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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Fermion Pair Dynamics in Open Quantum Systems

Three-body decay is a rare decay mode observed in a handful of unbound rare isotopes. The angular and energy correlations between emitted nucleons are of particular interest, as they provide invaluable information on the interplay between structure and reaction aspects of the nuclear open quantum system. To study the mechanism of two-nucleon emission, we developed a time-dependent approach that allows us to probe emitted nucleons at long times and large distances. We successfully benchmarked the new method against the Green’s function approach and applied it to low-energy two-proton and two-neutron decays. In particular, we studied the interplay between initial-state nucleon-nucleon correlations and final-state interaction. We demonstrated that the time evolution of the two-nucleon wave function is strongly impacted by the diproton/dineutron dynamics and that the correlations between emitted nucleons provide invaluable information on the dinucleon structure in the initial state.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurements of H Λ 3 and H Λ 4 Lifetimes and Yields in Au + Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei $^3_ΛH$ and $^4_ΛH$ lifetimes obtained from Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{sNN}$ = 3.0 GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of $^3_ΛH$ and $^4_ΛH$ midrapidity yields in Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{sNN}$ = 3.0 GeV. $^3_ΛH$ and $^4_ΛH$, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221 ± 15 (stat) ± 19 (syst) ps for $^3_ΛH$ and 218 ± 6 (stat) ± 13 (syst) ps for $^4_ΛH$. The p T -integrated yields of $^3_ΛH$ and $^4_ΛH$ are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of $4_ΛH$ is different for 0%–10% and 10%–50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the $^3_ΛH$ yield well, while underestimating the $^4_ΛH$ yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured $^3_ΛH$ and $^4_ΛH$ yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Strong Evidence for N 9 and the Limits of Existence of Atomic Nuclei

The boundaries of the Chart of Nuclides contain exotic isotopes that possess extreme proton-to-neutron asymmetries. Here we report on strong evidence of 9 N, one of the most exotic proton-rich isotopes where more than one half of its constitute nucleons are unbound. With seven protons and two neutrons, this extremely proton-rich system would represent the first-known example of a ground-state five-proton emitter. Here, the invariant-mass spectrum of its decay products can be fit with two peaks whose energies are consistent with the theoretical predictions of an open-quantum-system approach, however we cannot rule out the possibility that only a single resonance-like peak is present in the spectrum.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of the Isolated Nuclear Two-Photon Decay in Ge 72

The nuclear two-photon or double-gamma (2 γ ) decay is a second-order electromagnetic process whereby a nucleus in an excited state emits two gamma rays simultaneously. To be able to directly measure the 2⁢ γ decay rate in the low-energy regime below the electron-positron pair-creation threshold, we combined the isochronous mode of a storage ring with Schottky resonant cavities. The newly developed technique can be applied to isomers with excitation energies down to ~100 keV and half-lives as short as ~10 ms. The half-life for the 2⁢ γ decay of the first-excited 0 + state in bare 72 Ge ions was determined to be 23.9(6) ms, which strongly deviates from expectations.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
DOE OSTI2025

Observation of Exotic 𝐽/𝜓⁢𝜙 Resonant Structure in Diffractive Processes in Proton-Proton Collisions

The first study of 𝐽/𝜓⁢𝜙 production in diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions is presented. The study is based on an LHCb dataset recorded at center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 fb −1 . The data disfavor a nonresonant 𝐽/𝜓⁢𝜙 production but are consistent with a resonant model including several resonant states observed previously only in 𝐵 + →𝐽/𝜓⁢𝜙⁢𝐾 + decays. The 𝜒 𝑐⁢0⁡ (4500) state is observed with a significance over 6⁢𝜎 and the 𝜒 𝑐⁢1 ⁡(4274) is confirmed with a significance of more than 4⁢𝜎.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Large-scale calculations of 𝛽-decay rates and implications for 𝑟-process nucleosynthesis

Nuclear 𝛽 decay is a key element of the astrophysical rapid neutron capture process (𝑟 process). In this work, we present state-of-the-art global 𝛽-decay calculations based on the quantified relativistic nuclear energy density functional theory and the deformed proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. Our analysis considers contributions from allowed and first-forbidden transitions. We used two point-coupling functionals with carefully calibrated time-odd terms and isoscalar pairing strength. The new calculations display consistent results for both employed functionals, especially near the neutron drip line, suggesting slower 𝛽 decays past the 𝑁=126 neutron shell closure than in commonly used 𝛽-decay models. The new rates, along with the existing rates based on the recent nonrelativistic global calculations, are found to slow down the synthesis of heavy elements in the 𝑟 process and significantly reduce the contribution of neutron-induced fission.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Collapse of Nuclear Collectivity along the 𝑁 = 𝑍 Line

