New Tool for "Old" Nuclear Physics: FEL gamma-Nucleus Colliders

Abstract

A new method has been considered to investigate the scattering reactions with photons on fully ionized nuclei. To induce $γ$-nucleus collisions a free electron laser and a heavy ion synchrotron have been considered bringing them together. Main parameters of the collider (especially LHC and HERA for the acceleration of nuclei) have been estimated. Rough calculations have also been made for the cross sections of the excited nuclei production. Finally, some design problems involving the collider have been considered.