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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

The AME 2020 atomic mass evaluation (II). Tables, graphs and references*

Abstract This is the second part of the new evaluation of atomic masses, AME2020. Using least-squares adjustments to all evaluated and accepted experimental data, described in Part I, we derived tables with numerical values and graphs which supersede those given in AME2016. The first table presents the recommended atomic mass values and their uncertainties. It is followed by a table of the influences of data on primary nuclides, a table of various reaction and decay energies, and finally, a series of graphs of separation and decay energies. The last section of this paper provides all input data references that were used in the AME2020 and the NUBASE2020 evaluations.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

The AME 2020 atomic mass evaluation (I). Evaluation of input data, and adjustment procedures*

Abstract This is the first of two articles (Part I and Part II) that presents the results of the new atomic mass evaluation, AME2020. It includes complete information on the experimental input data that were used to derive the tables of recommended values which are given in Part II. This article describes the evaluation philosophy and procedures that were implemented in the selection of specific nuclear reaction, decay and mass-spectrometric data which were used in a least-squares fit adjustment in order to determine the recommended mass values and their uncertainties. All input data, including both the accepted and rejected ones, are tabulated and compared with the adjusted values obtained from the least-squares fit analysis. Differences with the previous AME2016 evaluation are discussed and specific examples are presented for several nuclides that may be of interest to AME users.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Second Report of the Nuclear Data Subcommittee of the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee

The central importance of the nuclear data curated by the US Nuclear Data Program (USNDP) for clean energy generation, national security, nonproliferation, medical applications, and space exploration as well as basic science was described in a prior report issued by the DOE/NSF Nuclear Science Advisory Committee subcommittee on Nuclear Data (NSAC-ND) in September 2022. In this report, we present a set of fourteen (14) recommendations that will enhance and advance DOE-NP's stewardship of nuclear data. The first three recommendations focus on the existing core USNDP capabilities, namely: 1) Support the nuclear structure evaluation workforce to improve the currency, consistency, and accessibility of the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF); 2) Enhance nuclear reaction evaluation within the USNDP in support of the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF) through expansion of the workforce and integration of high-performance computing, automation, and machine learning and; 3) Continue atomic mass evaluation in support AME and NUBASE databases. This is followed by eight (8) recommendations representing new cross-cutting initiatives involving both measurement and evaluation to address outstanding nuclear data needs. These new initiatives require a highly trained, diverse workforce that includes personnel with expertise from both inside and outside the nuclear physics community from which evaluators have traditionally been recruited. As such, many of these initiatives are accomplished via a Topical Nuclear Data Collaborations (TNDC). A TNDC is made up of domestic and international stakeholders, subject matter and nuclear data experts, and nuclear data evaluators and features a workforce development plan to ensure that nuclear data evaluators maintain currency in the relevant applications and are seen as equity partners in the endeavor. These include: 1) Establish a coordinated effort to improve evaluation and modeling in nuclear astrophysics for stellar dynamics, multi-messenger astronomy and nucleosynthesis; 2) Initiate a TNDC to develop and maintain nuclear structure evaluation beyond discrete states, including nuclear level densities, photon strength functions and photonuclear data for improved reaction modeling, and exploring nuclear structure at finite temperature; 3) Create a TNDC to perform correlated fission data evaluation, including cross sections, fragment yields, v(A), v(E n ) for nuclear energy, national security, nonproliferation and basic science; 4) From a panel of subject matter experts to establish and annually update a roster of key decay data to nurture its accelerated dissemination including both measurement and evaluation for targeted high-value nuclides for national security, nonproliferation and medical applications; 5) Comprehensive, consistent neutron-induced structure and reaction data for nuclear energy, national security, nonproliferation and planetary nuclear spectroscopy; 6) Charged-particle stopping powers for detector design, space effects and ion beam therapy; 7) High-energy reactions for space exploration and medical nuclide production, and; 8) The creation of an infrastructure for open data and data preservation for use by the entire nuclear physics community. All told, these initiatives require approximately $6.5M increase in NP support of the USNDP in fiscal year 2023 dollars and would require at least 3-5 years to carry out due to the length of time needed to recruit and train new nuclear data researchers. This relatively modest investment would help ensure that the fruits of the nuclear data research carried out by DOE-NP and its collaborators would be brought to bear to address some of the most important needs of our nation and the world. To ensure effective execution of this plan, we present an overview of recruitment, training, and retention goals for the USNDP, the centerpiece of which is a mutually agreed upon code of conduct. Finally, we identify the facility and instrumentation needed to perform the recommended experimental activities. This includes a short review of target fabrication capabilities, reactors, neutron beam, light- and heavy-stable ion, gamma-ray, high-energy and radioactive ion beam facilities. Lastly, a more complete appendix of experimental facilities previously compiled is included with new input provided for 6 facilities.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Precise $\textit{Q}$-value measurements of 112,113 Ag and 115 Cd with the Canadian Penning trap for evaluation of potential ultralow $\textit{Q}$-value $\textit{β}$ decays

