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At least 307 records · Page 17

Combining lattice QCD and phenomenological inputs on generalised parton distributions at moderate skewness

Abstract We present a systematic study demonstrating the impact of lattice QCD data on the extraction of generalised parton distributions (GPDs). For this purpose, we use a previously developed modelling of GPDs based on machine learning techniques fulfilling the theoretical requirements of polynomiality, a form of positivity constraint and known reduction limits. A special care is given to estimate the uncertainty stemming from the ill-posed character of the connection between GPDs and the experimental processes usually considered to constrain them, like deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS). Moke lattice QCD data inputs are included in a Bayesian framework to a prior model based on an Artificial Neural Network. This prior model is fitted to reproduce the most experimentally accessible information of a phenomenological extraction by Goloskokov and Kroll. We highlight the impact of the precision, correlation and kinematic coverage of lattice data on GPD extraction at moderate $$\xi $$ ξ which has only been brushed in the literature so far, paving the way for a joint extraction of GPDs.

Physics↗

Shell structure in 32P

The nuclear structure of 32P was investigated by detecting multi-γ coincidences along with charged light ions following the bombardment of an 18O target with a 30-MeV 16O beam from the Florida State University accelerator facility using the Clarion2-Trinity array of Clover γ spectrometers and GAGG (Gd-Al-Ga-garnet) scintillators for charged particles. A number of new states up to 12 MeV excitation and spins up to 9+ were observed by their γ decay patterns. Spins and parities were assigned by comparing measured γ angular distributions with polarizations inferred from Compton-scattering asymmetries between the Ge crystals in the Clover spectrometers. The new level scheme of 32P compares well with shell model calculations using the FSU cross-shell interaction and reasonably well with those using the sdpf-m interaction. In particular, structures with higher spin arise from promotion of more nucleons up to the f-p shell.

Allmond, James [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000165338721)↗

Generation of superposed orbital angular momentum beams using a free-electron laser oscillator

With wavelength tunability, free-electron lasers (FELs) are well-suited for generating orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams in a wide photon energy range. We report here the first experimental demonstration of OAM beam generation using an oscillator FEL with the tens of picosecond pulse duration. Lasing around 458 nm, we have produced the four lowest orders of superposed Laguerre-Gaussian beams using a very long FEL resonator of 53.73 m. The produced beams have good beam quality, excellent stability, and substantial average power. We have also developed a pulsed operation mode for these beams with a highly reproducible temporal structure for a range of repetition rate of 1–30 Hz. This development can be extended to short wavelengths, for example to x-rays using a future x-ray FEL oscillator. The OAM operation of such a storage-ring FEL also paves the way for the generation of OAM gamma-ray beams via inverse Compton scattering.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

USING ER@CEBAF TO SHOW THAT A MULTIPASS ERL CAN DRIVE AN XFEL

A multi-pass recirculating superconducting CW linac offers a cost effective path to a multi-user facility with unprecedented scientific and industrial reach over a wide range of disciplines. We propose such a facility as an option for a potential UK-XFEL. Energy Recovery enables multi-MHz FEL sources, for example, an X-ray FEL oscillator or regenerative amplifier FEL. Additionally, combining with external lasers and/or self-interaction would provide access to MeV and GeV gamma-rays via inverse Compton scattering at high average power for nuclear and particle physics applications. An opportunity exists to demonstrate the necessary point-to-parallel longitudinal matches to drive an XFEL and successfully energy recover at the upcoming 5-pass up, 5-pass down Energy Recovery experiment on CEBAF at JLab termed ER@CEBAF. We show candidate matches and simulations supporting the minimal necessary modifications to CEBAF this will require. This includes linearisation of the longitudinal phase space in the injector and a reduction in the dispersion of the arcs, both of which increase the energy acceptance of CEBAF. We expect to commence initial tests of these adaptations on CEBAF during 2021.

