Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Proton decay”

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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Measurement of the Higgs boson total decay width using the 𝐻 → 𝑊⁢𝑊 → 𝑒⁢𝜈⁢𝜇⁢𝜈 decay channel in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} =13$ TeV

The Higgs boson (H) decay width is determined from the ratio of off- and on-shell production of 𝐻 → 𝑊⁢𝑊 → 𝑒⁢𝜈⁢𝜇⁢𝜈 using proton–proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 collected at $\sqrt{s} =13$ TeV by the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The off-shell signal strength is measured as 𝜇 off−shell = $1.2^{+0.8}_{−0.7}$. The Higgs boson total decay width is Γ 𝐻 = $3.9^{+2.7}_{−2.2}$ MeV, in agreement with the standard model prediction. The uncertainty in this result represents a factor of 3 improvement over the previous CMS result in this decay channel.

Hayrapetyan, A. [Yerevan Physics Institute]↗
DOE OSTI2026

A measurement of the Higgs boson mass in the diphoton decay channel in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

A measurement of the Higgs boson mass in the diphoton decay channel is performed using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The data set recorded with the CMS detector between 2016 and 2018 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{-1}$. A refined detector calibration and new analysis techniques are employed to improve the precision of the results compared to earlier measurements. The Higgs boson mass is measured to be $m_\mathrm{H}$ = 125.13 $\pm$ 0.15 GeV = 125.13 $\pm$ 0.10 (stat) $\pm$ 0.12 (syst) GeV. In addition, a combination with the mass measurement at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV in the diphoton final state is performed resulting in $m_\mathrm{H}$ = 125.06 $\pm$ 0.14 GeV = 125.06 $\pm$ 0.09 (stat) $\pm$ 0.11 (syst) GeV.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation of the $\Lambda_\text{b}^0\to J/\psi\Xi^-K^+$ decay

Using proton–proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $140\hbox { fb}^{-1}$ collected by the CMS experiment at $\sqrt{s}= 13\,\text {Te}\hspace{-.08em}\text {V} $, the ${{{\Lambda }} _{\text {b}}^{{0}}} \rightarrow {{\text {J}/\uppsi }} {{{\Xi }} ^{{-}}} {{\text {K}} ^{{+}}} $ decay is observed for the first time, with a statistical significance exceeding 5 standard deviations. The relative branching fraction, with respect to the ${{{\Lambda }} _{\text {b}}^{{0}}} \rightarrow {{{\uppsi }} ({2\textrm{S}})} {{\Lambda }} $ decay, is measured to be $\mathcal {B}({{{\Lambda }} _{\text {b}}^{{0}}} \rightarrow {{\text {J}/\uppsi }} {{{\Xi }} ^{{-}}} {{\text {K}} ^{{+}}} )/\mathcal {B}({{{\Lambda }} _{\text {b}}^{{0}}} \rightarrow {{{\uppsi }} ({2\textrm{S}})} {{\Lambda }} ) = [3.38\pm 1.02\pm 0.61\pm 0.03]\%$, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is related to the uncertainties in $\mathcal {B}({{{\uppsi }} ({2\textrm{S}})} \rightarrow {{\text {J}/\uppsi }} {{{\uppi }} ^{{+}}} {{{\uppi }} ^{{-}}} )$ and $\mathcal {B}({{{\Xi }} ^{{-}}} \rightarrow {{\Lambda }} {{{\uppi }} ^{{-}}} )$.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Search for Higgs boson production at high transverse momentum in the WW decay channel in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

A search for Higgs boson (H) production at high transverse momentum (p T ) in the WW decay channel is presented. The analysis uses proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV recorded by the CMS experiment in 2016–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 . The visible decay products of the Higgs boson are reconstructed as a single large-radius jet with one isolated lepton or none (1ℓ and 0ℓ, respectively; ℓ = e, μ). The H-candidate jets are identified using an advanced transformer-based algorithm and are calibrated with the Lund jet plane reweighting technique. The 1ℓ channel is further split into gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and associated production with hadronically decaying vector boson categories, while the 0ℓ channel considers all production processes inclusively. The measured cross section times the H → WW branching fraction relative to the standard model expectation is $\mu =-{0.19}_{-0.46}^{+0.48}$, indicating no evidence of a signal above the background. This measurement represents the first dedicated study of highly Lorentz-boosted H → WW decays, complementing earlier searches for high-p T Higgs boson in other decay channels.