Background: An ultralow $\textit{Q}$-value $\textit{β}$ decay can occur from a parent nuclide to an excited nuclear state in the daughter such that $Q_{\text{UL}}$ 1 keV. These decay processes are of interest for nuclear $\textit{β}$-decay theory and as potential candidates in neutrino mass determination experiments. To date, only one ultralow $\textit{Q}$-value $\textit{β}$ decay has been observed—that of 115 In with $Q_β$ = 147(10) eV. A number of other potential candidates exist, but improved mass measurements are necessary to determine if these decay channels are energetically allowed and, in fact, ultralow. Purpose: To perform precise $\textit{β}$-decay $\textit{Q}$-value measurements of 112,113 Ag and 115 Cd and to use them in combination with nuclear energy level data for the daughter isotopes 112,113 Cd and 115 In to determine if the potential ultralow $\textit{Q}$-value $\textit{β}$-decay branches of 112,113 Ag and 115 Cd are energetically allowed and 1 keV. Method: The Canadian Penning Trap at Argonne National Laboratory was used to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of singly charged 112,113 Ag and 115 Cd ions with respect to their daughters 112,113 Cd and 115 In. From these measurements, the ground-state to ground-state $\textit{β}$-decay $\textit{Q}$ values were obtained. Results: The 112 Ag → 112 Cd, 113 Ag → 113 Cd, and 115 Cd → 115 In $\textit{β}$-decay $\textit{Q}$ values were measured to be $Q_β$( 112 Ag) = 3990.16(22) keV, $Q_β$( 113 Ag) = 2085.7(4.6) keV, and $Q_β$( 115 Cd) = 1451.36(34) keV. These results were compared to energies of excited states in 112 Cd at 3997.75(14) keV, 113 Cd at 2015.6(2.5) and 2080(10) keV, and 115 In at 1448.787(9) keV, resulting in precise $Q_{\text{UL}}$ values for the potential decay channels of –7.59(26) keV, 6(11) keV, and 2.57(34) keV, respectively. Conclusion: The potential ultralow $\textit{Q}$-value decays of 112 Ag and 115 Cd have been ruled out. 113 Ag is still a possible candidate until a more precise measurement of the 2080(10) keV, 1/2+ state of 113 Cd is available. In the course of this work we have found the ground state mass of 113 Ag reported in the 2020 Atomic Mass Evaluation [Wang et al., Chin. Phys. C 45, 030003 (2021)] to be lower than our measurement by 69(17) keV (a 4σ discrepancy).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nucleus++ : a new tool bridging AME and NUBASE for advancing nuclear data analysis

The newly developed software, Nucleus++ , is an advanced tool for displaying basic nuclear physics properties from NUBASE and integrating comprehensive mass information for each nuclide from Atomic Mass Evaluation. Additionally, it allows users to compare experimental nuclear masses with predictions from different mass models. Building on the success and learning experiences of its predecessor, Nucleus , this enhanced tool introduces improved functionality and compatibility. With its user-friendly interface, Nucleus++ was designed as a valuable tool for scholars and practitioners in the field of nuclear science. Finally, this article offers an in-depth description of Nucleus++ , highlighting its main features and anticipated impacts on nuclear science research.

