The Gamma Spectroscopy Group at IFIC is devoted to the investigation of several aspects of the structure of atomic nuclei and the applications of Nuclear Physics to related fields.
Secondary neutrons generated during proton or photon cancer treatments can contribute to unwanted radiation doses, especially critical for young patients. We have developed neutron dosimeters such as LINrem and LINdos for accurate out-of-field dose measurements in hadron therapy.
In the scope of the AEI national grant and ERC Proof-of-Concept grant GNVISION, we are adapting our imaging and detection systems for ion-range verification in proton therapy, improving treatment accuracy and minimizing dose to healthy tissue. Projects such as PRIDE integrate proton computed tomography and range verification into a single device, with potential to become clinical tools.
We are applying our nuclear detection expertise to study the effects of climate change, particularly ocean acidification. Through the REMO project, we use radiotracers to investigate how acidification affects calcium uptake in corals and mollusks, species that build their skeletons from calcium carbonate and are especially sensitive to changes in seawater chemistry.
In collaboration with the University of Costa Rica, we also study beryllium-7 in soils and aerosols as a tracer for atmospheric circulation and seasonal patterns, providing insights into environmental processes that link climate, chemistry, and radiation.
Across all these areas—from neutron-capture reactions in the hearts of stars to neutron dosimetry in cancer therapy with the ERC-AMA, ERC-GNVISION and LINrem projects—our research links the most fundamental questions in astrophysics with practical applications in energy, health, and the environment.
Our work demonstrates how advances in neutron physics and nuclear astrophysics not only expand our understanding of the Universe, but also deliver tangible benefits to society.