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At least 307 records · Page 17

Inclusive, prompt and non-prompt J/ψ production at midrapidity in p-Pb collisions at $ \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $ = 5.02 TeV

A measurement of inclusive, prompt, and non-prompt J/ψ production in p-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy √ s NN = 5.02 TeV is presented. The inclusive J/ψ mesons are reconstructed in the dielectron decay channel at midrapidity down to a transverse momentum p T = o. The inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor R pPb is calculated by comparing the new results in p-Pb collisions to a recently measured proton-proton reference at the same centre-of-mass energy. Non-prompt J/ψ mesons, which originate from the decay of beauty hadrons, are separated from promptly produced J/ψ on a statistical basis for p T larger than 1.0 GeV/c. These results are based on the data sample collected by the ALICE detector during the 2016 LHC p-Pb run, corresponding to an integrated luminosity L int = 292 ± 11 μb –1 , which is six times larger than the previous publications. The total uncertainty on the p T -integrated inclusive J/ψ and non-prompt J/ψ cross section are reduced by a factor 1.7 and 2.2, respectively. The measured cross sections and R pPb are compared with theoretical models that include various combinations of cold nuclear matter effects. From the non-prompt J/ψ production cross section, the bb¯ production cross section at midrapidity, dσ bb¯ /dy, and the total cross section extrapolated over full phase space, σ bb¯ , are derived.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Measurement of ψ (2S) production as a function of charged-particle pseudorapidity density in pp collisions at $ \sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV and p–Pb collisions at $ \sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}$ = 8.16 TeV with ALICE at the LHC

Production of inclusive charmonia in pp collisions at center-of-mass energy of $ \sqrt{s}$= 13 TeV and p–Pb collisions at center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $ \sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}$ = 8.16 TeV is studied as a function of charged-particle pseudorapidity density with ALICE. Ground and excited charmonium states (J/ψ, ψ(2S)) are measured from their dimuon decays in the interval of rapidity in the center-of-mass frame 2.5 < y cms < 4.0 for pp collisions, and 2.03 < y cms < 3.53 and –4.46 < y cms < –2.96 for p–Pb collisions. The charged-particle pseudorapidity density is measured around midrapidity (|η| < 1.0). In pp collisions, the measured charged-particle multiplicity extends to about six times the average value, while in p-Pb collisions at forward (backward) rapidity a multiplicity corresponding to about three (four) times the average is reached. The ψ(2S) yield increases with the charged-particle pseudorapidity density. The ratio of ψ(2S) over J/ψ yield does not show a significant multiplicity dependence in either colliding system, suggesting a similar behavior of J/ψ and ψ(2S) yields with respect to charged-particle pseudorapidity density. Results for the ψ(2S) yield and its ratio with respect to J/ψ agree with available model calculations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Measurement of nuclear effects on ψ(2S) production in p-Pb collisions at $ \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 8.16 TeV

Inclusive ψ (2S) production is measured in p-Pb collisions at the centre-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair \( \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} \) = 8.16 TeV, using the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The production of ψ (2S) is studied at forward (203 < y cms < 3 . 53) and backward (-4.46 < y cms < -2.96) centre-of-mass rapidity and for transverse momentum p T < 12 GeV/ c via the decay to muon pairs. In this paper, we report the integrated as well as the y cms - and p T -differential inclusive production cross sections. Nuclear effects on ψ (2S) production are studied via the determination of the nuclear modification factor that shows a strong suppression at both forward and backward centre-of-mass rapidities. Comparisons with corresponding results for inclusive J/ ψ show a similar suppression for the two states at forward rapidity (p-going direction), but a stronger suppression for ψ (2S) at backward rapidity (Pb-going direction). As a function of p T , no clear dependence of the nuclear modification factor is found. The relative size of nuclear effects on ψ (2S) production compared to J/ ψ is also studied via the double ratio of production cross sections [ σ ψ (2S) /σ J /ψ ]pPb/[ σ ψ (2S) /σ J /ψ ] pp between p-Pb and pp collisions. The results are compared with theoretical models that include various effects related to the initial and final state of the collision system and also with previous measurements at \( \sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} \) = 5.02 TeV.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Production of $ {\textrm{K}}_{\textrm{S}}^0 $, Λ ($ \overline{\Lambda}$), Ξ ± , and Ω ± in jets and in the underlying event in pp and p–Pb collisions