Perez-Segurana, G.↗

FAST-GREENS: A High Efficiency Free Electron Laser Driven by Superconducting RF Accelerator

In this paper we’ll describe the FAST-GREENS experimental program where a 4 m-long strongly tapered helical undulator with a seeded prebuncher is used in the high gain TESSA regime to convert a significant fraction (up to 10 %) of energy from the 240 MeV electron beam from the FAST linac to coherent 515 nm radiation. We’ll also discuss the longer term plans for the setup where by embedding the undulator in an optical cavity matched with the high repetition rate from the superconducting accelerator (3,9 MHz), a very high average power laser source can be obtained. Eventually, the laser pulses can be redirected onto the relativistic electrons to generate by inverse compton scattering a very high flux of circularly polarized gamma rays for polarized positron production.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

ORBITAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM BEAMS RESEARCH USING A FREE-ELECTRON LASER OSCILLATOR

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) photon beams are excellent tools for non-contact optical manipulation of mat- ter in a broad photon energy range. A free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator is well-suited for studying OAM beams with various features including a wide spectral coverage, wavelength tunability, two-color lasing, polarization control, etc. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of superposed OAM beams from an oscillator FEL. Lasing at around 458 nm, we have generated superposed OAM beams up to the fourth order as a superposition of two pure OAM modes with opposite helicities. These generated beams have a good beam quality, a high degree of circular polarization, and high power. Using external rf modulation with frequen- cies from 1 to 30 Hz, we also developed a pulsed mode operation of the OAM beams with a highly reproducible temporal structure. FEL operation showcased in this work can be extended to higher photon energies, e.g. using a future x-ray FEL oscillator. The operation of such an OAM FEL also paves the way for the generation of OAM gamma-ray beams via Compton scattering.

Liu, P.↗

LICS Modeling [Slides]

We propose to design a new diagnostic based on laser inverse Compton scattering (LICS) to study the dynamics of runaway electron formation during killer-pellet triggered disruptions in DIII-D, and their subsequent loss. Obtaining a better understanding of transient runaway electrons (and how to suppress them) is one of the highest priorities of the US fusion program. To enable this, we need better measurements of the runaway electron population during and after disruptions. We intend to measure point-wise time-resolved spatial profile and energy distributions of the runaway electrons while they are in the core of the tokamak plasma. While LICS measurements of relativistic e-beams have been successfully made on accelerators, they have never been done in a tokamak. We bring two innovations to this diagnostic concept which should enable 10 times better signal-to-noise ratios than previously envisioned. In particular, we will marry bright short pulse (10’s of picosecond) laser technologies with the availability of short-pulse gated x-ray imagers developed at Los Alamos for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), to reject noise generated by the tokamak and plasma environment. We will generate a Conceptual Physics Basis, a Preliminary Design, and a Final Design package, with associated DIII-D reviews, along with prototype component testing for the diagnostic over the course of the two year duration of this proposal.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DEVELOPMENT OF A QUANTUM ELECTRON BEAM DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS

Spatial properties of electron beams are the essential parameters needed in particle physics and accelerator research. Beam characterization using optical detection methods through the interaction between photons and electrons such as Compton scattering, or electro-optic sampling of the electric field of electrons have been extensively explored and successfully implemented as non-invasive diagnostics at various accelerator facilities. However, such methods often suffer from inherently low sensitivity. Here we present the study of a new type of electron beam diagnostic device for direct optical imaging of electron beams at various energy levels. The concept is based on the extremely high sensitivity of atoms, prepared in a specific "dark superposition" quantum state, to the external electric or magnetic perturbations induced by the passing charged particle, which allows atoms to change polarization of the probe light or absorb probe light and to fluoresce, enabling direct 3D imaging of the charged particles with high resolution. We report our recent experiment results and the design effort on a compact apparatus intended to be tested with the relativistic electron beams at Jefferson Laboratory.

