Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “COULOMB EXCITATION”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

Reorientation-effect measurement of the first 2 + state in 12 C: Confirmation of oblate deformation

A Coulomb-excitation reorientation-effect measurement using the TIGRESS γ-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMF/ISAC II facility has permitted the determination of the $\langle$2$^+_1$ || $\hat{E2}$ || $2^+_1$$\rangle$ diagonal matrix element in 12 C from particle-γ coincidence data and state-of-the-art no-core shell model calculations of the nuclear polarizability. The nuclear polarizability for the ground and first-excited (2$^+_1$) states in 12 C have been calculated using chiral NN N 4 LO500 and NN+3NF350 interactions, which show convergence and agreement with photo-absorption cross-section data. Predictions show a change in the nuclear polarizability with a substantial increase between the ground state and first excited 2$^+_1$ state at 4.439 MeV. The polarizability of the 2$^+_1$ state is introduced into the current and previous Coulomb-excitation reorientation-effect analyses of 12 C. Spectroscopic quadrupole moments of $Q_S$(2$^+_1$) =+0.053(44) eb and $Q_S$(2$^+_1$) =+0.08(3) are determined, respectively, yielding a weighted average of $Q_S$(2$^+_1$)=+0.071(25) eb, in agreement with recent ab initio calculations. The present measurement confirms that the 2$^+_1$ state of 12 C is oblate and emphasizes the important role played by the nuclear polarizability in Coulomb-excitation studies of light nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Twisted bilayer graphene. V. Exact analytic many-body excitations in Coulomb Hamiltonians: Charge gap, Goldstone modes, and absence of Cooper pairing

We find exact analytic expressions for the energies and wave functions of the charged and neutral excitations above the exact ground states (at rational filling per unit cell) of projected Coulomb Hamiltonians in twisted bilayer graphene. Our exact expressions are valid for any form of the Coulomb interaction and any form of A A and A B / B A tunneling. The single charge excitation energy is a convolution of the Coulomb potential with a quantum geometric tensor of the TBG bands. The neutral excitations are (high-symmetry group) magnons, and their dispersion is analytically calculated in terms of the form factors of the active bands in TBG. The two-charge excitation energy and wave functions are also obtained, and a sufficient condition on the graphene eigenstates for obtaining a Cooper pair from Coulomb interactions is obtained. For the actual TBG bands at the first magic angle, we can analytically show that the Cooper pair binding energy is zero in all such projected Coulomb models, implying that either phonons and/or nonzero kinetic energy are needed for superconductivity. Since Vafek and Kang [Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 257602 (2020)] showed that the kinetic energy bounds on the superexchange energy are less 10 -3 in Coulomb units, the phonon mechanism becomes then very likely. If nonetheless the superconductivity is due to kinetic terms which render the bands nonflat, one prediction of our theory is that the highest T c would not occur at the highest DOS.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Localizing the Shape Transition in Neutron-Deficient Selenium

Neutron-deficient selenium isotopes are thought to undergo a rapid shape change from a prolate deformation near the line of beta stability towards oblate deformation around the line of $N=Z$. The point at which this shape change occurs is unknown, with inconsistent predictions from available theoretical models. A common feature in the models is the delicate nature of the point of transition, with the introduction of even a modest spin to the system sufficient to change the ordering of the prolate and oblate configurations. In this paper, we present a measurement of the quadrupole moment of the first-excited state in radioactive $^{72}\mathrm{Se}$—a potential point of transition—by safe Coulomb excitation. This is the first low-energy Coulomb excitation to be performed with a rare-isotope beam at the reaccelerated beam facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Finally, by demonstrating a negative spectroscopic quadrupole moment for the first-excited ${2}^{+}$ state, it is found that any low-spin shape change in neutron-deficient selenium does not occur until $^{70}\mathrm{Se}$.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Using magnetic moments to study the nuclear structure of I{>=} 2 states

The experimental study of magnetic moments for nuclear states near the ground state, I{>=} 2, provides a powerful tool to test nuclear structure models. Traditionally, the use of Coulomb excitation reactions have been utilized to study low spin states, mostly I= 2. The use of alternative reaction channels, such as {alpha} transfer, for the production of radioactive species that, otherwise, will be only produced in future radioactive beam facilities has proved to be an alternative to measure not only excited states with I > 2, but to populate and study long-live radioactive nuclei. This contribution will present the experimental tools and challenges for the use of the transient field technique for the measurement of g factors in nuclear states with I{>=} 2, using Coulomb excitation and {alpha}-transfer reactions. Recent examples of experimental results near the N= 50 shell closure, and the experimental challenges for future implementations with radioactive beams, will be discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 239