AME↗
DOE OSTI2023

Improved high-precision mass measurements of mid-shell neon isotopes

New mass values measured with the TITAN MR-TOF-MS are reported for the short-lived isotopes 24-26 Ne, produced at TRIUMF's ISAC facility using a uranium carbide target and cold FEBIAD ion source. A least-squares adjustment within the framework of the Atomic Mass Evaluation was performed and the improved precision of the new mass values is highlighted. The improved mass accuracy in this N = 14mid-shell region can also point to the refinement in values of the charge radii. By reducing the mass uncertainty of isotopes, their contribution of the mass shift uncertainty in laser spectroscopy can be negated. The work is part of developments for reaching the N = 20 Island of Inversion, where high molecular contamination hinders mass measurements of the neon isotopes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Precise mass measurements of A = 133 isobars with the Canadian Penning Trap: Resolving the Q β − anomaly at 133Te

We report precision mass measurements of 133 Sb 133g,m Te, and 133g,m I, produced at CARIBU at Argonne National Laboratory's ATLAS facility and measured using the Canadian Penning Trap mass spectrometer. These masses clarify an anomaly in the 133 Te β-decay. The masses reported in the 2020 Atomic Mass Evaluation (M. Wang et al., 2021) produce Q B - ( 133 Te)=2920(6) keV; however, the highest-lying 133 I level populated in this decay is observed at E i = 2935.83(15) keV, resulting in an anomalous Q$^i_B-$ = -16(6)keV. Our new measurements give Q B - ( 133 Te)=2934.8(11) keV, a factor of five more precise, yielding Q$^i_B$ = -1.0(12) keV, a 3σ shift from the previous results. This resolves this anomaly, but indicates further anomalies in our understanding of the structure of this isotope.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-precision mass measurements of the isomeric and ground states of 44 V: Improving constraints on the isobaric multiplet mass equation parameters of the A=44, 0 + quintet

Background: The quadratic isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) has been very successful at predicting the masses of isobaric analog states in the same multiplet, while its coefficients are known to follow specific trends as functions of mass number. The Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 [Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] 44 V mass value results in an anomalous negative c coefficient for the IMME quadratic term; a consequence of large uncertainty and an unresolved isomeric state. The b and c coefficients can provide useful constraints for construction of the isospin-nonconserving Hamiltonians for the pf shell. In addition, the excitation energy of the 0 + , T = 2 level in 44 V is currently unknown. This state can be used to constrain the mass of the more exotic 44 Cr. Purpose: The aim of the experimental campaign was to perform high-precision mass measurements to resolve the difference between 44 V isomeric and ground states, to test the IMME using the new ground state mass value and to provide necessary ingredients for the future identification of the 0 + , T = 2 state in 44 V. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was performed at LEBIT, located at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of [ 44g,m VO] + versus [ 32 SCO] + , a well-known reference mass, to extract both the isomeric and ground state masses of 44 V. Results: The mass excess of the ground and isomeric states in 44 V were measured to be -23 804.9(80) keV/c 2 and -23 537.0(55) keV/c 2 , respectively. This yielded a new proton separation energy of S p = 1 773(10) keV. Conclusion: The new values of the ground state and isomeric state masses of 44 V have been used to deduce the IMME b and c coefficients of the lowest 2 + and 6 + triplets in A = 44. The 2 + c coefficient is now verified with the IMME trend for lowest multiplets and is in good agreement with the shell-model predictions using charge-dependent Hamiltonians. The mirror energy differences were determined between 44 V and 44 Sc, in line with isospin-symmetry for this multiplet. Finally, the new value of the proton separation energy determined, to an uncertainty of 10 keV, will be important for the determination of the 0 + , T = 2 state in 44 V and, consequently, for prediction of the mass excess of 44 Cr.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nuclear masses learned from a probabilistic neural network

Machine learning methods and uncertainty quantification have been gaining interest throughout the last several years in low-energy nuclear physics. In particular, Gaussian processes and Bayesian neural networks have increasingly been applied to improve mass model predictions while providing well-quantified uncertainties. In this work, we use the probabilistic Mixture Density Network (MDN) to directly predict the mass excess of the 2016 Atomic Mass Evaluation within the range of measured data, and we extrapolate the inferred models beyond available experimental data. The MDN provides not only mean values but also full posterior distributions both within the training set and extrapolated testing set. We show that the addition of physical information to the feature space increases the accuracy of the match to the training data as well as provides for more physically meaningful extrapolations beyond the the limits of experimental data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mass measurement of 27 P to constrain type-I x-ray burst models and validate the isobaric multiplet mass equation for the $A = 27, T = \frac{3}{2}$ isospin quartet