The production of strange hadrons ($K^{0}_{S}$, Λ, Ξ ± , and Ω ± ), baryon-to-meson ratios (Λ/$K^{0}_{S}$, Ξ/$K^{0}_{S}$, and Ω/$K^{0}_{S}$), and baryon-to-baryon ratios (Ξ/Λ, Ω/Λ, and Ω/Ξ) associated with jets and the underlying event were measured as a function of transverse momentum (p T ) in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV and p Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The inclusive production of the same particle species and the corresponding ratios are also reported. The production of multi-strange hadrons, Ξ ± and Ω ± , and their associated particle ratios in jets and in the underlying event are measured for the first time. In both pp and p–Pb collisions, the baryon-to-meson and baryon-to-baryon yield ratios measured in jets differ from the inclusive particle production for low and intermediate hadron p T (0.6–6 GeV/c). Ratios measured in the underlying event are in turn similar to those measured for inclusive particle production. In pp collisions, the particle production in jets is compared with P YTHIA 8 predictions with three colour-reconnection implementation modes. None of them fully reproduces the data in the measured hadron p T region. The maximum deviation is observed for Ξ ± and Ω ± which reaches a factor of about six. The event multiplicity dependence is further investigated in p–Pb collisions. In contrast to what is observed in the underlying event, there is no significant event-multiplicity dependence for particle production in jets. The presented measurements provide novel constraints on hadronisation and its Monte Carlo description. In particular, they demonstrate that the fragmentation of jets alone is insufficient to describe the strange and multi-strange particle production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Microstructural Coarsening Kinetics and Mechanical Property Changes in Long-Term Aged Sn–Pb–Sb Solder Joints

Tin-lead-antimony (50Sn–47Pb–3Sb wt.%) soldered assemblies were mechanically tested approximately 30 years after initial production and found to have solder joints of reduced strength. The microstructure of this solder alloy exhibits a ternary eutectic structure with Sn-rich, Pb-rich, and SnSb phases. Accelerated aging was performed to evaluate solder microstructural coarsening and associated strength of laboratory solder joints to correlate these properties to the “naturally aged” solder joints. Isothermal aging was conducted at room temperature, 55, 70, 100, and 135 °C and aging times that ranged from 0.1 to 365 days. The coarsening kinetics of the Pb-rich phase were determined through optical microscopy and image analysis methods established in previous studies on binary Sn–Pb solder. A kinetic equation was developed with time exponent n of 0.43 and activation energy of 24000 J/mol, suggesting grain boundary diffusion or other fast diffusion pathways controlling the microstructural evolution. Compression testing and Vickers microhardness showed significant strength loss within the first 20–30 days after soldering; then, the microstructure and mechanical properties changed more slowly over long periods of time. Further, by combining accelerated aging data and the microstructure-based kinetics, strength predictions were made that match well with the properties of the actual soldered assemblies naturally aged for 30 years. However, aging at the highest temperature of 135 °C produced anomalous behavior suggesting that extraneous aging mechanisms are active. Therefore, data obtained at this temperature or higher should not be used. Overall, the combined microstructural and mechanical property methods used in this study confirmed that the observed reduction in strength of ~ 30-year-old solder joints can be accounted for by the microstructural coarsening that takes place during long-term solid-state aging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Separation of K + and Bi 3+ displacements in a Pb-free, monoclinic piezoelectric at the morphotropic phase boundary

The best piezoelectric properties of any perovskite oxide known are found in the solid solution of the relaxor Pb (Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 and ferroelectric PbTiO 3 . Despite its impressive properties, this system has limited analogy. We present the compositional exploration of the Pb-free analogue (1-x)(K 1/2 Bi 1/2 )(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -x(K 1/2 Bi 1/2 )TiO 3 (KBMN-KBT). We locate the morphotropic phase boundary between x = 0.86 and 0.88 changing from Cm to Pm symmetry and the optimally performing composition at x = 0.88. We report a piezoelectric figure of merit (d 33 *) of 192 pm V —1 from strain measurements. Diffraction methods reveal disordered displacements of K + and Bi 3+ which persist from the KBMN endmember through multiple changes in symmetry. Rearrangement of the Bi 3+ displacements along the uncommon [011] c direction drives the physical response. Ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoresponse force microscopy are used to study the progression of physical properties through the MPB and attribute the mechanism to a polarization rotation. Taking account for local, short-range, and average structural features yield a balanced perspective on the structure and properties of this system, isolating the driving force within this system to the Bi 3+ bonding configuration. This work yields a strong analogy to the Pb-based analogue, and provides strategies for further optimization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploration of methods to remove implanted 210 Pb and 210 Po contamination from silicon surfaces

