In the journey of scientific exploration, every update in data signifies a further advancement in human understanding of the natural world. Recently, in collaboration with the Science Press, the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences unveiled the new edition of the "Chart of Nuclear Basic Properties Experimental Data" in A4 foldable format. This publication serves as an accurate and authoritative reference tool for researchers and professionals in both domestic and international scientific communities.
As a leading institution in nuclear physics research in China, the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has been entrusted with the task of the International Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME) since 2013. AME not only provides authoritative assessments of the atomic masses of ground state nuclides to the public but also ensures the traceability and reliability of data through comprehensive literature tracing. With the strong support of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the collaboration between AME and the Nuclear Basic Properties Experimental Data Evaluation (NUBASE), updated every four years, guarantees the timeliness and accuracy of the data.
"The newly released edition of the nuclide chart, meticulously compiled based on the latest data from AME2020 and NUBASE2020, comprehensively displays detailed information on all observed atomic nuclei in nature. Whether it's subtle variations in mass errors, diverse isotopic abundances and decay types, or varying half-lives, all are intuitively presented in this chart of nuclides," said Dr. Yan Xinliang, one of the principal authors of the book and an associate researcher at the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He further noted that this chart not only features timely data updates and authoritative content but also garners unanimous praise from researchers for its practical and aesthetically pleasing design.
It is worth mentioning that the new edition of the nuclide chart demonstrates high practical value in both basic scientific research and industrial applications. For theoretical and experimental researchers in atomic nuclei in universities and research institutions, it is an indispensable reference book. For frontline workers in nuclear-related industries, it serves as a handy assistant for quick reference anytime, anywhere. Moreover, the chart also includes QR codes linking to the open-source data of NUBASE2020 website, enabling users to easily and efficiently access detailed information such as precise mass, lifetime, decay branches, and more for each atomic nucleus using their mobile phones.
Compared to similar publications domestically and internationally, this book stands out for its rich content, accurate data, timely updates, and innovative format. It not only provides detailed experimental data but also allows readers to intuitively understand and grasp the basic properties of atomic nuclei through the combination of colors and texts.
Furthermore, the book emphasizes practicality, playing an important role in both academic research and practical applications. To keep the layout concise, only the ground-state properties of atomic nuclei are displayed in the nuclide chart, with the properties of isomeric states presented in textual form, excluding data on other excited states. According to statistics, the United States has discovered 1,330 new nuclides, leading by a significant margin, while China has discovered 40 new nuclides, with 38 of them discovered by the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The release of the new edition of the "Chart of Nuclear Basic Properties Experimental Data" not only summarizes and showcases past research achievements but also anticipates and guides future scientific exploration.
ISBN 978-7-03-078178-9 Yan Xinliang, Luo Yinfang, Wang Meng (Eds.). Beijing: Science Press, 2024.03. Images provided by the Institute of Modern Physics.