Hadron-Hadron Scattering↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurements of the Higgs boson production cross section and couplings in the W boson pair decay channel in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13\,\text {Te\hspace{-.08em}V} $

Production cross sections of the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W bosons are measured in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13$\,\text {Te\hspace{-.08em}V}$. The analysis targets Higgs bosons produced via gluon fusion, vector boson fusion, and in association with a W or Z boson. Candidate events are required to have at least two charged leptons and moderate missing transverse momentum, targeting events with at least one leptonically decaying W boson originating from the Higgs boson. Results are presented in the form of inclusive and differential cross sections in the simplified template cross section framework, as well as couplings of the Higgs boson to vector bosons and fermions. The data set collected by the CMS detector during 2016–2018 is used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138$\,\text {fb}^{-1}$. The signal strength modifier $\mu $, defined as the ratio of the observed production rate in a given decay channel to the standard model expectation, is measured to be $\mu = 0.95^{+0.10}_{-0.09}$. All results are found to be compatible with the standard model within the uncertainties.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for Higgs boson pair production in the $ \textrm{b}\overline{\textrm{b}}{\textrm{W}}^{+}{\textrm{W}}^{-} $ decay mode in proton-proton collisions at $ \sqrt{s} $ = 13 TeV

A search for Higgs boson pair (HH) production with one Higgs boson decaying to two bottom quarks and the other to two W bosons are presented. The search is done using proton-proton collisions data at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb$^{−1}$ recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC from 2016 to 2018. The final states considered include at least one leptonically decaying W boson. No evidence for the presence of a signal is observed and corresponding upper limits on the HH production cross section are derived. The limit on the inclusive cross section of the nonresonant HH production, assuming that the distributions of kinematic observables are as expected in the standard model (SM), is observed (expected) to be 14 (18) times the value predicted by the SM, at 95% confidence level. The limits on the cross section are also presented as functions of various Higgs boson coupling modifiers, and anomalous Higgs boson coupling scenarios. In addition, limits are set on the resonant HH production via spin-0 and spin-2 resonances within the mass range 250–900 GeV.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Decay spectroscopy at the two-proton drip line: Radioactivity of the new nuclides 160 Os and 156 W

The radioactivity of $^{160}_{76}$Os 84 and $^{156}_{74}$W 82 that lie at the two-proton drip line has been measured in an experiment performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The 160 Os nuclei were produced using fusion-evaporation reactions induced by a beam of 310 MeV 58 Ni ions bombarding a 106 Cd target. The 160 Os ions were separated in flight using the recoil separator MARA and implanted into a double-sided silicon strip detector, which was used to measure their decays. The α decays of the ground state of 160 Os (Ε α = 7092(15) keV, t 1/2 = 97$^{+97}_{-32}$ μs) and its isomeric state (Ε α = 8890(10) keV, t 1/2 = 41$^{+15}_{-9}$ μs) were measured, allowing the excitation energy of the isomer to be determined as 1844(18) keV. These α-decay properties and the excitation energy of the isomer are compared with systematics. The α decays were correlated with subsequent decays to investigate the β decays of the ground state of 156 W, revealing that unlike its isotones, both low-lying isomers were populated in its daughter nuclide, 156 Ta. An improved value for the half-life of the proton-decaying high-spin isomeric state in $^{156}_{73}$Ta 83 of 333$^{+25}_{-22}$ ms was obtained in a separate experiment using the same experimental systems with a 102 Pd target. This result was employed to improve the precision of the half-life determined for 156 W, which was measured as 157$^{+57}_{-34}$ ms.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of simplified template cross sections of the Higgs boson produced in association with W or Z bosons in the H → b b ¯ decay channel in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

Differential cross sections are measured for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with vector bosons (W, Z) and decaying to a pair of b quarks. Measurements are performed within the framework of the simplified template cross sections. The analysis relies on the leptonic decays of the W and Z bosons, resulting in final states with 0, 1, or 2 electrons or muons. The Higgs boson candidates are either reconstructed from pairs of resolved b-tagged jets, or from single large-radius jets containing the particles arising from two b quarks. Proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s}$ =13 TeV, collected by the CMS experiment in 2016–2018 and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 138 fb -1 , are analyzed. The inclusive signal strength, defined as the product of the observed production cross section and branching fraction relative to the standard model expectation, combining all analysis categories, is found to be μ = $1.15^{+0.22}_{-0.20}$. This corresponds to an observed (expected) significance of 6.3 (5.6) standard deviations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of the $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\textrm{H}$ and tH production rates in the H → $\textrm{b}\overline{\textrm{b}}$ decay channel using proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