Zhang, S.↗

Theoretical Studies in Hadronic Physics and Fundamental Symmetries

The nucleons (protons and neutrons) are at the center of every atom, the fundamental building blocks of matter in our Universe. Their structure and properties have been actively studied at DOE’s Thomas Jefferson Lab as well as the future US electron-ion collider at Brookhaven National Lab, and are believed to be described by a mathematical theory known as quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this project, the PI and collaborators invented a theoretical approach called “Generalized parton distributions through Universal Moment Parametrization” (GUMP) to construct the 3D structure of the nucleon from experimental data on Deeply virtual compton scattering and Deep-Exclusive meson production, and semi-inclusive jet or meson productions. The PI and collaborators have also explored the full power of a theory called the large- momentum effective theory (LaMET) to calculate the 3D structure of the nucleon from the first principles known as lattice QCD. In particular, the work paved the way for unprecedented precision calculations which are coming in next decade.

3D Structure↗

Field Test Report Neutron Scintillator Array Dry Storage Cask Scanner FY2024

During two weeks of Field Testing at the Idaho National Laboratory INTEC Cask Farm in July and August 2024, the LLNL Dry Storage Cask Scanner Array was lifted on top of an MC-10 dry storage fuel cask and operated to acquire neutron and gamma-ray data from the 24 fuel bundle positions. Neutron and gamma-ray data acquisition scans across the top of the cask of varying dwell times were performed July 15-18, 2024 and August 19-22, 2024 to evaluate the ability of the scanner data to reveal asymmetries in the fuel positions that reflect asymmetries in the MC-10 cask fuel bundle loading. The MC-10 cask 24 position fuel bundle loading at the INTEC Cask Farm is well documented, including the locations of six empty fuel bundle positions. This loading presents an opportunity to test the ability of the scanner system to detect diversion of spent fuel bundles as well as to validate the MC-10 cask MCNP modeling. The cask scanner array consists of six Stilbene crystal scintillator detectors and a linear actuator frame that moves the six detectors across the MC-10 dry storage cask to obtain data above each of the 24 fuel bundle positions. The detectors are connected to a pulse-shape discrimination data acquisition system capable of generating separate neutron and gamma-ray spectra for each detector and for each scan position. From the prior single detector Field Test in 2021 and iteration with MCNP modeling, the neutron and gamma-ray data were analyzed in multiple energy regions to identify an analysis method that would provide the strongest and most consistent signature of the asymmetric MC-10 cask fuel loading1 . From both the 2021 Field Test and the current Field Test results, the neutron capture gamma-ray count rate around 2.2 MeV provides the strongest signature of the asymmetric MC-10 cask fuel loading and has qualitative agreement with MCNP calculations. Counting all gamma-rays produces a similar signature. Neutrons emerging from the cask top are moderated and captured by the hydrogen in the polyethylene moderator and scintillator detector, producing a 2.2 MeV gamma ray which is seen in the scintillator gamma-ray spectrum. The count rate in the 2.2 MeV gamma-ray region is ~50 c/s, which is ~1000x higher than the ~0.05 n/s rate in the > 4MeV neutron region, and ~50x greater than the ~1 n/s rate in the neutrons > 500 keV region. Analysis of the 2.2 MeV neutron-capture Compton-scattered gamma-rays produces a statistically significant signature of the INTEC Cask Farm MC-10 asymmetric fuel loading. MCNP simulations indicate that the average neutron energy spectrum offers the potential to detect a large asymmetry from several missing bundles as well as individual missing fuel bundles. Testing this feature will require measurements on a cask with single missing elements.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Gamma Ray Source Localization for Time Projection Chamber Telescopes Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Diverse phenomena such as positron annihilation in the Milky Way, merging binary neutron stars, and dark matter can be better understood by studying their gamma ray emission. Despite their importance, MeV gamma rays have been poorly explored at sensitivities that would allow for deeper insight into the nature of the gamma emitting objects. In response, a liquid argon time projection chamber (TPC) gamma ray instrument concept called GammaTPC has been proposed and promises exploration of the entire sky with a large field of view, large effective area, and high polarization sensitivity. Optimizing the pointing capability of this instrument is crucial and can be accomplished by leveraging convolutional neural networks to reconstruct electron recoil paths from Compton scattering events within the detector. In this investigation, we develop a machine learning model architecture to accommodate a large data set of high fidelity simulated electron tracks and reconstruct paths. We create two model architectures: one to predict the electron recoil track origin and one for the initial scattering direction. We find that these models predict the true origin and direction with extremely high accuracy, thereby optimizing the observatory’s estimates of the sky location of gamma ray sources.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Overview and Commissioning Status of the UCLA MITHRA Facility

