The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC) has officially approved the construction of a $49.7 million instrument for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU). On February 24, DOE-SC granted Critical Decision 2/3 approval for the initiation of the High Transmission Beam Line (HTBL), part of the High Rigidity Spectrometer (HRS), which will significantly enhance the facility's capacity to study neutron-rich isotopes. This new instrument is a crucial part of FRIB's ongoing development, with DOE-SC already investing over $1.5 billion in FRIB's scientific operations since 2012.

The High Rigidity Spectrometer (HRS) will serve as the core of FRIB's fast-beam program, extending the facility's scientific capabilities for investigating neutron-rich isotopes, which are otherwise created only in explosive stellar events. With the HRS, luminosity for experiments involving these isotopes will increase by up to 100 times. "With surging demand for nuclear research, FRIB is answering the call to advance nuclear science," said Doug Gage, vice president for research and innovation at MSU.

HTBL will transport rare isotopes from FRIB’s Advanced Rare Isotope Separator (ARIS) to a reaction target for experimentation. The system includes 12 magnets that will transport isotopes traveling at velocities near 50% of the speed of light, enabling high-efficiency rare-isotope production. HTBL will also contribute to studying reactions crucial for understanding cosmic events like star formation.

In addition to supporting MSU's nuclear physics program, FRIB’s research facilities will have broad applications in other fields, including materials science, medicine, national security, and industry. The lab is also a key player in chip design and testing for emerging technologies, including spaceflight, wireless communication, and autonomous vehicles.

"We are excited to advance the High Transmission Beam Line, a key step for experiments in understanding rare isotopes," said FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher. "HTBL will greatly expand FRIB's scientific reach, enabling groundbreaking discoveries in nuclear physics. HTBL is made possible by the continued support of the federal government and the American public, whose investment in basic research is vital to advancing knowledge for American competitiveness."

In addition to its scientific contributions, FRIB supports educational opportunities at MSU, with 565 employees, 153 graduate students, and 134 undergraduate students working at the facility. The center’s impact extends to the nation’s semiconductor and aerospace industries, particularly through its Space Electronics Initiative and the K500 Chip Testing Facility.

Through projects like HTBL, FRIB continues to contribute to American scientific leadership, making groundbreaking advancements in nuclear physics while fostering educational and industry partnerships.

Originally reported by MSU.