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.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction and Background
2 Key Science Drivers for a Rare-Isotope Beam Facility
3 Rare-Isotope Beams in the United States and Abroad
4 Assessing the U.S. Position
5 Findings and Conclusions
Appendix A: Charge to the Committee
Appendix B: Meeting Agendas
Appendix C: Selected List of Operating and Planned Rare-Isotope
Facilities Worldwide
Appendix D: Glossary
Appendix E: Additional Remark on Clinical Use of Rare Iisotopes
Appendix F: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members