science degree from these schools are generally the same. Doctoral students may choose which degree they wish to complete.

Applicants interested in graduate education should apply to the department or graduate program conducting research in the area of interest. Some departments require a doctoral candidate to take a “minor” program outside of the student’s principal field of study; if you wish to apply to one of these departments, please consider additional fields you may like to pursue.

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Fusion & Plasma Physics

The sun and stars are powered by fusion: nuclear reactions that create heavier elements from lighter ones. If this energy source can be harnessed at the human scale, it has the advantages of inexhaustible fuel resources and greatly reduced proliferation and environmental concerns. Yet fusion only takes place only at temperatures comparable to the center of the sun. So implementing fusion energy involves the development of techniques to create and confine the immensely hot, ionized, "plasma" state of matter. This has proven to be a scientific grand challenge of great complexity.

MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering has led the world in the development both of the fundamental scientific field of Plasma Physics, and in the understanding of what is required of fusion engineering and technology. Department faculty, researchers, and students have provided leadership in the interdepartmental efforts of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center , which recently launched the SPARC project and houses the tokamak Alcator C-Mod, one of the three major national magnetic confinement fusion research centers in the US. With activities that span from basic plasma theory, through computational plasma physics, small-scale experiments, to the engineering challenges of giant superconducting magnets, MIT's Nuclear Science and Engineering Department is at the forefront of the international fusion research enterprise.

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High energy and hungry for the hardest problems

Zach Hartwig wins 2022 FPA Excellence in Fusion Engineering Award

Jack Hare to explore geothermal stimulation technology

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Carlota Andres

Fourteen MIT School of Science professors receive tenure for 2022 and 2023

In 2022, nine MIT faculty were granted tenure in the School of Science:

Gloria Choi examines the interaction of the immune system with the brain and the effects of that interaction on neurodevelopment, behavior, and mood. She also studies how social behaviors are regulated according to sensory stimuli, context, internal state, and physiological status, and how these factors modulate neural circuit function via a combinatorial code of classic neuromodulators and immune-derived cytokines. Choi joined the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences after a postdoc at Columbia University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and her PhD from Caltech. Choi is also an investigator in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.

Nikta Fakhri develops experimental tools and conceptual frameworks to uncover laws governing fluctuations, order, and self-organization in active systems. Such frameworks provide powerful insight into dynamics of nonequilibrium living systems across scales, from the emergence of thermodynamic arrow of time to spatiotemporal organization of signaling protein patterns and discovery of odd elasticity. Fakhri joined the Department of Physics in 2015 following a postdoc at University of Göttingen. She completed her undergraduate degree at Sharif University of Technology and her PhD at Rice University.

Geobiologist Greg Fournier uses a combination of molecular phylogeny insights and geologic records to study major events in planetary history, with the hope of furthering our understanding of the co-evolution of life and environment. Recently, his team developed a new technique to analyze multiple gene evolutionary histories and estimated that photosynthesis evolved between 3.4 and 2.9 billion years ago. Fournier joined the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences in 2014 after working as a postdoc at the University of Connecticut and as a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow in MIT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He earned his BA from Dartmouth College in 2001 and his PhD in genetics and genomics from the University of Connecticut in 2009.

Daniel Harlow researches black holes and cosmology, viewed through the lens of quantum gravity and quantum field theory. His work generates new insights into quantum information, quantum field theory, and gravity. Harlow joined the Department of Physics in 2017 following postdocs at Princeton University and Harvard University. He obtained a BA in physics and mathematics from Columbia University in 2006 and a PhD in physics from Stanford University in 2012. He is also a researcher in the Laboratory for Nuclear Science’s Center for Theoretical Physics.

A biophysicist, Gene-Wei Li studies how bacteria optimize the levels of proteins they produce at both mechanistic and systems levels. His lab focuses on design principles of transcription, translation, and RNA maturation. Li joined the Department of Biology in 2015 after completing a postdoc at the University of California at San Francisco. He earned an BS in physics from National Tsinghua University in 2004 and a PhD in physics from Harvard University in 2010.

Michael McDonald focuses on the evolution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, and the role that environment plays in dictating this evolution. This research involves the discovery and study of the most distant assemblies of galaxies alongside analyses of the complex interplay between gas, galaxies, and black holes in the closest, most massive systems. McDonald joined the Department of Physics and the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research in 2015 after three years as a Hubble Fellow, also at MIT. He obtained his BS and MS degrees in physics at Queen’s University, and his PhD in astronomy at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Gabriela Schlau-Cohen combines tools from chemistry, optics, biology, and microscopy to develop new approaches to probe dynamics. Her group focuses on dynamics in membrane proteins, particularly photosynthetic light-harvesting systems that are of interest for sustainable energy applications. Following a postdoc at Stanford University, Schlau-Cohen joined the Department of Chemistry faculty in 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical physics from Brown University in 2003 followed by a PhD in chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley.