Radioactive contaminants on the surfaces of detector components can be a problematic source of background events for physics experiments searching for rare processes. Exposure to radon is a specific concern because it can result in the relatively long-lived 210 Pb (and progeny) being implanted to significant subsurface depths such that removal is challenging. Here, in this article, we present results from a broad exploration of cleaning treatments to remove implanted 210 Pb and 210 Po contamination from silicon, which is a material frequently used in rare-events searches. We demonstrate for the first time that heat treatments (“baking”) can effectively mitigate such surface contamination, with a 1200 °C bake resulting in a 97$^{+2}_{-3}$% reduction. We also report results using wet-chemistry and plasma-based methods, which show that etching can be highly effective provided the etch depth is sufficiently aggressive. Our survey of cleaning methods suggests consideration of multiple approaches during the different phases of detector construction to enable greater flexibility for efficient removal of 210 Pb and 210 Po surface contamination.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

First observation of a shape isomer and a low-lying strongly-coupled prolate band in neutron-deficient semi-magic 187 Pb

Prompt and delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient, semi-magic isotope 187Pb has been performed using the recoil-decay and isomer-decay tagging techniques at the Argonne Gas-Filled Analyzer. A new 5.15(15)-mu s isomeric state at only 308 keV above the spherical 3/2 - ground state is identified and classified as a shape isomer. A strongly-coupled band is observed on top of the isomer, which is nearly identical to the one built on the prolate 7/2 - [514] Nilsson state in the isotone 185 Hg. Based on this similarity and on the result of the potential-energy surface calculations, the new isomer in 187 Pb is proposed to originate from the same configuration. The retarded character of the 308-keV (7/2( - )→ 3/2$_{gs}^{-}$ transition with a deduced B(E2) = 5.6(2) x 10 -4 W.u. can be well explained by the significant difference between the prolate parent and spherical daughter configurations, leading to the shape isomerism. The excitation energy of the isomer is surprisingly low, being roughly half of the excitation energies of the known 0 + intruder bandheads in the neighboring 186,188 Pb isotopes. The combined results of the present work and the previous alpha-decay and laser spectroscopy studies present evidence for triple shape coexistence at low energy in the negative-parity configurations of 187 Pb, which is well reproduced by the potential-energy surface calculations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Broad Distribution of Local Polar States Generates Large Electrothermal Properties in Pb-Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics

Electrothermal energy conversion provides attractive solutions for global energy management, such as energy harvesting from waste heat using pyroelectric energy conversion (PEC) and efficient cooling of portable electronics or data servers using the electrocaloric effect. Relaxor ferroelectrics are attractive for electrothermal energy conversion because of their large pyroelectric coefficients over a wide temperature range. Although Pb-based relaxors are well-known, toxicity concerns have mandated the intense search for Pb-free alternatives. Here, we engineered (Ba,Ca)TiO 3 -based relaxors based on a multisite doping strategy, which show promising electrothermal performance, viz. a maximum PEC efficiency of 14% and electrocaloric refrigeration capacity of 115 J/kg. Using local-scale structural analysis, we provide an atomistic model for large electrothermal properties in the newly designed Pb-free ferroelectrics, whereby a temperature-independent continuous distribution of cation displacement directions creates easy pathways for microscopic polarization reorientation. This research provides key structural insight for future atomic-scale engineering of environmentally sustainable ferroelectrics in energy applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stabilized Charge, Spin, and Orbital Ordering by the 6s 2 Lone Pair in Bi 0.5 Pb 0.5 MnO 3

Bi and Pb ions with charge degree of freedom depending on 6s 2 and 6s 0 electronic configurations were combined with the Mn ion in a perovskite oxide. Comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigations revealed the Bi 3+ 0.5 Pb 2+ 0.5 Mn 3+ 0.5 Mn 4+ 0.5 O 3 charge ordered state with CE-type spin and dz 2 orbital orderings as observed in La 0.5 Ca 0.5 MnO 3 , Nd 0.5 Sr 0.5 MnO 3 , and Bi 0.5 Sr 0.5 MnO 3 . Finally, the charge and orbital orderings were preserved above 500 K owing to the stereochemical activity of Bi 3+ and Pb 2+ ions which stabilized the structural distortion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Systematic Characterization on Optical and Phonon Properties of Cs[Pb x Sn 1– x ]I 3 Alloyed Perovskites via First-Principles Modeling

