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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Charge radii of exotic potassium isotopes challenge nuclear theory and the magic character of N = 32

Nuclear charge radii are sensitive probes of different aspects of the nucleon–nucleon interaction and the bulk properties of nuclear matter, providing a stringent test and challenge for nuclear theory. Experimental evidence suggested a new magic neutron number at N = 32 in the calcium region, whereas the unexpectedly large increases in the charge radii open new questions about the evolution of nuclear size in neutron-rich systems. By combining the collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy method with β-decay detection, we were able to extend charge radii measurements of potassium isotopes beyond N = 32. Here we provide a charge radius measurement of 52 K. It does not show a signature of magic behaviour at N = 32 in potassium. The results are interpreted with two state-of-the-art nuclear theories. The coupled cluster theory reproduces the odd–even variations in charge radii but not the notable increase beyond N = 28. This rise is well captured by Fayans nuclear density functional theory, which, however, overestimates the odd–even staggering effect in charge radii. These findings highlight our limited understanding of the nuclear size of neutron-rich systems, and expose problems that are present in some of the best current models of nuclear theory.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reduction in Nuclear Size and Quadrupole Deformation of High-Spin Isomers of 127,129 In

We employed laser spectroscopy of atomic transitions to measure the nuclear charge radii and electromagnetic properties of the high-spin isomeric states in neutron-rich indium isotopes (𝑍 =49) near the closed proton and neutron shells at 𝑍 = 50 and 𝑁 = 82. Our data reveal a reduction in the nuclear charge radius and intrinsic quadrupole moment when protons and neutrons are fully aligned in 129 In ⁢(𝑁 = 80), to form the high spin isomer. Such a reduction is not observed in 127 In ⁢(𝑁 = 78), where more complex configurations can be formed by the existence of four neutron holes. These observations are not consistently described by nuclear theory.

high spin states↗
DOE OSTI2020

Measurement and microscopic description of odd–even staggering of charge radii of exotic copper isotopes

Nuclear charge radii globally scale with atomic mass number A as A 1/3 , and isotopes with an odd number of neutrons are usually slightly smaller in size than their even-neutron neighbours. This odd–even staggering, ubiquitous throughout the nuclear landscape1, varies with the number of protons and neutrons, and poses a substantial challenge for nuclear theory. Here, we report measurements of the charge radii of short-lived copper isotopes up to the very exotic 78 Cu (with proton number Z = 29 and neutron number N = 49), produced at only 20 ions s –1 , using the collinear resonance ionization spectroscopy method at the Isotope Mass Separator On-Line Device facility (ISOLDE) at CERN. We observe an unexpected reduction in the odd–even staggering for isotopes approaching the N = 50 shell gap. To describe the data, we applied models based on nuclear density functional theory and A-body valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group theory. Through these comparisons, we demonstrate a relation between the global behaviour of charge radii and the saturation density of nuclear matter, and show that the local charge radii variations, which reflect the many-body polarization effects, naturally emerge from A-body calculations fitted to properties of A ≤ 4 nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Application of the Screened Hydrogenic Model to Light Atoms

The purpose of this work was to develop a Screened Hydrogenic Model (SHM) to accurately calculate the electron energies for light atoms and ions with up to ten electrons for atomic numbers up to 18. The total energy of an atom or ion was calculated with effective nuclear charges and screening parameters for each electron type (1s, 2s and 2p) within a specific electron configuration. Multiple energy states, centered at the total energy, were calculated for elec-tron configurations that have Russell Saunders coupling. The energy of each electron included its relativistic energy, EREL, but close overall agreement between the calculated and experimental energies of multi-electron configura-tions required that the one-electron expression for EREL be modified in a simple manner. In the present work, 98% of the 587 calculated energies for light atoms/ions have a relative error within ±0.1% of the corresponding experimental energies. The effective nuclear charges described in this work allow hydrogen-like wave functions to be defined for the electrons within a multi-electron configuration. The SHM, described in this work, is available for future calculations involving light atoms and ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Light Elements $R$-matrix Analyses with the SAMMY code towards the Foundation of Charged-particle Nuclear Data Libraries [Slides]

This presentation covers newly developed SAMMY module for inverse channel transformation. Additionally covered is the R-matrix analysis of 7 Be compound nucleus and the R-­matrix analysis of 17 O compound nucleus. Further touched on is the evaluated Nuclear Data File generation and processing with the AMPX code. The presentation concludes with talks on future evaluation work and tests on light nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge Radii of Neutron-Rich Scandium Isotopes and the Seniority Symmetry in the 0⁢𝑓 7/2 Shell

Nuclear charge radii of neutron-rich 47–49 Sc isotopes were measured using collinear laser spectroscopy at CERN-ISOLDE. The new data reveal that the charge radii of scandium isotopes exhibit a distinct trend between 𝑁 = 20 and 𝑁 = 28, with 41 Sc and 49 Sc isotopes having similar values, mirroring the closeness of the charge radii of 40 Ca and 48 Ca. Theoretical models that successfully interpret the radii of calcium isotopes could not account for the observed behavior in scandium radii, in particular the reduced odd-even staggering. Remarkably, the inclusion of the new 49 Sc radius data has unveiled a similar trend in the charge radii of 𝑁 = 28 isotones and 𝑍 = 20 isotopes when adding the protons atop the 48 Ca core and the neutrons atop the 40 Ca core, respectively. We demonstrate that this trend is consistent with the prediction of the seniority model.