An analysis of the production of a Higgs boson (H) in association with a top quark-antiquark pair ($\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\textrm{H}$) or a single top quark (tH) is presented. The Higgs boson decay into a bottom quark-antiquark pair (H → $\textrm{b}\overline{\textrm{b}}$) is targeted, and three different final states of the top quark decays are considered, defined by the number of leptons (electrons or muons) in the event. The analysis utilises proton-proton collision data collected at the CERN LHC with the CMS experiment at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV in 2016–2018, which correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 . The observed $\sqrt{s}$ production rate relative to the standard model expectation is 0.33 ± 0.26 = 0.33 ± 0.17(stat) ± 0.21(syst). Additionally, the $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\textrm{H}$ production rate is determined in intervals of Higgs boson transverse momentum. An upper limit at 95% confidence level is set on the tH production rate of 14.6 times the standard model prediction, with an expectation of ${19.3}_{-6.0}^{+9.2}$. Finally, constraints are derived on the strength and structure of the coupling between the Higgs boson and the top quark from simultaneous extraction of the $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\textrm{H}$ and tH production rates, and the results are combined with those obtained in other Higgs boson decay channels.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Constraints on standard model effective field theory for a Higgs boson produced in association with W or Z bosons in the H → $\textrm{b}\overline{\textrm{b}}$ decay channel in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

A standard model effective field theory (SMEFT) analysis with dimension-six operators probing nonresonant new physics effects is performed in the Higgs-strahlung process, where the Higgs boson is produced in association with a W or Z boson, in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The final states in which the W or Z boson decays leptonically and the Higgs boson decays to a pair of bottom quarks are considered. The analyzed data were collected by the CMS experiment between 2016 and 2018 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 . An approach designed to simultaneously optimize the sensitivity to Wilson coefficients of multiple SMEFT operators is employed. Likelihood scans as functions of the Wilson coefficients that carry SMEFT sensitivity in this final state are performed for different expansions in SMEFT. The results are consistent with the predictions of the standard model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A pathway to unveiling neutrinoless ββ decay nuclear matrix elements via γγ decay

We investigate the experimental feasibility of detecting second-order double-magnetic dipole (γγ-M1M1) decays from double isobaric analog states (DIAS), which have recently been found to be strongly correlated with the nuclear matrix elements of neutrinoless ββ decay. Using the nuclear shell model, we compute theoretical branching ratios for γγ-M1M1 decays and compare them with other competing processes, such as single-γ decay and proton emission, which represent the dominant decay channels. We also estimate the potential competition from internal conversion and internal pair creation, which can influence the decay dynamics. Additionally, we propose an experimental strategy based on using LaBr3 scintillators to identify γγ-M1M1 transitions from the DIAS amidst the background of the competing processes. Our approach emphasizes the challenges of isolating the rare γγ-M1M1 decay and suggests ways to enhance the experimental detection sensitivity. Our simulations suggest that it may be possible to access experimentally γγ-M1M1 decays from DIAS, shedding light on the neutrinoless ββ decay nuclear matrix elements.

Romeo, Beatriz↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurements of β -delayed proton emitters in the region of 100 Sn

An experiment on neutron-deficient nuclei in the region of doubly magic 100 Sn was carried out at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF) at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan. 𝑁 ≈ 𝑍 ≈ 50 nuclei were produced following fragmentation of an intense primary 124 Xe beam and implanted in the Advanced Implantation Detector Array silicon setup for the first study of proton-rich nuclei with this system at RIKEN. Measurements of the 𝛽-delayed proton emitter decay half-lives, branching ratios and proton energy spectra of nuclei in the region of 100 Sn were performed, with improved precision in many cases. New results for the energy spectrum of 101 Sn are presented, where a 2.03(5)-MeV peak was observed. In conclusion, these results are compared to shell-model calculations, using the recent precise measurement of the 101 In proton separation energy are presented.