The lifetime of the 𝐽 𝜋 = 2 + state in the self-conjugate 88 Ru nucleus has been determined in an experiment performed using rare-isotope beams provided by the new Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. This is the heaviest 𝑁 = 𝑍 nucleus for which such a measurement has been achieved. 88 Ru was populated by both one-neutron knockout and charge-exchange reactions, and the lifetime of 14.3$^{+2.5}_{−3.4}$ ps was determined using the triple-foil plunger technique. The extracted electromagnetic transition strength shows that the quadrupole collectivity has dropped significantly compared with the highly deformed 𝑁 = 𝑍 region around 𝐴 ∼ 80. These results are compared with state-of-the-art large-scale shell-model and discrete nonorthogonal shell-model calculations. The theoretical calculations indicate a moderate triaxial deformation and suggest that low-lying states in this nucleus are no longer dominated by strong many-particle many-hole excitations, unlike the lighter, highly deformed 𝑁 = 𝑍 nuclei nearby.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
DOE OSTI2025

Picosecond lifetime measurements of resonances using a thick-target invariant-mass technique

Here, a new technique is presented for measuring the half-lives of resonances in the picosecond range using presently available invariant-mass apparatus and a thick target. For short-lived resonances, the energy losses of the decay fragments in the target material change their relative velocities giving rise to a poor invariant-mass resolution. However, for longer-lived resonances that travel through the remaining target material before decaying outside of the target, this dominant contribution to the resolution is eliminated. The measured invariant-mass peak will then display a narrow peak from these events which sits on a wider structure associated with the remaining events that decay in the target. The fraction of the events in the narrow peak is related to the probability that the resonance leaves the target before decaying and hence is related to the lifetime. This technique is exercised for the 2.685-MeV resonance in 33 Cl which decays by emitting an f -wave proton. A half-life of T 1/2 =5.7$^{+4.1}_{-2.5}$ ps was measured which is consistent with values inferred from other known properties of this resonance.

lifetimes & widths↗
DOE OSTI2026

Nuclear Radii of Proton-Unbound Systems

Nuclear radius is a fundamental structural observable that informs many properties of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter. Experimental studies of radii in drip line nuclei are in the forefront of research with radioactive ion beams. Of particular interest are charge radii of proton-unbound nuclei that will soon be approached in laser spectroscopy. In this Letter, using the complex-energy approach and direct time propagation, we investigate the radius of the proton resonance whose size is ill defined in the standard stationary quantum-mechanical description. An early-time plateau is identified during which the radius of the Gamow resonance coincides with the real-energy radius accessible experimentally. We demonstrate a nonmonotonic dependence of the complex radius on decay energy and a local increase of the charge radius across the threshold (a halolike enhancement).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Python package for machine-readable access to PDG data (PDG Python API) v0.1

This Python package implements a high-level interface to access the data published by the Particle Data Group (PDG) in the Review of Particle Physics (the "Review"). The Particle Data Group is an international collaboration led by the PDG group at LBNL. The PDG summarizes the established knowledge in the field of particle physics in a single publication, the Review of Particle Physics. The Review is published and updated online (see https://pdg.lbl.gov) each year, and published in a scientific journal every other year. It is currently licensed under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license. In 2021 PDG was designated by the Office of Science as a SC PuRe Data Resource. The Review is one of the most highly cited publications in the field of particle physics. The PDG Python API is part of PDG's efforts to make all data provided in the Review available in machine-readable format. This data includes the PDG world averages (or best limits) on particle masses, widths or lifetimes, branching fractions, magnetic moments, form factors, coupling constant ratios, and searches, as well as particle quantum numbers. It also includes detailed information on how PDG arrived at its averages, such as e.g. tables of published measurements with comments and footnotes, information on the consistency of published measurements, and detailed fit information.