Background: Light curves are the primary observable of type-I x-ray bursts. Computational x-ray burst models must match simulations to observed light curves. Most of the error in simulated curves comes from uncertainties in rp process reaction rates, which can be reduced via precision mass measurements of neutron-deficient isotopes in the rp process path. Purpose: Perform a precise atomic mass measurement of 27 P. Use this new measurement to calculate rp process reaction rates and input these rates into an x-ray burst model to reduce simulated light curve uncertainty. Use the mass measurement of 27 P to validate the isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) for the A = 27 T = 3/2 isospin quartet which 27 P belongs to. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry utilizing the time-of-flight ion cyclotron resonance technique was used to determine the atomic mass of 27 P. The MESA code (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) was then used to simulate x-ray bursts using a one-dimensional multizone model to produce updated light curves. Results: The mass excess of 27 P was measured to be –670.7(6) keV, a 14-fold precision increase over the mass reported in the 2020 Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME2020). The 26 Si(p, $γ$) 27 P– 27 P($γ$, p) 26 Si rate equilibrium has been determined to a higher precision based on the precision mass measurement of 27 P. x-ray burst light curves were produced with the MESA code using the new reaction rates. Changes in the mass of 27 P seem to have minimal effect on light curves, even in burster systems tailored to maximize impact. Conclusion: The mass of 27 P does not play a significant role in x-ray burst light curves. It is important to understand that more advanced models do not just provide more precise results, but often qualitatively different ones. This result brings us a step closer to being able to extract stellar parameters from individual x-ray burst observations. In addition, the IMME has been validated for the A = 27, T = 3/2 quartet. The normal quadratic form of the IMME using the latest data yields a reduced $χ$ 2 of 2.9. Finally, the cubic term required to generate an exact fit to the latest data matches theoretical attempts to predict this term.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-precision mass measurement of 103 Sn restores smoothness of the mass surface

As a step towards the ultimate goal of a high-precision mass measurement of doubly magic 100 Sn, the mass of 103 Sn was measured at the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) located at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Utilizing the time-of-flight ion cyclotron resonance technique, a mass uncertainty of 3.7 keV was achieved, an improvement by more than an order of magnitude compared to a recent measurement performed in 2023 at the Cooler Storage Ring (CSRe) in Lanzhou. Although the LEBIT and CSRe mass measurements of 103 Sn are in agreement, they diverge from the experimental mass value reported in the 2016 version of the Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME2016), which was derived from the measured 𝑄 𝛽 + value and the mass of 103 In. In AME2020, this indirectly measured 103 Sn mass was classified as a “seriously irregular mass” and replaced with an extrapolated value, which aligns with the most recent measured values from CSRe and LEBIT. As such, the smoothness of the mass surface is confidently reestablished for 103 Sn. Here, LEBIT's mass measurement of 103 Sn enabled a significant reduction in the mass uncertainties of five parent isotopes which are now dominated by uncertainties in their respective 𝑄 values.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-precision Penning trap mass measurements of neutron-rich chlorine isotopes at the 𝑁 = 28 shell closure

Although it is known that the N = 28 spherical shell closure erodes, the strength of the closure with decreasing proton number Z < 20 is an open question in nuclear structure. Here, in this region of interest, high-precision mass measurements of neutron-rich 43-45 Cl isotopes were performed at the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) when coupled to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab. The resulting mass excesses (MEs) are ME(⁴³Cl) = -24114.4(1.7) keV, ME(⁴⁴Cl) = -20450.8(10.6) keV, and ME(⁴⁵Cl) = -18240.1(3.7) keV, and improve the uncertainty of these masses by up to a factor of ∼40 compared to the previous values reported in the 2020 Atomic Mass Evaluation. Comparison to ab initio calculations using the Valence-Space In-Medium Similarity Renormalization Group (VS-IMSRG) shows good agreement up to and including the closure.