Here, understanding the optical properties and phonon thermodynamic features of materials enables the determination of their viability for optoelectronic applications including optical-based gas sensors. Metal halide perovskites ABX 3 as well as their mixed alloys can be attractive in applications of this kind. In particular, the formation of alloyed perovskites A[B x B’ 1–x ]X 3 modulates the functional characteristics that can overtake the single-halide ABX 3 . To this end, we use the first-principles simulations to model the effect of B-site alloying on the optical and phonon properties of cubic Cs[Pb x Sn 1–x ]I 3 (x = 0.75, 0.50, and 0.25). We identified the systematic shifts of optical properties as a function of alloying concentration, such as dielectric constants, refraction indices, and absorption coefficients. It was also found that a linear correlation exists between the optical constants and the band gaps of these materials, which satisfies the Penn model. Modeling of phonons in Cs[Pb x Sn 1–x ]I 3 showed that dissipating the dynamically unstable phonons can be feasible at a carefully chosen alloying concentration, which are originally present in their single-halide Pb- and Sn-ends. Our findings pave a way to optimize the alloying conditions of the alloyed perovskite systems of interest for tuning their optical and phonon stability characteristics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Prolonged Stability of Pb-Catalyzed CO 2 Electroreduction to Methyl Formate in Acidic Methanol

Electrochemical CO 2 reduction from renewable energy is a promising route to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from waste sources while generating value-added products. CO 2 electroreduction in methanol is particularly interesting due to the increased CO 2 solubility compared to water and the propensity to form methyl formate, a product absent in aqueous electrolysis. Here, four factors have been identified as critical to achieving prolonged high selectivity for methyl formate production on a Pb cathode in methanol: high pH near the electrode, low bulk pH, low water content, and regeneration of Pb 2+ sites. Increasing concentration of the formic acid product was observed to induce a selectivity shift towards hydrogen, which was mitigated by the in-situ conversion of the formic acid to methyl formate via an esterification reaction. Furthermore, co-electrolysis of CO 2 with dilute molecular oxygen (4% O 2 ) led to Pb catalyst repair through in-situ surface oxidation. Using CO 2 and dilute O 2 along with single-pass catholyte flow to maintain a low formic acid concentration, sustained high selectivity for methyl formate was attained at ~60% faradaic efficiency at -20 mA cm -2 for over 72 hours.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Surface Sn(IV) Hydrolysis Improves Inorganic Sn–Pb Perovskite Solar Cells

Cesium tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskites are exceptional for their combined capabilities in unlocking ideal bandgaps for solar cells and mitigating the stability issue faced by their hybrid organic-inorganic counterparts. But the development of high-performance solar cells using these materials is retarded by their inherent high density of detrimental Sn(IV) defects. Herein, we demonstrate a sequential surface treatment method, which entails a Sn(II) halide treatment to displace the buried Sn(IV) ions underneath the film surface, followed by a H 2 O treatment to hydrolyze the displaced Sn(IV) ions. The surface treatment induces chemical and microstructural reconstructions that significantly improve the optoelectronic properties and stability of perovskites. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 16.79% and a T 90 stability of 958 h are achieved, topping all previously reported performance parameters for inorganic Sn-Pb PSCs. This achievement further shortens the performance gap between all-inorganic and hybrid organic- inorganic Sn-Pb PSCs with sub-1.4 eV bandgaps.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Reducing Pb and Cl Mobility in Waste-to-Energy Fly Ashes via Chlorellestadite Formation

Sustainably sourced development minerals are vital to meeting the demand for low-carbon construction materials. A potential waste material that can be a low-carbon construction material for cementitious systems is waste-to-energy fly ash (WTE ash), a by-product of waste incineration. WTE ash contains chloride-bearing species and heavy metals, which can promote steel reinforcement corrosion and present long-term leaching risks. Here, we present a new multi-step ash treatment protocol involving dissolution and heating to transform the non-readily removable chlorides in WTE ash to Chlorellestadite (Ca 10 (SiO 4 ) 3 (SO 4 ) 3 Cl 2 ). Our results suggest that this transformation significantly reduces chloride release from WTE ash in an alkaline cement-like environment by over two orders of magnitude, from 1500 mg/l to less than 10 mg/l. This transformation also significantly reduces Pb mobility after treatment (from > 5 mg/l to < 0.5 mg/l), likely caused by the crystallo-chemical incorporation of Pb in Chlorellestadite. In contrast to the existing ash treatment methods, the proposed ash treatment protocol minimizes heavy metals volatilization while simultaneously reducing Pb mobility and chloride release through Chlorellestadite formation. Furthermore, these findings overcome limitations preventing the commercial use of WTE ash and thus opening up pathways towards a circular economy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemical Design of Pb-Free Relaxors for Giant Capacitive Energy Storage