Phiala Shanahan’s research interests are focused around theoretical nuclear and particle physics. In particular, she works to understand the structure and interactions of hadrons and nuclei from the fundamental degrees of freedom encoded in the Standard Model of particle physics. After a postdoc at MIT and a joint position as an assistant professor at the College of William and Mary and senior staff scientist at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Shanahan returned to the Department of Physics as faculty in 2018. She obtained her BS from the University of Adelaide in 2012 and her PhD, also from the University of Adelaide, in 2015.

Omer Yilmaz explores the impact of dietary interventions on stem cells, the immune system, and cancer within the intestine. By better understanding how intestinal stem cells adapt to diverse diets, his group hopes to identify and develop new strategies that prevent and reduce the growth of cancers involving the intestinal tract. Yilmaz joined the Department of Biology in 2014 and is now also a member of Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. After receiving his BS from the University of Michigan in 1999 and his PhD and MD from University of Michigan Medical School in 2008, he was a resident in anatomic pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School until 2013.

In 2023, five MIT faculty were granted tenure in the School of Science:

Physicist Riccardo Comin explores the novel phases of matter that can be found in electronic solids with strong interactions, also known as quantum materials. His group employs a combination of synthesis, scattering, and spectroscopy to obtain a comprehensive picture of these emergent phenomena, including superconductivity, (anti)ferromagnetism, spin-density-waves, charge order, ferroelectricity, and orbital order. Comin joined the Department of Physics in 2016 after postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Universita’ degli Studi di Trieste in Italy, where he also obtained a MS in physics in 2009. Later, he pursued doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada, earning a PhD in 2013.

Netta Engelhardt researches the dynamics of black holes in quantum gravity and uses holography to study the interplay between gravity and quantum information. Her primary focus is on the black hole information paradox, that black holes seem to be destroying information that, according to quantum physics, cannot be destroyed. Engelhardt was a postdoc at Princeton University and a member of the Princeton Gravity Initiative prior to joining the Department of Physics in 2019. She received her BS in physics and mathematics from Brandeis University and her PhD in physics from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Engelhardt is a researcher in the Laboratory for Nuclear Science’s Center for Theoretical Physics and the Black Hole Initiative at Harvard University.

Mark Harnett studies how the biophysical features of individual neurons endow neural circuits with the ability to process information and perform the complex computations that underlie behavior. As part of this work, his lab was the first to describe the physiological properties of human dendrites. He joined the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research in 2015. Prior, he was a postdoc at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus. He received his BA in biology from Reed College in Portland, Oregon and his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin.

Or Hen investigates quantum chromodynamic effects in the nuclear medium and the interplay between partonic and nucleonic degrees of freedom in nuclei. Specifically, Hen utilizes high-energy scattering of electron, neutrino, photon, proton and ion off atomic nuclei to study short-range correlations: temporal fluctuations of high-density, high-momentum, nucleon clusters in nuclei with important implications for nuclear, particle, atomic, and astrophysics. Hen was an MIT Pappalardo Fellow in the Department of Physics from 2015 to 2017 before joining the faculty in 2017. He received his undergraduate degree in physics and computer engineering from the Hebrew University and earned his PhD in experimental physics at Tel Aviv University.

Sebastian Lourido is interested in learning about the vulnerabilities of parasites in order to develop treatments for infectious diseases and expand our understanding of eukaryotic diversity. His lab studies many important human pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii , to model features conserved throughout the phylum. Lourido was a Whitehead Fellow at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research until 2017, when he joined the Department of Biology and became a Whitehead Member. He earned his BS from Tulane University in 2004 and his PhD from Washington University in St. Louis in 2012.

Ultraprecise Timekeeping: This New Nuclear Clock Won’t Lose a Second in a Billion Years

An international team at JILA is pioneering a nuclear clock that surpasses current atomic clocks in precision, potentially enabling advancements in GPS , internet synchronization, and secure communications.

Their work, leveraging thorium nuclei and ultraviolet lasers, has also established a crucial link to existing atomic timekeeping systems, offering insights into the fundamental physics and the potential for more robust, portable clocks.

Revolutionizing Timekeeping: The Advent of Nuclear Clocks

The world keeps time with the ticks of atomic clocks, but a new type of clock under development — a nuclear clock — could revolutionize how we measure time and probe fundamental physics.

An international research team led by scientists at JILA, a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder, has demonstrated key elements of a nuclear clock. A nuclear clock is a novel type of timekeeping device that uses signals from the core, or nucleus, of an atom . The team used a specially designed ultraviolet laser to precisely measure the frequency of an energy jump in thorium nuclei embedded in a solid crystal. They also employed an optical frequency comb, which acts like an extremely accurate light ruler, to count the number of ultraviolet wave cycles that create this energy jump. While this laboratory demonstration is not a fully developed nuclear clock, it contains all the core technology for one.

Enhanced Precision and Technology Integration

Nuclear clocks could be much more accurate than current atomic clocks, which provide official international time and play major roles in technologies such as GPS, internet synchronization, and financial transactions. For the general public, this development could ultimately mean even more precise navigation systems (with or without GPS), faster internet speeds, more reliable network connections, and more secure digital communications.

