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At least 379 records · Page 21

Effects of Nuclear Cross Sections at Different Energies on the Radiation Hazard from Galactic Cosmic Rays

The radiation hazard for astronauts from galactic cosmic rays is a major obstacle in long duration human space explorations. Space radiation transport codes have been developed to calculate radiation environment on missions to the Moon, Mars or beyond. We have studied how uncertainties in fragmentation cross sections at different energies affect the accuracy of predictions from such radiation transport. We find that, in deep space, cross sections between 0.3 and 0.85 GeV/u usually have the largest effect on dose-equivalent behind shielding in solar minimum GCR environments, and cross sections between 0.85 and 1.2 GeV/u have the largest effect in solar maximum GCR environments. At the International Space Station, cross sections at higher energies have the largest effect due to the geomagnetic cutoff.

Lin, Z. W.↗

Measurements of electron attachment lineshapes and cross sections at ultralow electron energies for c-C6F10, c-C6F12, C8F16 and 1,1,2-C2Cl3F3

Electron attachment cross sections are reported in the electron energy range 0-160 meV and at energy resolutions of 4.5-7.5 meV (FWHM) for the molecules c-C6F10 (perfluorocyclohexene), c-C6F12 (perfluoro-1,2-dimethylcyclobutane), C8F16 (perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane) and 1,1,2-C2Cl3F3 (1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane). Use is made of the Kr photoionization technique, and measured attachment lineshapes are converted to cross sections by normalization through attachment rate constants. Comparisons are made with attachment cross sections derived from swarm-measured rate constants. Similar to previous results in eight other molecules, the present four molecules exhibit resolution-limited onsets at a threshold consistent with an s-wave attachment behavior and with a neutral-negative-ion curve crossing at zero energy.

Alajajian, S. H.↗

Calculation of SF6-/SF6 and Cl-/CFCl3 electron attachment cross sections in the energy range 0-100 meV

Electron attachment cross sections for the processes SF6-/SF6 and Cl-/CFCl3 are calculated in a local theory using a model in which diatomic-like potential energy curves for the normal modes are constructed from available spectroscopic data. Thermally populated vibrational and rotational levels are included. Good agreement is found with experimental cross sections in the energy range 5-100 meV for a particular choice of potential energy curve parameters.

Chutjian, A.↗

Excitation cross sections for the ns 2S yields np 2P resonance transitions in Mg(+) (n = 3) and Zn(+) (n = 4) using electron-energy-loss and merged-beams methods

Electron-excitation cross sections are reported for the 3s 2S yields 3p 2P(h, k) resonance transition in Mg(+) at energies from threshold (4.43 eV) to approximately 9 times threshold (40.0 eV). The electron-energy-loss merged-beams technique used in these measurements is described in detail. In addition, the method of separating contributions of the elastically scattered (Coulomb) and the inelastically scattered electrons in the present Mg(+) case and previously reported Zn(+) results is described. Comparisons in the experimental energy range are made for Mg(+) with the two five-state close-coupling theoretical calculations carried out herein, and with other published close-coupling, distorted-wave, and semiempirical calculations. The present Mg(+) cross sections and Zn(+) cross sections from earlier measurements are tabulated.

Smith, Steven J.↗

Cross sections for charge transfer between mercury ions and other metals

Cross sections for charge transfer between several ions and metals of interest to the NASA electro propulsion program have been measured. Specifically, the ions considered were Hg(+), Xe(+) and Cs(+) and the metals Mo, Fe, Al, Ti, Ta, and C. Measurements were made in the energy regime from 1 to 5,000 eV. In general, the cross sections for charge transfer were found to be less than 10 to the minus 15 power sq cm for most processes over the total energy range. Exceptions are Hg(+) in collision with Ti and Ta. The results obtained for each reaction are given in both graphical and numerical form in the text. For quick reference, the data at several ion velocities are condensed into one table given in the summary.

Vroom, D. A.↗

Effects of shape/phase transition regions on neutron capture cross sections

Abstract A recent study found a new, purely empirical correlation between two-neutron separation energies and neutron capture cross sections in keV neutron energy regimes. In shape/phase transition regimes, such as that near A= 150, S $$_{2n}$$ 2 n values show an anomaly—a flattening of the normal near linear decrease with neutron number. This paper addresses two questions: (1) Using this new correlation, is this anomaly in S $$_{2n}$$ 2 n values sizeable enough to produce an observable effect in capture cross sections? and (2) Can the correlation be used to quantitatively reproduce the cross sections in the transition region? It is found that the answer to both questions is in the affirmative. Possible relations to the r -process are briefly discussed.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Cross-Section Parameterizations for Pion and Nucleon Production From Negative Pion-Proton Collisions

Ranft has provided parameterizations of Lorentz invariant differential cross sections for pion and nucleon production in pion-proton collisions that are compared to some recent data. The Ranft parameterizations are then numerically integrated to form spectral and total cross sections. These numerical integrations are further parameterized to provide formula for spectral and total cross sections suitable for use in radiation transport codes. The reactions analyzed are for charged pions in the initial state and both charged and neutral pions in the final state.