Spectroscopic data and level schemes from radioactive decay and nuclear reaction studies are presented here for all nuclei with mass number A=239. In general, a relatively small amount of new data on this mass chain has been reported since the previous evaluation in 2003. However, special evaluations, such as ''Database of prompt gamma rays from slow neutron–capture from elemental analysis'' (2007ChZX), have provided additional precise data for levels in 29 U. Also, new Coulomb excitation measurements in 239 Pu have extended the knowledge of the 1/2[631] rotational band up to Jπ=(55/2+)Jπ=(55/2+), and that of the octupole vibrational band up to Jπ=(53/2-)Jπ=(53/2-). For historical knowledge it is worth mentioning the report on the “Discovery of isotopes of the transuranium elements with 93 <= Z <= 98'' (2013Fr02), where the information for elements Np, Pu, Am, and Cf with mass number A=239 is presented. The alpha hindrance factors (HF) presented in this evaluation were calculated using values of the radius parameter (r 0 ) interpolated from those for even–even adjacent nuclei given by 1998Ak04.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 235

Spectroscopic data and level schemes from radioactive decay and nuclear reaction studies are presented here for all nuclei with mass number A=235. The highlight of this evaluation consists of the precise and comprehensive Coulomb excitation study (2012Wa35) on {sup 235}U, which in addition to the 7/2[743] ground state rotational band, extended the 1/2[631], 5/2[622], 5/2[752], and 3/2[631] rotational bands up to Jπ=53/2+, 49/2+, 441/2−, and 43/2+, respectively. This evaluation presents a study (2010Hu02) of the {sup 237}Np({sup 116}Sn, {sup 118}Snγ) reaction where the ground state rotational band 5/2[642] was observed up to Jπ=(53/2+). It is worth for historical knowledge to mention the report on the “Discovery of isotopes of the transuranium elements with 93≤Z≤98” (2013Fr02), where the information for elements Np, Pu, and Am with mass number A=235 is given. {sup 235}Cf has not been observed. The alpha hindrance factors (HF) presented in this evaluation were calculated using values of the radius parameter (r{sub 0}) interpolated from those for even–even adjacent nuclei given by 1998Ak04.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

E2 rotational invariants of 0$^{+}_{1}$ and 2$^{+}_{1}$ states for 106 Cd: The emergence of collective rotation

The collective structure of 106 Cd is elucidated by multi-step Coulomb excitation of a 3.849 MeV/A beam of 106 Cd on a 1.1 mg/cm 2 208 Pb target using GRETINA-CHICO2 at ATLAS. Fourteen E2 matrix elements were obtained. The nucleus 106 Cd is a prime example of emergent collectivity that possesses a simple structure: it is free of complexity caused by shape coexistence and has a small, but collectively active number of valence nucleons. This work follows in a long and currently active quest to answer the fundamental question of the origin of nuclear collectivity and deformation, notably in the cadmium isotopes. The results are discussed in terms of phenomenological models, the shell model, and Kumar-Cline sums of E2 matrix elements. The < 0$^{+}_{2}$ ||E2||2$^{+}_{1}$ > matrix element is determined for the first time, providing a total, converged measure of the electric quadrupole strength, < Q 2 >, of the first-excited 2$^{+}_{1}$ level relative to the 0$^{+}_{1}$ ground state, which does not show an increase as expected of harmonic and anharmonic vibrations. Strong evidence for triaxial shapes in weakly collective nuclei is indicated; collective vibrations are excluded. This is contrary to the only other cadmium result of this kind in 114 Cd by C. Fahlander et al., Nucl. Phys. A485, 327 (1988), which is complicated by low-lying shape coexistence near midshell.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

37 97Rb60: The Cornerstone of the Region of Deformation around A ~ 100

Excited states of the neutron-rich nuclei 97,99 Rb were populated for the first time using the multistep Coulomb excitation of radioactive beams. Comparisons of the results with particle-rotor model calculations provide clear identification for the ground-state rotational band of 97 Rb as being built on the πg 9/2 [431] 3/2+ Nilsson-model configuration. The ground-state excitation spectra of the Rb isotopes show a marked distinction between single-particle-like structures below N=60 and rotational bands above. The present study defines the limits of the deformed region around A~100 and indicates that the deformation of 97 Rb is essentially the same as that observed well inside the deformed region. It further highlights the power of the Coulomb-excitation technique for obtaining spectroscopic information far from stability. The 99 Rb case demonstrates the challenges of studies with very short-lived postaccelerated radioactive beams.