Erington, H. [Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Standard atomic weights of the elements 2021 (IUPAC Technical Report)

Following the reviews of atomic-weight determinations and other cognate data in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights (CIAAW) reports changes of standard atomic weights. The symbol A r°(E) was selected for standard atomic weight of an element to distinguish it from the atomic weight of an element E in a specific substance P, designated A r(E, P). The CIAAW has changed the values of the standard atomic weights of five elements based on recent determinations of terrestrial isotopic abundances. The standard atomic weight of argon and lead have changed to an interval to reflect that the natural variation in isotopic composition exceeds the measurement uncertainty of A r(Ar) and A r(Pb) in a specific substance. The standard atomic weights and/or the uncertainties of fourteen elements have been changed based on the Atomic Mass Evaluations 2016 and 2020 accomplished under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). A r° of Ho, Tb, Tm and Y were changed in 2017 and again updated in 2021.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Updated evaluation of potential ultralow Q -value β -decay candidates

“Ultralow” Q-value β decays are referred to as such due to their low decay energies of less than ≈1 keV. Such a low energy decay is possible when the parent nucleus decays to an excited state in the daughter, with an energy close to that of the Q value. These decays are of interest as potential new candidates for neutrino mass determination experiments and as a testing ground for studies of atomic interference effects in the nuclear decay process. In this paper, we provide an updated evaluation of atomic mass data and nuclear energy-level data to identify potential ultralow Q-value β decay candidates. For many of these candidates, more precise and accurate atomic mass data is needed to determine if the Q value of the potential ultralow decay branch is energetically allowed and in fact ultralow. Furthermore, the relevant precise atomic mass measurements can be achieved via Penning trap mass spectrometry.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

The NUBASE2020 evaluation of nuclear physics properties *

The NUBASE2020 evaluation contains the recommended values of the main nuclear physics properties for all nuclei in their ground and excited, isomeric (T-1/2 >= 100 ns) states. It encompasses all experimental data published in primary (journal articles) and secondary (mainly laboratory reports and conference proceedings) references, together with the corresponding bibliographical information. In cases where no experimental data were available for a particular nuclide, trends in the behavior of specific properties in neighboring nuclei were examined and estimated values are proposed. Evaluation procedures and policies that were used during the development of this evaluated nuclear data library are presented, together with a detailed table of recommended values and their uncertainties.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Arc jet diagnostics tests

Two objectives were addressed during a 10 week 1988 NASA/ASEE summer faculty fellowship at the Johnson Space Center Atmospheric Reentry Materials Structures Evaluation Facility (ARMSEF). These objectives were the evaluation of mass spectrometry for the measurement of atomic and molecular species in an arc jet environment, and the determination of atomic recombination coefficients for reaction cured glass (RCG) coated high temperature surface insulation (HRSI) materials subjected to simulated reentry conditions. Evaluation of mass spectrometry for the measurement of atomic and molecular species provided some of the first measurements of point compositions in arc jet tunnel environments. A major objective of this project centered around the sampling residence time. A three staged vacuum sampling system pulled the molecules and atoms from the arc jet to a quadrupole ionization mass spectrometer in 400 milliseconds. Conditions investigated included a composition survey across the nozzle exit at 3 cm z-distance from the nozzle exit for 3 different currents. Also, a point composition survey was taken around a shock created by the presence of a blunt body.

Willey, Ronald J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Loss of atomic oxygen in mass spectrometer ion sources.

A gas beam consisting of a mixture of atomic and molecular oxygen has been directed at the ion source of a mass spectrometer like those used in sounding rockets for determining the neutral composition of the lower thermosphere. The loss of atomic oxygen on mass spectrometer surfaces was evaluated by flagging the beam in several ways and comparing the experimental results with predicted values. The results obtained suggest that in rocket flights using similar instruments the atomic oxygen densities computed assuming no-loss conditions may be low by a factor of 2.5. Studies made using a beam containing tracer O-18 indicate that carbon dioxide observed when atomic oxygen enters the source is formed in a reaction involving atomic oxygen from the beam and carbon monoxide from the surfaces bombarded.

Lake, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Characterization and calibration of the EOIM-III flight mass spectrometer in a high velocity oxygen atom beam

Calibration and characterization of the quadrupole mass spectrometer component of the Evaluation of Oxygen Effects on Materials III (EOIM-III) space-flight experiment are reported in this paper. A high-velocity atom beam system was used to characterize the response of the flight mass spectrometer to high velocity oxygen atoms as well as the reaction/scattering products formed when the atom beam struck a surface. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water were observed to form in the mass spectrometer whenever high velocity oxygen atoms were present. The major gaseous products formed from high-velocity atom-beam polymer reactions were easily detected and identified.

Koontz, S. L.↗