Norbury, John W.↗

Cross sections and band strengths for the N2O/+/ /A 2Sigma+ to X 2Pi/ system produced by vacuum ultraviolet radiation

Analysis of cross sections that have been obtained for the production of the N2O(+) (A 2Sigma+ to X 2Pi) fluorescence, using vacuum ultraviolet radiation between 462 and 755 A. The fluorescence spectra produced using incident photons of 715.6- and 754.9-A wavelengths are presented, as well as the relative fluorescence cross sections for the individual observed bands of the above-mentioned N2O(+) system. Finally, absolute cross sections for the production of the N2O(+) (A 2Sigma+ to X 2Pi) system are presented, as well as band strengths for the A 2Sigma+(0,0,0) to X 2Pi(n1,n2,0) fluorescence.

Lee, L. C.↗

Measurements of the production cross-section for a Z boson in association with b - or c -jets in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents a measurement of the production cross-section of a Z boson in association with b- or c-jets, in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb –1 . Inclusive and differential cross-sections are measured for events containing a Z boson decaying into electrons or muons and produced in association with at least one b-jet, at least one c-jet, or at least two b-jets with transverse momentum p T > 20 GeV and rapidity |y| < 2.5. Predictions from several Monte Carlo generators based on next-to-leading-order matrix elements interfaced with a parton-shower simulation, with different choices of flavour schemes for initial-state partons, are compared with the measured cross-sections. The results are also compared with novel predictions, based on infrared and collinear safe jet flavour dressing algorithms. Selected Z+≥ 1 c-jet observables, optimized for sensitivity to intrinsic-charm, are compared with benchmark models with different intrinsic-charm fractions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Accurate universal parameterization of absorption cross sections

We present a simple universal parameterization of total reaction cross sections for any system of colliding nuclei valid for the entire energy range from a few A MeV to a few A GeV. The universal picture presented here treats the proton-nucleus collision as a special case of the nucleus-nucleus collision, where the projectile has charge and mass number one. The parameters are associated with the physics of the collision system. In general terms Coulomb interaction modifies cross sections at lower energies and the effects of Pauli blocking are important at higher energies. The agreement between the calculated and experimental data is better than all earlier published results.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Accurate universal parameterization of absorption cross sections

We present a simple universal parameterization of total reaction cross sections for any system of colliding nuclei valid for the entire energy range from a few A MeV to a few A GeV. The universal picture presented here treats the proton-nucleus collision as a special case of the nucleus-nucleus collision, where the projectile has charge and mass number one. The parameters are associated with the physics of the collision system. In general terms Coulomb interaction modifies cross sections at lower energies and the effects of Pauli blocking are important at higher energies. The agreement between the calculated and experimental data is better than all earlier published results.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Improvement and Verification of Online Cross Section Generation Capability of Griffin for TRISO-fueled Reactors

Griffin, a MOOSE-based reactor multiphysics code jointly developed by Idaho National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory under the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s NEAMS program, has pursued the development of an online multigroup cross section generation capability for a few years to enable high-fidelity, problem-dependent neutronics analyses of advanced thermal reactors. Recent advancements in Griffin’s online multigroup cross section generation capability have significantly improved the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of self-shielding calculations for both prismatic and pebble-bed TRISO-fueled reactor applications. Key developments include a unified fuel self-shielding method applicable to both TRISO and annular compact/spherical shell fuel zone geometries; an advanced Dancoff Category-based Equivalence Theory using a bell function for non-fuel resonance treatment, achieving more than an order-of-magnitude speedup compared to the Tone method; an on-the-fly multigroup equivalence approach to mitigate group condensation errors; and a streaming correction method for pebble-bed homogenization. A proof-of-concept demonstration of on-the-fly group condensation with consistent P0 transport correction was also achieved. The method reproduced direct fine-group solutions with excellent accuracy (eigenvalue errors within 10 pcm and pin-power differences within 0.5%), but due to performance limitations of the current fixed-source solver, improvements to solver efficiency will be addressed in future work. Verification tests were performed on graphite-moderated TRISO-fueled two-dimensional core benchmark problems representing gas-cooled microreactors, heat pipe-cooled microreactors, gas-cooled pebble-bed reactors, and fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors. Across all cases, Griffin showed excellent agreement with Serpent2 continuous energy Monte Carlo solutions: eigenvalue errors within 200 pcm, pin-power root-mean-square errors within 2%, and control rod and drum worth errors less than 2%. It should be noted that, for the benchmark problem, cross section generation contributed less than 3% of the total simulation times. These results demonstrate that Griffin’s online cross section generation capability delivers accurate and efficient reactor physics solutions across a wide spectrum of TRISO-fueled advanced reactor designs. With further improvements to the fine-group fixed-source solver and planned extensions to depletion, transients, and coupled neutron–gamma transport, Griffin will be well-positioned to become a powerful and comprehensive tool for advanced reactor analysis.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Electron impact cross sections for aeronomy.