Sotty, C.↗

Neutron-Rich {sup 62,64,64}Fe Show Enhanced Collectivity: The Washout of N = 40 in Terms of Experiment, Valence Proton Symmetry and Shell Model

Probing shell structure at a large neutron excess has been of particular interest in recent times. Neutron-rich nuclei between the proton shell closures Z = 20 and Z = 28 offer an exotic testing ground for shell evolution. The development of the N = 40gap between neutron fp and lg{sub 9/2} shells gives rise to highly interesting variations of collectivity for nuclei in this region. While {sup 68}Ni shows doubly magic properties in level energies and transition strengths, this was not observed in neighbouring nuclei. Especially neutron-rich Fe isotopes proved particularly resistant to calculational approaches using the canonical valence space (fpg) resulting in important deviations of the predicted collectivity. Only an inclusion of the d{sub 5/2}-orbital could solve the problem [1]. Hitherto no transition strengths for {sup 66}Fe have been reported. We determined B(E2,2{sup +}{sub 1}{yields}0{sup +}{sub 1}) values from lifetimes measured with the recoil distance Doppler-shift method using the Cologne plunger for radioactive beams at National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. Excited states were populated by projectile Coulomb excitation for {sup 62,64,66}Fe. The data show a rise in collectivity for Fe isotopes towards N = 40. Results [2] are interpreted by means of a modified version of the Valence Proton Symmetry [3] and compared to shell model calculations using a new effective interaction recently developed for the fpgd valence space [4].

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The LLNL Program in Nuclear Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics (NSNA) (FY19 Annual Report)

Our major efforts in FY18-19 were devoted to carrying out the second GRETINA/CHICO2 campaign at ANL and the JANUS campaign at MSU/NSCL. Among a total of 13 fielded experiments, three were for Ph.D. thesis projects; two students at MSU and one at UNC at Chapel Hill. Two experiments in the JANUS campaign were led by LLNL; namely, the study of nuclear structure in 72 Se and 76 Se using the sub-barrier Coulomb excitation method. The data analysis was completed for both selenium isotopes and the results were published. The 72 Se results have been submitted to DOE/SC/NP as a science highlight and the article won a prestigious LLNL S&T Excellence in Publication Award in FY19. For experiments fielded in FY17 at TRIUMF/ISAC2 using TIGRESS/Bambino, the data analysis was completed recently and the 21 Mg results were published in FY19. For the results on the mirror nuclei 23 Mg and 23 Na, the manuscript was written and is in circulation among the coauthors. We intend to submit it for publication later this calendar year. These efforts address the isospin symmetry in the sd shell nuclei in terms of the electromagnetic properties measured with the sub-barrier Coulomb excitation method. The proposal to upgrade CHICO2 to CHICOX by resizing the detector chamber to be compatible to GRETA was approved in FY17 with a budget spread over three fiscal years starting FY18. The preliminary design was completed but cannot be finalized until the design for the GRETA holding frame is completed by the LBNL GRETA team in FY19. The fabrication will proceed once the physical compatibility of CHICOX to GRETA holding frame is confirmed. The narrative below focuses on the research efforts for which LLNL led or played a key role. This report includes two sections: 1) Evolution of shell structure and collectivity in neutron-rich nuclei, and 2) Investigating nucleosynthesis and the Standard Model with β decay.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Recent experimental results of two-proton correlated emission from the excited states of {sup 17,18}Ne and {sup 28,29}S

Two-proton emissions from the excited states of {sup 17,18}Ne and {sup 28,29}S were investigated by the radioactive beams bombarding on the {sup 197}Au target via the Coulomb excitation. The complete-kinematics measurements were actualized by the stacks of silicon-strip detectors and CsI+PIN array detectors. The invariant mass of final systems as well as the relative momentum, opening angle, and relative energy of the two emitted protons were reconstructed under the framework of relativistic kinematics. The mechanisms of two-proton emission were analyzed in a simple schematic model. With the help of Monte-Carlo simulations, the two protons emitted from the 6.15 MeV excited state of {sup 18}Ne and the excited states around 10 MeV of {sup 29}S, respectively, exhibit prominent features of {sup 2}He decay. While for the other states, no obvious diproton emissions were observed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Magnetic moments of the first excited 2{sup +} states in the semi-magic {sup 112,114,116,122,124}Sn isotopes

The g factors of the first excited 2{sup +} states in the {sup 112,114,116,122,124}Sn isotopes have been measured with high accuracy using the transient field technique in combination with Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. The experimental results are discussed in a qualitative way on the basis of empirical single-particle g factors of the relevant proton and neutron orbitals and are compared to a number of different theoretical calculations. The results are found to be best described by shell-model calculations in an extended configuration space. Clear evidence for the contribution of neutron pair excitations from the 1d{sub 3/2} to the 0h{sub 11/2} orbital to the wave function of the 2{sub 1}{sup +} state in {sup 122,124}Sn has been obtained.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Core excitation effects in halo nuclei using a transformed oscillator basis