Nuclear charge distribution↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge Radii Measurements of Exotic Tin Isotopes in the Proximity of 𝑁 =50 and 𝑁 =82

We report nuclear charge radii for the isotopes 104–134 Sn , measured using two different collinear laser spectroscopy techniques at ISOLDE-CERN. These measurements clarify the archlike trend in charge radii along the isotopic chain and reveal an odd-even staggering that is more pronounced near the 𝑁 =50 and 𝑁 =82 shell closures. The observed local trends are well described by both nuclear density functional theory and valence space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations. Both theories predict appreciable contributions from beyond-mean-field correlations to the charge radii of the neutron-deficient tin isotopes. The models, however, fall short of reproducing the magnitude of the known 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2) transition probabilities, highlighting the remaining challenges in achieving a unified description of both ground-state properties and collective phenomena.

laser spectroscopy↗
DOE OSTI2025

Variations in the charge radii of indium isotopes between 𝑁=52 and 82

Measurements of the 5⁢𝑝 2 𝑃 3/2 → 9⁢𝑠 2 𝑆 1/2 and 5⁢𝑝 2 𝑃 1/2 → 8⁢𝑠 2 𝑆 1/2 transitions in the indium atom, combined with new atomic physics calculations, were used to extract the changes in mean-square nuclear charge radii, 𝛿⁡⟨𝑟 2 ⟩, of the indium (𝑍 = 49) isotopes 101–111 In , 113–123 In , and 125–131 In . With a proton hole in the closed nuclear shell of 𝑍 = 50, indium provides a detailed study of the effect of unpaired nucleons adjacent to the proton-shell closure, allowing investigation into the charge radii for isotopes between the two major neutron-shell closures at 𝑁 = 50 and 𝑁 = 82. A study of the variations in charge radii between neighboring isotopes with neutron number (the ‘odd-even staggering') is presented and provides further insight and challenges for the theoretical description of the size of proton-hole nuclei. Two nuclear theories, density functional theory and the valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group method, were employed to interpret the data. The new information obtained in this work provides valuable insights into the successes and shortcomings of the theoretical approaches employed.

ab initio calculations↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structural trends in atomic nuclei from laser spectroscopy of tin

Tin is the chemical element with the largest number of stable isotopes. Its complete proton shell, comparable with the closed electron shells in the chemically inert noble gases, is not a mere precursor to extended stability; since the protons carry the nuclear charge, their spatial arrangement also drives the nuclear electromagnetism. We report high-precision measurements of the electromagnetic moments and isomeric differences in charge radii between the lowest 1/2 + , 3/2 + , and 11/2 - states in 117–131 Sn, obtained by collinear laser spectroscopy. Supported by state-of-the-art atomic-structure calculations, the data accurately show a considerable attenuation of the quadrupole moments in the closed-shell tin isotopes relative to those of cadmium, with two protons less. Linear and quadratic mass-dependent trends are observed. While microscopic density functional theory explains the global behaviour of the measured quantities, interpretation of the local patterns demands higher-fidelity modelling.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Global Framework for Emulation of Nuclear Calculations

We introduce a hierarchical framework that combines ab initio many-body calculations with a Bayesian neural network, developing emulators capable of accurately predicting nuclear properties across isotopic chains simultaneously and being applicable to different regions of the nuclear chart. We benchmark our developments using the oxygen isotopic chain, achieving accurate results for ground-state energies and nuclear charge radii, while providing robust uncertainty quantification. Our framework enables global sensitivity analysis of nuclear binding energies and charge radii with respect to the low-energy constants that describe the nuclear force.

FOS: Computer and information sciences↗
DOE OSTI2025

Recent advancements in atomic many-body methods for high-precision studies of isotope shifts

The development of atomic many-body methods, capable of incorporating electron correlation effects accurately, is required for isotope shift (IS) studies. In combination with precise measurements, such calculations help to extract nuclear charge radii differences, and to probe for signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. Here, we review here a few recently-developed methods in the relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT) and relativistic coupled-cluster (RCC) theory frameworks for calculations of IS factors in the highly charged ions (HCIs), and neutral or singly-charged ions, respectively. The results are presented for a wide range of atomic systems in order to demonstrate the interplay between quantum electrodynamics (QED) and electron correlation effects. In view of this, we start our discussions with the RMBPT calculations for a few HCIs by rigorously treating QED effects; then we outline methods to calculate IS factors in the one-valence atomic systems using two formulations of the RCC approach. Then we present calculations for two valence atomic systems, by employing the Fock-space RCC methods. For completeness, we briefly discuss theoretical input required for the upcoming experiments, their possibilities to probe nuclear properties and implications to fundamental physics studies.