Beyond everyday technology, nuclear clocks could improve tests of fundamental theories for how the universe works, potentially leading to new discoveries in physics. They could help detect dark matter or verify if the constants of nature are truly constant, allowing for verification of theories in particle physics without the need for large-scale particle accelerator facilities.

Laser Precision in Timekeeping

Atomic clocks measure time by tuning laser light to frequencies that cause electrons to jump between energy levels. Nuclear clocks would utilize energy jumps within an atom’s tiny central region, known as the nucleus, where particles called protons and neutrons cram together. These energy jumps are much like flipping a light switch. Shining laser light with the exact amount of energy needed for this jump can flip this nuclear “switch.”

A nuclear clock would have major advantages for clock precision. Compared with the electrons in atomic clocks, the nucleus is much less affected by outside disturbances such as stray electromagnetic fields. The laser light needed to cause energy jumps in nuclei is much higher in frequency than that required for atomic clocks. This higher frequency — meaning more wave cycles per second — is directly related to a greater number of “ticks” per second and therefore leads to more precise timekeeping.

Challenges and Milestones in Development

But it is very hard to create a nuclear clock. To make energy jumps, most atomic nuclei need to be hit by coherent X-rays (a high-frequency form of light) with energies much greater than those that can be produced with current technology. So scientists have focused on thorium-229, an atom whose nucleus has a smaller energy jump than any other known atom, requiring ultraviolet light (which is lower in energy than X-rays).

In 1976, scientists discovered this thorium energy jump, known as a “nuclear transition” in physics language. In 2003, scientists proposed using this transition to create a clock, and they only directly observed it in 2016. Earlier this year, two different research teams used ultraviolet lasers they created in the lab to flip the nuclear “switch” and measure the wavelength of light needed for it.

Breakthroughs and Future Prospects

In the new work, the JILA researchers and their colleagues create all the essential parts of a clock: the thorium-229 nuclear transition to provide the clock’s “ticks,” a laser to create precise energy jumps between the individual quantum states of the nucleus, and a frequency comb for direct measurements of these “ticks.” This effort has achieved a level of precision that is one million times higher than the previous wavelength-based measurement. In addition, they compared this ultraviolet frequency directly to the optical frequency used in one of the world’s most accurate atomic clocks, which uses strontium atoms, establishing the first direct frequency link between a nuclear transition and an atomic clock. This direct frequency link and increase in precision are a crucial step in developing the nuclear clock and integrating it with existing timekeeping systems.

The research has already yielded unprecedented results, including the ability to observe details in the thorium nucleus’s shape that no one had ever observed before — it’s like seeing individual blades of grass from an airplane.

The team presented its results in the September 4 issue of the journal Nature as a cover story.

On the Horizon: Portable and Precise Timekeeping

While this isn’t yet a functioning nuclear clock, it’s a crucial step towards creating such a clock that could be both portable and highly stable. The use of thorium embedded in a solid crystal, combined with the nucleus’s reduced sensitivity to external disturbances, paves the way for potentially compact and robust timekeeping devices.

“Imagine a wristwatch that wouldn’t lose a second even if you left it running for billions of years,” said NIST and JILA physicist Jun Ye. “While we’re not quite there yet, this research brings us closer to that level of precision.”

For more on this breakthrough, see Precision Meets Power in the World’s First Thorium Nuclear Clock .

Reference: “Frequency ratio of the 229m Th nuclear isomeric transition and the 87 Sr atomic clock” by Chuankun Zhang, Tian Ooi, Jacob S. Higgins, Jack F. Doyle, Lars von der Wense, Kjeld Beeks, Adrian Leitner, Georgy A. Kazakov, Peng Li, Peter G. Thirolf, Thorsten Schumm and Jun Ye, 4 September 2024, Nature . DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07839-6

The research team included researchers from JILA, a joint institute of NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder; the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology; and IMRA America, Inc.

Related Articles

Time reimagined: unlocking the quantum secrets of next-gen atomic clocks, graphene’s twisted science: a new quantum ruler to explore exotic matter, qubits unleashed: nist’s “toggle switch” and the future of quantum computing, the race for nuclear time – scientists make important advance, electron asymmetry and the mystery of matter’s existence: a record-breaking study, scientists have created a new type of optical atomic clock, mit physicists harness quantum “time reversal” for detecting gravitational waves and dark matter, ultraprecise atomic clock poised for new physics discoveries – loses just one second every 300 billion years, new atomic clocks measure time dilation of einstein’s general relativity at millimeter scale.

Does this nuclear clock really lose one billionth of a second? How do they calculate this!!!😱

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Enabled by a significant gift, MIT’s Security Studies Program launches the Center for Nuclear Security Policy | 2024 | News

The MIT Security Studies Program was recently gifted with a $45 million grant from the Stanton Foundation in support for establishing the Center for Nuclear Security Policy. With Vipin Narang as the center's very first director, the program aims to focus on nuclear arms security scholarship and as M. Taylor Fravel (director of the Security Studies Program) mentions, "it will help advance policy-relevant research on all key challenges related to nuclear security that bear on this new and potentially more dangerous nuclear era."

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