A recent generalization of the Transformed Harmonic Oscillator basis, intended to consider core excitations in the structure of one nucleon halo nuclei, is applied to the break up of {sup 11}Be. The reaction studied is {sup 11}Be+{sup 208}Pb at 69 MeV/nucleon. The experimental set up is designed to ensure pure dipole Coulomb excitations. Making use of the Equivalent Photon Method and the electromagnetic transition probabilities obtained with the transformed oscillator basis, a relevant contribution of the quadrupole excitations of the core is found. The inclusion of core excitations is, therefore, necessary for the correct extraction of the dipole electromagnetic transition probability of halo nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=73☆

Experimental nuclear structure data for the known A=73 isobaric nuclides (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Kr, Rb and Sr) have been evaluated, and presented together with Adopted properties of level energies, and associated γ rays. The decay data for these nuclides have also been evaluated, providing Adopted values of γ and β radiations, and log ft values. For {sup 73}Mn, only the isotopic identification has been established, with no knowledge of its g.s. half-life. For {sup 73}Fe, {sup 73}Co and {sup 73}Sr, only the ground states and their half-lives are known with no information about the excited states. For {sup 73}Ni, {sup 73}Cu, {sup 73}Zn and {sup 73}Rb, little data are available for excited states. The half-life and decay modes of possibly proton-unbound {sup 73}Rb need firmly established. {sup 73}Ga structure presents a special challenge in that the 1/2{sup −} ground state and the first 3/2{sup −} state have recently been proposed, in a Coulomb excitation experiment by 2010Di14, to form an almost degenerate doublet with an estimated spacing of 229 Th with its first excited state at 7.8 eV, and {sup 235}U with its first excited state at 76 eV. Ultra-high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopic studies are warranted to search for the low-lying (73 Ga, and to determine its half-life. Level structures of {sup 73}Ga, {sup 73}Ge, {sup 73}As, {sup 73}Se, {sup 73}Br and {sup 73}Kr are quite well known, although decay schemes of radioactive ground states of {sup 73}Co, {sup 73}Cu and {sup 73}Br are considered incomplete. The reactions and decays for which no new experimental information has become available since the 2003 update have undergone revisions to incorporate conversion coefficients from BrIcc code, and evaluated Q values from 2017Wa10, but essential content of such datasets may have remained the same as in previous evaluations. In this respect the present work greatly benefited from all the previous NDS evaluations (2004Si08,1993Ki25,1987Ki13, 1980Ek01,1974Al33), but at the same time data presented herein supersede all the previous published evaluations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Shape evolution in neutron-rich nuclei near the r-process path

To assess the resources needed to field a quantitative measurement to advance our knowledge on shape evolution, we have carried out a numerical simulation of the Coulomb excitation for 112 Ru at 460 MeV bombarding energy on a 208 Pb target of 1 mg/cm 2 using a semiclassical code, GOSIA with GRETINA/CHICO2.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Spectroscopic quadrupole moments in 124 $\mathrm{Xe}$

The Xe isotopic chain with four valence protons above the Z=50 shell closure is an ideal laboratory for the study of the evolution of nuclear deformation. At the N=82 shell closure, 136 Xe presents all characteristics of a doubly closed shell nucleus with a spherical shape. In the very neutron-deficient isotopes close to N=50, the α-decay chain of Xe was investigated to probe the radioactive decay properties near the drip-line and the magicity of 100 Sn. Additionally, the Xe isotopes present higher order symmetries in the nuclear deformation such as the octupole degree of freedom near N=60 and N=90 or O(6) symmetry in stable isotopes. The relevance of the O(6) symmetry has been investigated by measuring the spectroscopic quadrupole moment of the first excited states in 124 Xe. In the O(6) symmetry limit, the spectroscopic quadrupole moment of collective states is expected to be null. A stable 124 Xe beam with energies of 4.03A MeV and 4.11 A MeV was used to bombard a nat W target at the GANIL facility. Excited states were populated via the safe Coulomb excitation reaction. The collision of the heavy ions with a large Z at low energy make this reaction sensitive to the diagonal E2 matrix element of the excited states. The recoils were detected in the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer and the γ rays in the AGATA tracking array. The least squares fitting code gosia was used for the analysis to extract both E2 and M1 transitional and E2 diagonal matrix elements. The rotational ground state band was populated up to the 8$^{+}_{1}$ state as well as the 2$^{+}_{2}$ and 4$^{+}_{2}$ states. Using high precision spectroscopic data to constrain the gosia fit, the spectroscopic quadrupole moments of the 2$^{+}_{1}$, 4$^{+}_{1}$, and 6$^{+}_{1}$ states were determined for the first time. The spectroscopic quadrupole moments were found to be negative, large, and constant in the ground state band underlining the prolate axially deformed ground state band of 124 Xe. Here, the present experimental data confirm that the O(6) symmetry is substantially broken in 124 Xe .

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