Appleton, C. J. [Univ. of Edinburgh, Scotland (Uni↗
DOE OSTI2020

Volume III. DUNE far detector technical coordination

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume III of this TDR describes how the activities required to design, construct, fabricate, install, and commission the DUNE far detector modules are organized and managed. This volume details the organizational structures that will carry out and/or oversee the planned far detector activities safely, successfully, on time, and on budget. It presents overviews of the facilities, supporting infrastructure, and detectors for context, and it outlines the project-related functions and methodologies used by the DUNE technical coordination organization, focusing on the areas of integration engineering, technical reviews, quality assurance and control, and safety oversight. Because of its more advanced stage of development, functional examples presented in this volume focus primarily on the single-phase (SP) detector module.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Volume I. Introduction to DUNE

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. This TDR is intended to justify the technical choices for the far detector that flow down from the high-level physics goals through requirements at all levels of the Project. Volume I contains an executive summary that introduces the DUNE science program, the far detector and the strategy for its modular designs, and the organization and management of the Project. The remainder of Volume I provides more detail on the science program that drives the choice of detector technologies and on the technologies themselves. It also introduces the designs for the DUNE near detector and the DUNE computing model, for which DUNE is planning design reports. Volume II of this TDR describes DUNE's physics program in detail. Volume III describes the technical coordination required for the far detector design, construction, installation, and integration, and its organizational structure. Volume IV describes the single-phase far detector technology. A planned Volume V will describe the dual-phase technology.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Volume IV. The DUNE far detector single-phase technology

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. Central to achieving DUNE's physics program is a far detector that combines the many tens-of-kiloton fiducial mass necessary for rare event searches with sub-centimeter spatial resolution in its ability to image those events, allowing identification of the physics signatures among the numerous backgrounds. In the single-phase liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, ionization charges drift horizontally in the liquid argon under the influence of an electric field towards a vertical anode, where they are read out with fine granularity. A photon detection system supplements the TPC, directly enhancing physics capabilities for all three DUNE physics drivers and opening up prospects for further physics explorations. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume IV presents an overview of the basic operating principles of a single-phase LArTPC, followed by a description of the DUNE implementation. Each of the subsystems is described in detail, connecting the high-level design requirements and decisions to the overriding physics goals of DUNE.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nucleon–nucleon correlations in the extreme oxygen isotopes

There has been an upsurge of interest in two-nucleon decays thanks to the studies of nucleon–nucleon correlations. In our previous work (2021 Phys. Rev. Lett. 126 142501), based on a novel time-dependent three-body approach, we demonstrated that the energy and angular correlations of the emitted nucleons can shed light on the structure of nucleonic pairs formed inside the nucleus. In this work, we apply the new framework to study the decay dynamics and properties of some extreme proton-rich and neutron-rich oxygen isotopes, including two-proton (2p) decays of 11,12 O and two-neutron (2n) decay of 26 O. Here we show that the low- ℓ components of 11,12 O wave functions, which are affected by continuum and configuration-interaction effects, strongly impact decay dynamics and asymptotic correlations. In the calculated wave functions of 11,12 O, diproton and cigarlike structures merge together during the tunneling process and the resulting energy and angular correlations are very consistent with the experimental data. The asymptotic correlations of the 2n decay of 26 O dramatically change as the 2n decay energy approaches the zero-energy threshold. The small reported value of Q 2n suggests that the 2n decay of this nucleus can be understood in terms of the universal phase-space limit.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Alpha-decay width of a near proton-threshold resonance in the 7 Li( α, α ) channel

We investigate the alpha-decay width of a near proton-threshold resonance in 11 B by the excitation functions of 7 Li(α, α) and 7 Li(α, α’) reactions. This resonance is an example of loosely bound atomic nuclei, understood as small open quantum systems, that exhibit properties significantly influenced by their coupling to the continuum. The present experiment focuses on the formation of a specific state in 11 B at excitation energy in the region near 11.4 MeV by bombarding a 7 Li target with a 4 He beam at energies ranging from 3.92 to 4.56 MeV in the laboratory frame. The study provides data complementary to previous observations of the proton emission in the β-decay of the neutron-rich halo nucleus 11 Be. An R-matrix fit to the data provides resonance energy and partial widths consistent with J π =1/2 + for a narrow near-threshold state in 11 B at 11.400(20) MeV, that is 171(20) keV above the proton emission threshold, with partial α-decay width Γ α =2.5$^{+3.5}_{–1.5}$ keV in elastic scattering and Γ α' =15.8$^{+1.9}_{–0.4}$ keV in inelastic scattering. These findings contribute to the understanding of the structure of this open quantum system resonance.

11B↗