Presented here are the first results of commissioning of the S-Band hybrid photoinjector and laser systems at the new accelerator and light source facility, MITHRA, at UCLA. The radiation bunker and capabilities of the facility are described with motivation for detailed measurement of beam parameters explained. Following thorough characterization of the photoinjector, a 1.5 m linac is to be installed and experiments up to 30 MeV will begin. These will include experiments in basic plasma physics, space plasma, terahertz production in dielectric structures, and inverse Compton scattering and applications for the X-rays produced.

Williams, Oliver (ORCID:0000000255874982)↗

Multiwavelength Observations of 2HWC J1928+177: Dark Accelerator or New TeV Gamma-Ray Binary?

2HWC J1928+177 is a Galactic TeV gamma-ray source detected by the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory up to ~56 TeV. The HAWC source, later confirmed by the High Energy Stereoscopic System, still remains unidentified as a dark accelerator since there is no apparent supernova remnant or pulsar wind nebula detected in the lower-energy bands. The radio pulsar PSR J1928+1746, coinciding with the HAWC source position, has no X-ray counterpart. In this work, our SED modeling shows that inverse Compton scattering in the putative pulsar wind nebula can account for the TeV emission only if the unseen nebula is extended beyond $r\sim 4^{\prime} $. Alternatively, TeV gamma-rays may be produced by hadronic interactions between relativistic protons from an undetected supernova remnant associated with the radio pulsar and a nearby molecular cloud G52.9+0.1. NuSTAR and Chandra observations detected a variable X-ray point source within the HAWC error circle, potentially associated with a bright infrared (IR) source. The X-ray spectra can be fitted with an absorbed power-law model with N H = (9 ± 3) × 10 22 cm –2 and Γ X = 1.6 ± 0.3 and exhibit long-term X-ray flux variability over the last decade. If the X-ray source, possibly associated with the IR source (likely an O star), is the counterpart of the HAWC source, it may be a new TeV gamma-ray binary powered by collisions between the pulsar wind and stellar wind. Follow-up X-ray observations are warranted to search for diffuse X-ray emission and determine the nature of the HAWC source.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Limits on X-Ray Polarization at the Core of Centaurus A as Observed with the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer

We present measurements of the polarization of X-rays in the 2–8 keV band from the nucleus of the radio galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A), using a 100 ks observation from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). Nearly simultaneous observations of Cen A were also taken with the Swift, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL observatories. No statistically significant degree of polarization is detected with IXPE. These observations have a minimum detectable polarization at 99% confidence (MDP 99 ) of 6.5% using a weighted, spectral model-independent calculation in the 2–8 keV band. The polarization angle ψ is consequently unconstrained. Spectral fitting across three orders of magnitude in X-ray energy (0.3–400 keV) demonstrates that the SED of Cen A is well described by a simple power law with moderate intrinsic absorption (N H ~ 10 23 cm -2 ) and a Fe Kα emission line, although a second unabsorbed power law is required to account for the observed spectrum at energies below 2 keV. This spectrum suggests that the reprocessing material responsible for this emission line is optically thin and distant from the central black hole. Our upper limits on the X-ray polarization are consistent with the predictions of Compton scattering, although the specific seed photon population responsible for the production of the X-rays cannot be identified. The low polarization degree, variability in the core emission, and the relative lack of variability in the Fe Kα emission line support a picture where electrons are accelerated in a region of highly disordered magnetic fields surrounding the innermost jet.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Limits on Leptonic TeV Emission from the Cygnus Cocoon with Swift-XRT