Dielectric capacitors have captured substantial attention for advanced electrical and electronic systems. Developing dielectrics with high energy density and high storage efficiency is challenging owing to the high compositional diversity and the lack of general guidelines. Herein, we propose a map that captures the structural distortion ($\delta$) and tolerance factor (t) of perovskites to design Pb-free relaxors with extremely high capacitive energy storage. Our map shows how to select ferroelectric with large $\delta$ and paraelectric components to form relaxors with a t value close to 1 and thus obtaining eliminated hysteresis and large polarization under a high electric breakdown. Taking the Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 TiO 3 -based solid solution as an example, we demonstrate that composition-driven predominant order-disorder characteristic of local atomic polar displacements endows the relaxor with a slushlike structure and strong local polar fluctuations at several nanoscale. This leads to a giant recoverable energy density of 13.6 J cm -3 , along with an ultrahigh efficiency of 94%, which is far beyond the current performance boundary reported in Pb-free bulk ceramics. In conclusion, our work provides a solution through rational chemical design for obtaining Pb-free relaxors with outstanding energy-storage properties.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Group IV topological quantum alloy and the role of short-range order: the case of Ge-rich Ge 1– x Pb x

Despite the explosion of interest in topological materials over the last decades, their applications remain limited due to challenges in growth and incorporation with today’s microelectronics. As a potential bridge to close this gap, we investigate the group-IV alloy Ge 1–x Pb x , in the Ge-rich condition using density functional theory and show that relatively low concentrations of Pb (~9.4%) can lead to a topological phase transition. Furthermore, the calculation of the Z 2 invariant for both the random alloy and the alloy with short-range order (SRO) indicate that the topological phase of the material can be directly modified by the degree of SRO. These findings are understood in terms of local structural relaxation, which decreases the bandgap in the random alloy. However, in the SRO case, the mutual avoidance of Pb leads to minimal structural relaxation, alleviating strain. Our findings not only highlight the emerging importance of SRO in alloy properties but also indicate the possibility of constructing topological interfaces between materials of identical composition (and nominally identical structure). Moreover, they uncover a viable avenue toward the monolithic integration of quantum materials with today’s semiconductor industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Diamine chelates for increased stability in mixed Sn–Pb and all-perovskite tandem solar cells

Perovskite tandem solar cells show promising performance but non-radiative recombination and its progressive worsening with time, especially in the mixed Sn–Pb low-bandgap layer, limit performance and stability. Here, in this study, we find that mixed Sn–Pb perovskite thin films exhibit a compositional gradient, with an excess of Sn on the surface – and we show this gradient exacerbates oxidation and increases the recombination rate. We find that diamines preferentially chelate Sn atoms, removing them from the film surface and achieving a more balanced Sn:Pb stoichiometry, making the surface of the film resistive to the oxidation of Sn. The process forms an electrically resistive low-dimensional barrier layer, passivating defects and reducing interface recombination. Further improving the homogeneity of the barrier layer using 1,2-diaminopropane results in more uniform distribution and passivation. Tandems achieve a power conversion efficiency of 28.8%. As a result, encapsulated tandems retain 90% of initial efficiency following 1000 hours of operating at the maximum power point under simulated one-sun illumination in air without cooling.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Ab initio predictions link the neutron skin of 208 Pb to nuclear forces

Heavy atomic nuclei have an excess of neutrons over protons, which leads to the formation of a neutron skin whose thickness is sensitive to details of the nuclear force. This links atomic nuclei to properties of neutron stars, thereby relating objects that differ in size by orders of magnitude. The nucleus 208 Pb is of particular interest because it exhibits a simple structure and is experimentally accessible. However, computing such a heavy nucleus has been out of reach for ab initio theory. By combining advances in quantum many-body methods, statistical tools and emulator technology, we make quantitative predictions for the properties of 208 Pb starting from nuclear forces that are consistent with symmetries of low-energy quantum chromodynamics. We explore 10 9 different nuclear force parameterizations via history matching, confront them with data in select light nuclei and arrive at an importance-weighted ensemble of interactions. We accurately reproduce bulk properties of 208 Pb and determine the neutron skin thickness, which is smaller and more precise than a recent extraction from parity-violating electron scattering but in agreement with other experimental probes. This work demonstrates how realistic two- and three-nucleon forces act in a heavy nucleus and allows us to make quantitative predictions across the nuclear landscape.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