Beringer, Juerg↗
DOE OSTI2022

Discovery of the new isotope 251 Lr and the α-decay fine structure in 253 L

The products of the 203, 205 Tl ( 50 Ti, 2n) fusion-evaporation reactions were studied using the recently commissioned Argonne Gas-Filled Analyzer at Argonne National Laboratory. Two α-decay activities with energies of 9210(19) and 9246(19) keV and half-lives of $42^{+42}_{-14}$ and $24.4^{+7.0}_{-4.5}$ ms were observed which were followed by the known α decays of 247 Md and 243 Es . They are interpreted as originating from the 1/2 ⁻ [521] and 7/2 ⁻ [514] single-proton Nilsson states in the hitherto unknown isotope 251 Lr . From the measured Q α values the 1/2 ⁻ level was placed 117(27) keV above the 7/2 - level in 251 Lr in contrast to 255 Lr where the 1/2 ⁻ level is the lowest. Also, the α decay of 253 Lr was studied in more detail and a new α line at 8660(20) keV was found and a new half-life value of 2.46(32) s for an isomeric state in 253 Lr was measured. The 251, 253, 255 Lr Q α values were compared with predictions of various mass models. The relative energies of the 1/2 ⁻ [521] and 7/2 ⁻ [514] single-proton Nilsson states in 251, 253, 255 Lr isotopes were compared with results of the cranking shell model with pairing treated using the particle-number-conserving method. The level separation and, in particular, the level order change between 251 Lr and 255 Lr was reproduced only when the hexacontetrapole deformation ϵ 6 was included in the calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Precision measurement of the B0 meson lifetime using B0→J/ψK∗0 decays with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the B0$$B^{0}$$ meson lifetime using B0→J/ψK∗0$$ B^{0} \rightarrow J/\psi K^{*0} $$ decays in data from 13 TeV$$\text {TeV}$$ proton–proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 140fb-1$$ 140~\mathrm {fb^{-1}} $$ recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented. The measured effective lifetime is τ=1.5053±0.0012(stat.)±0.0035(syst.)ps.$$ \tau = 1.5053\pm 0.0012~\mathrm {(stat.)} \pm 0.0035~\mathrm {(syst.)~ps}. $$The average decay width extracted from the effective lifetime, using parameters from external sources, is Γd=0.6639±0.0005(stat.)±0.0016(syst.)±0.0038(ext.)ps-1,$$\begin{aligned} \Gamma _d = 0.6639\pm 0.0005~\mathrm {(stat.)} \pm 0.0016~\mathrm {(syst.)}\\ \pm 0.0038~\text {(ext.)} \text {~ps}^{-1}, \end{aligned}$$where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and from external sources. The earlier ATLAS measurement of Γs$$\Gamma _s$$ in the Bs0→J/ψϕ$$B^{0}_{s} \rightarrow J/\psi \phi $$ decay was used to derive a value for the ratio of the average decay widths Γd$$\Gamma _d$$ and Γs$$\Gamma _s$$ for B0$$B^{0} $$ and Bs0$$B^{0}_{s} $$ mesons respectively, of ΓdΓs=0.9905±0.0022(stat.)±0.0036(syst.)±0.0057(ext.).$$ \frac{\Gamma _d }{\Gamma _s } = 0.9905\pm 0.0022~\text {(stat.)} \pm 0.0036~\text {(syst.)} \pm 0.0057~\text {(ext.)}. $$The measured lifetime, average decay width and decay width ratio are in agreement with theoretical predictions and with measurements by other experiments. This measurement provides the most precise result of the effective lifetime of the B0$$B^{0}$$ meson to date.

Aad, G↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurement of the Higgs boson width and evidence of its off-shell contributions to ZZ production

Since the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, detailed studies of its properties have been ongoing. Besides its mass, its width - related to its lifetime - is an important parameter. One way to determine this quantity is by measuring its off-shell production, where the Higgs boson mass is far away from its nominal value, and relating it to its on-shell production, where the mass is close to the nominal value. Here, we report evidence for such off-shell contributions to the production cross section of two Z bosons with data from the CMS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. We constrain the total rate of the off-shell Higgs boson contribution beyond the Z boson pair production threshold, relative to its standard model expectation, to the interval [0.0061, 2.0] at 95% confidence level. The scenario with no off-shell contribution is excluded at a p-value of 0.0003 (3.6 standard deviations). We measure the width of the Higgs boson as $\Gamma_{\mathrm{H}}$ = 3.2 $_{-1.7}^{+2.4}$ MeV, in agreement with the standard model expectation of 4.1 MeV. In addition, we set constraints on anomalous Higgs boson couplings to W and Z boson pairs.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