$\gamma$-ray observations of the Cygnus Cocoon, an extended source surrounding the Cygnus X star-forming region, suggest the presence of a cosmic ray accelerator reaching energies up to a few PeV. The very-high-energy (VHE; 0.1-100~TeV) $\gamma$-ray emission may be explained by the interaction of cosmic-ray hadrons with matter inside the Cocoon, but an origin of inverse Compton radiation by relativistic electrons cannot be ruled out. Inverse Compton $\gamma$-rays at VHE are accompanied by synchrotron radiation peaked in X-rays. Hence, X-ray observations may probe the electron population and magnetic field of the source. We observed eleven fields in or near the Cygnus Cocoon with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory's X-Ray Telescope (Swift-XRT) totaling 110 ksec. We fit the fields to a Galactic and extra-galactic background model and performed a log-likelihood ratio test for an additional diffuse component. We found no significant additional emission and established upper limits in each field. By assuming that the X-ray intensity traces the TeV intensity and follows an dN/dE ∝ E -2.5 spectrum, we obtained a 90% upper limit of F X < 8.7 x 10 -11 erg cm -2 s -1 or 5.2 x10 -11 erg cm -2 s -1 on the X-ray flux of the entire Cygnus Cocoon between 2 and 10 keV depending on the choice of hydrogen column density model. This suggests that no more than one quarter of the $\gamma$-ray flux at 1 TeV is produced by inverse Compton scattering, when assuming an equipartition magnetic field of ~20 μG.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Pair Cascades in Magnetar Magnetospheres

Resonant inverse Compton scattering (RICS) of soft thermal photons by relativistic particles on closed magnetic field loops has been proposed to explain the hard emission observed up to and beyond 200 keV from magnetars. If particles injected at the base of the loops have Lorentz factors ≳10 2 , the RICS spectra will be attenuated by both one-photon pair production and photon splitting in the ultrastrong magnetar fields, producing additional spectral components from pair synchrotron radiation and split photons that produce further generations of pairs and split photons. We investigate such cascades initiated by the primary injected electrons through a Monte Carlo simulation, and study the cascade spectra and pair distributions. For most observer angles, the pair synchrotron and split-photon spectra dominate the RICS primary spectra and produce complex polarization signals. In particular, the synchrotron spectra are highly polarized with degree 40%–80%, are softer than the RICS spectra, and may account for the high polarization of some magnetar spectra observed by the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer above 3 keV.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Nucleon structure studies: DVCS on polarised protons with the CLAS12 experiment, and development of Micromegas detectors for EIC

The quark and gluon structure of nucleons is crucial for understanding the origin of their mass and spin. This information is encoded in structure function such as Generalised Parton Distributions (GPDs), which provide a three-dimensional picture of the nucleon in terms of its constituents. Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) offers the most direct access to GPDs, but their extraction requires high-precision measurements of multiple observables over a wide kinematic range. In 2022 and 2023 the CLAS12 experiment at Jefferson Lab (JLab) collected data from polarised electron scattering on a longitudinally polarised proton target, enabling the first measurement of polarised DVCS asymmetries at JLab 12GeV kinematics. This thesis will present preliminary measurement of the beam, target and double spin DVCS asymmetries from the CLAS12 polarised proton target data. Nucleon structure studies will also constitute a major part of the physics program at the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). The development of the first detector at the EIC is ongoing and it requires light Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) for its tracking system. This thesis further reports initial tests of Micromegas MPGDs with a two-dimensional readout developed for EIC.

Polcher, Samy [Univ. Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette ↗