QED effects↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge radii measurements of exotic tin isotopes in the proximity of $N=50$ and $N=82$

We report nuclear charge radii for the isotopes $^{104-134}$Sn, measured using two different collinear laser spectroscopy techniques at ISOLDE-CERN. These measurements clarify the archlike trend in charge radii along the isotopic chain and reveal an odd-even staggering that is more pronounced near the $N=50$ and $N=82$ shell closures. The observed local trends are well described by both nuclear density functional theory and valence space in-medium similarity renormalization group calculations. Both theories predict appreciable contributions from beyond-mean-field correlations to the charge radii of the neutron-deficient tin isotopes. The models fall short, however, of reproducing the magnitude of the known $B(E2)$ transition probabilities, highlighting the remaining challenges in achieving a unified description of both ground-state properties and collective phenomena.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2020

Intrinsic electric quadrupole moment of the K π = 8 - isomeric state in Hf 178

The lifetime of the 9 - state in the rotational band based on the 4.0 s, K π = 8 - , isomeric state ( 178 Hf m 1 ) from the decay of the 31-yr isomer ( 178 Hf m 2 ) was determined to be 99(2) ps by means of the fast-timing technique using two LaBr 3 (Ce) scintillators. The δ (E2/M1) mixing ratios of the ΔI = 1 γ rays depopulating levels in this band were deduced from γ-γ angular correlations by using a 178 Hf m 2 radioactive source located at the center of the Gammasphere HPGe detector array. The new results, together with previous spectroscopic information, provide a different way to extract the intrinsic quadrupole moment of Q 0 = 6.45 (14) eb for the 178 Hf m 1 band. A possible explanation for the reduction of the 178 Hf m 1 nuclear charge radius is presented.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tomography of ultrarelativistic nuclei with polarized photon-gluon collisions

A linearly polarized photon can be quantized from the Lorentz-boosted electromagnetic field of a nucleus traveling at ultrarelativistic speed. When two relativistic heavy nuclei pass one another at a distance of a few nuclear radii, the photon from one nucleus may interact through a virtual quark-antiquark pair with gluons from the other nucleus, forming a short-lived vector meson (e.g., ρ 0 ). In this experiment, the polarization was used in diffractive photoproduction to observe a unique spin interference pattern in the angular distribution of ρ 0 → π + π – decays. The observed interference is a result of an overlap of two wave functions at a distance an order of magnitude larger than the ρ0 travel distance within its lifetime. The strong-interaction nuclear radii were extracted from these diffractive interactions and found to be 6.53 ± 0.06 fm ( 197 Au) and 7.29 ± 0.08 fm ( 238 U), larger than the nuclear charge radii. The observable is demonstrated to be sensitive to the nuclear geometry and quantum interference of nonidentical particles.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ab initio computations of the fourth-order charge density moments of 48 Ca and 208 Pb

Neutron skins of neutron-rich nuclei connect nuclei with the matter in neutron stars. High-precision measurements of nuclear charge densities to extract higher-order moments are proposed to be sensitive to neutron radii and skin thicknesses. We investigate the charge density of 48 Ca and 208 Pb, leading candidates for such studies, with ab initio nuclear structure calculations. We find strong correlations between the fourth-order charge density moment R$^{4}_{ch}$ and the charge and neutron radii, allowing us to predict R$^{4}_{ch}$ for 48 Ca and 208 Pb. We find a substantially weaker correlation between the fourth-order charge density moment and the neutron skin, limiting the ability of high-precision electron scattering to determine the neutron skin in a model-independent manner.

Ab initio nuclear theory↗
DOE OSTI2024

All orders factorization and the Coulomb problem

In the limit of large nuclear charge, Z ≫ 1 , or small lepton velocity, β ≪ 1 , Coulomb corrections to nuclear beta decay and related processes are enhanced as Z α / β and become large or even nonperturbative (with α the QED fine structure constant). We provide a constructive demonstration of factorization to all orders in perturbation theory for these processes and compute the all-orders hard and soft functions appearing in the factorization formula. We clarify the relationship between effective field theory amplitudes and historical treatments of beta decay in terms of a Fermi function. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Robust ab initio predictions for dimensionless ratios of 𝐸⁢2 and radius observables. I. Electric quadrupole moments and deformation

We report that converged results for 𝐸⁢2 observables are notoriously challenging to obtain in ab initio no-core configuration interaction approaches. Matrix elements of the 𝐸⁢2 operator are sensitive to the large-distance tails of the nuclear wave function, which converge slowly in an oscillator basis expansion. Similar convergence challenges beset ab initio prediction of the nuclear charge radius. However, we exploit systematic correlations between the calculated 𝐸⁢2 and radius observables to yield meaningful predictions for relations among these observables. In particular, we examine ab initio predictions for dimensionless ratios of the form 𝑄/𝑟 2 for nuclei throughout the 𝑝 shell. Meaningful predictions for electric quadrupole moments may then be made by calibrating to the ground-state charge radius, if experimentally known, or vice versa. Moreover, these dimensionless ratios provide ab initio insight into the nuclear quadrupole deformation.

ab initio calculations↗