Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Argonne National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where scientists and engineers pioneer breakthroughs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In this video, physicist Calem Hoffman discusses an Argonne-led project under DOE’s Genesis Mission that uses artificial intelligence to help scientists determine which nuclear physics experiments could provide the greatest scientific value.
One of the biggest unanswered questions in nuclear astrophysics is how nuclear matter behaves under extreme conditions. Scientists can investigate this question by studying X-ray bursts — recurring thermonuclear explosions on the surfaces of neutron stars — but accurately modeling these bursts requires nuclear data that remains uncertain in many areas. Because accelerator time for experiments that could fill these gaps is limited, researchers need better ways to determine which measurements could make the greatest difference.
To address this challenge, Hoffman and his team, working with the Air Force Institute of Technology and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, are developing an AI-driven forecasting system. The system combines existing nuclear data and its uncertainties with a fast computer model that predicts X-ray burst behavior, then uses AI to rank potential experiments based on how much each could reduce uncertainty in scientists’ understanding of neutron stars.
To evaluate the approach, the team will test whether the AI system can identify valuable experiments using only nuclear data that was available decades ago. Researchers can then compare the AI’s recommendations with experiments scientists actually conducted to determine whether the approach could reach today’s level of precision with fewer measurements and less accelerator time. If successful, the technology could provide scientists with a more efficient way to prioritize nuclear physics experiments and make the most of limited research resources under DOE’s Genesis Mission.
Find out more about Argonne’s role supporting the DOE’s Genesis Mission ►► anl.gov/genesis-mission/projects/an-active-learning-prioritization-engine-for-nuclear-data-relevant-to-x-ray-bursts
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ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF SCIENCE
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
Argonne National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where scientists and engineers pioneer breakthroughs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In this video, physicist Calem Hoffman discusses an Argonne-led project under DOE’s Genesis Mission that uses artificial intelligence to help scientists determine which nuclear physics experiments could provide the greatest scientific value.
One of the biggest unanswered questions in nuclear astrophysics is how nuclear matter behaves under extreme conditions. Scientists can investigate this question by studying X-ray bursts — recurring thermonuclear explosions on the surfaces of neutron stars — but accurately modeling these bursts requires nuclear data that remains uncertain in many areas. Because accelerator time for experiments that could fill these gaps is limited, researchers need better ways to determine which measurements could make the greatest difference.
To address this challenge, Hoffman and his team, working with the Air Force Institute of Technology and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, are developing an AI-driven forecasting system. The system combines existing nuclear data and its uncertainties with a fast computer model that predicts X-ray burst behavior, then uses AI to rank potential experiments based on how much each could reduce uncertainty in scientists’ understanding of neutron stars.
To evaluate the approach, the team will test whether the AI system can identify valuable experiments using only nuclear data that was available decades ago. Researchers can then compare the AI’s recommendations with experiments scientists actually conducted to determine whether the approach could reach today’s level of precision with fewer measurements and less accelerator time. If successful, the technology could provide scientists with a more efficient way to prioritize nuclear physics experiments and make the most of limited research resources under DOE’s Genesis Mission.
Find out more about Argonne’s role supporting the DOE’s Genesis Mission ►► anl.gov/genesis-mission/projects/an-active-learning-prioritization-engine-for-nuclear-data-relevant-to-x-ray-bursts
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
Join us on Facebook ► bit.ly/ArgonneFacebook
Follow us on X ► bit.ly/ArgonneTwitter
We’re on Instagram ► bit.ly/ArgonneInstagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn ► bit.ly/ArgonneLinkedIn
ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF SCIENCE
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