Quantitative comparison of systematic approaches to generation of inelastic impact cross section with aid of simple universal excitation cross section function

BORN APPROXIMATION↗

Differential collision cross-sections for atomic oxygen: Analysis of space flight instruments for solar terrestrial physics

A summary of the status of the Cross-section Facility at MSFC is presented. A facility was designed, fabricated, assembled, tested, and operated for measurement of differential scattering cross sections important to understand the induced environment for a vehicle (e.g., Space Station) in low earth orbit. A user's manual for the facility is also presented. The performance of the facility was evaluated and found to be satisfactory in all the essential areas. Differential scattering cross sections were measured and results for the scattering measurements are included. Input to the development of the Ultraviolet Imager Optical System is also discussed. Design, fabrication, and evaluation of UV filters using a four-layer aluminum base are reported.

Torr, Douglas G.↗

Measurements of displacement cross sections of metals for 120-GeV proton beam irradiation

The number of displacements per atom (dpa) is widely used as an indicator of irradiation damage of materials in proton accelerator facilities. Experiments have been carried out to validate the dpa of metallic materials for protons with energies below 3 GeV. However, measurements of the displacement cross-sections for high-energy protons above 3 GeV have not been carried out and the calculations have not been validated. To validate the displacement cross section of metals in high-energy region, electrical resistivity changes in wires of aluminum, copper and tungsten at 8 K were measured using protons with energies of 120-GeV. The results show that the Norgett-Robinson-Torrens dpa model of the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Calculation Code overestimates the experimental data. On the other hand, the calculated results using the athermal recombination corrected dpa model were in agreement with the measured displacement cross sections. In the proton energy region above 1 GeV, the displacement cross section is almost constant, which is due to the fact that the damage energy of the material under 1 GeV proton irradiation is almost the same as under 120 GeV proton irradiation. Damage recovery of defects accumulated in the sample was also measured using isochronal annealing: At 80 K, approximately 60 % and 80 % of the damage remains for copper and tungsten, respectively. These results are the same as those obtained from other experiments on proton and neutron irradiation.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Activation energy and capture cross section of majority carrier traps in Zn doped InP

Schottky barrier diodes were fabricated on Zn doped InP Wafers. The diodes were radiation damaged with 2 MeV protons to a dose of 2 x 10(exp 12)cm(sup -2). The damage was analyzed by DLTS (deep level transient spectroscopy) using the double correlation technique. Capture cross sections were measured directly. Two major defects were observed in the DLTS spectra. The first defect, was H4 at Ev + 0.29 eV, with capture cross section 1.1 x 10(exp -17)cm(sup 2). The second defect, was H5 at Ev + 0.53 eV. Its capture cross section varied with temperature as described by the relationship sigma = sigma(sub 0) exp(delta(E)/kT) where sigma(sub 0) = 1.3 x 10(exp -19)cm(sup 2) and delta(E) = .08 eV. This relationship yields a sigma of 5.9 x 10(exp -21)cm(sup 2) at room temperature. The surprisingly small capture cross section of H5 and its temperature dependence are discussed in terms of the multiphonon emission process for carrier capture at the defect. The advantages of the improved experimental techniques used are also discussed.

Rybicki, George↗

Measurement of vector boson production cross sections and their ratios using pp collisions at s = 13.6 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Fiducial and total W± and Z boson cross sections, their ratios and the ratio of top-antitop-quark pair and W-boson fiducial cross sections are measured in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of s=13.6 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 29 fb−1 of data collected in 2022 by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The measured fiducial cross-section values for W+→ℓ+ν, W−→ℓ−ν¯, and Z→ℓ+ℓ− (ℓ=e or μ) boson productions are 4250±150 pb, 3310±120 pb, and 744±20 pb, respectively, where the uncertainty is the total uncertainty, including that arising from the luminosity of about 2.2%. The measurements are in agreement with Standard-Model predictions calculated at next-to-next-to-leading-order in αs, next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy and next-to-leading-order electroweak accuracy.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