Constraining the Symmetry Energy Using Radioactive Ion Beams

Calculations from the constrained molecular dynamics (CoMD) model have shown that the N/Z ratio of the residue fragments and neutron emissions from projectile fragmentation reactions is sensitive to the form of the symmetry energy, a term in the nuclear equation of state. In order to constrain the symmetry energy using the N/Z ratio observable, an experiment was performed using the MoNA-LISA and Sweeper magnet arrangement at the NSCL. Beams of $^{\mathrm{30}}$S and $^{\mathrm{40}}$S impinged on $^{\mathrm{9}}$Be targets and the heavy residue fragments were measured in coincidence with fast neutrons. Comparison of the new experimental data with theoretical models should provide a constraint on the form of the symmetry energy. Some of the data from this experiment will be presented and discussed.