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DOE OSTI2025

Level structure of light neutron-rich La isotopes beyond the 𝑁 = 82 shell closure

Here, the high spin excited states of Lanthanum isotopes 140–143 La, above the 𝑁 = 82 closed shell, were populated in fission reactions. The prompt 𝛾-ray transitions were measured using two complementary methods: (a) in coincidence with the isotopically identified fragments produced in the fission of the 238 U + 9 Be system using the Variable Mode Spectrometer (VAMOS++) and the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) spectrometer, and (b) high statistics threefold 𝛾−𝛾−𝛾 and fourfold 𝛾−𝛾−𝛾−𝛾 coincidence data from the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf using the Gammasphere. This work reports the first identification of a pair of parity doublet structures in 143 La and the new high spin level structure in 140–142 La from prompt 𝛾-ray spectroscopy. The level structures are interpreted in terms of the systematics of neighboring odd-𝑍 nuclei above the 𝑍 = 50 shell closure and large-scale shell model calculations. The present results indicate the presence of stable octupole deformation in 143 La. The excitation energy pattern and their comparison with neighboring isotones, moving away from the 𝑁 = 82 closed shell, point towards a transition from single-particle structures to an alternating parity rotational band structure in the La isotopic chain.

Navin, A. [Centre National de la Recherche Scienti↗
DOE OSTI2026

First Observation of Multiphonon 𝛾-Vibrations in an Odd-Odd Nuclear System

Here, the identification of the first multiphonon 𝛾-vibrational bands in an odd-odd neutron-rich nucleus of the nuclear chart is presented. These high-spin structures of hard to access $^{104}_{41}\textrm{Nb}_{63}$, produced in fission, were studied by combining a spectrometer with isotopic resolution coupled to a 𝛾-ray tracking array and independently from high-fold 𝛾 coincidence measurements. Triaxial projected shell model calculations for the high-spin states are in good agreement with the measured observables for the yrast, one-phonon, and two-phonon 𝛾 bands. The possibility of an oblate shape of an isomeric state and coexistence of triaxial and oblate configurations is investigated from the decay of the 141 keV isomer. The present Letter illustrates the robustness of vibration excitations in the presence of an odd valence proton and neutron as well as the possibly coexisting shapes beyond the 𝑁 = 60 transitional region.

Wang, E. H. [Shandong Univ., Jinan (China); Vander↗
DOE OSTI2026

Shape evolution in neutron-rich odd-even 105–109 Nb isotopes

Background: Neutron-rich nuclei around 𝑍 ≈ 40 are well known for exhibiting multiple shape transitions. Here, this region shows one of the sharpest shape transitions in the nuclear chart, evolving from a spherical vibrator at 𝑁 = 58 to a strongly deformed prolate shape at 𝑁 = 60. The largest deformations are observed for 38 Sr and 40 Zr . This abrupt shape transition disappears at 𝑍 = 36 and below, where a shape transition from spherical to oblate nuclei is predicted. On the other hand, for 𝑍 ≥ 42 and 𝑁 ≥ 60, the shape is known to evolve from axial to triaxial. While the even-𝑍 nuclei in this region have already been extensively studied, new insights can be gained from the studies of odd-𝑍 isotopes for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these phenomena. Purpose: The 41 Nb nuclei lie at the boundary between axially deformed Zr and triaxially deformed Mo nuclei. This work investigates the nuclear structure of very neutron-rich Nb nuclei up to 𝑁 = 68. The goal is to understand how the nuclear shape evolves as a function of isospin in this isotopic chain and provide new insights into the emergence of triaxial deformation. Methods: The structure of the neutron-rich Nb isotopes was investigated using state-of-the-art high-resolution 𝛾-ray spectroscopy of fission fragments produced via two different fission reactions. The use of 9 Be ⁢( 238 U, 𝑓) inverse kinematics, with a detection system comprising AGATA, EXOGAM, and VAMOS++, enabled the measurement of prompt and delayed 𝛾 rays from isotopically identified fission fragments, and 𝛾−𝛾−𝛾−𝛾 highfold data were obtained from a spontaneous fission source of 252 Cf using the Gammasphere array. Results: The level scheme of 105 Nb has been significantly extended, with the addition of two negative-parity bands observed for the first time. A new level scheme is proposed for 107 Nb, which is not in agreement with an earlier measurement, and new levels and transitions have been added to the very neutron-rich 109 Nb. The degree of triaxiality of the new bands is discussed on the basis of signature splitting analysis. The recently reported level scheme of 99 Nb has been revised. Conclusions: This systematic study on the Nb isotopic chain, compared to Zr and Mo, indicates that while the ground-state band exhibits a triaxial deformation, attributed to a proton hole coupled to a triaxially deformed Mo core, the negative-parity bands, based on isomeric bandheads, display an axially symmetric deformed structure, similar to that observed in the Zr isotopes, revealing the existence of a shape coexistence in the neutron-rich Nb nuclei.

Abushawish, M. [Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1 (↗
DOE OSTI2026

Triaxiality of neutron-rich ruthenium nuclei studied by lifetime measurements

The breaking of axial symmetry in nuclei enables otherwise precluded behaviours, making it an interesting phenomenon to study. Experimental fingerprints such as very low-lying $2^+_2$ states suggest pronounced triaxial deformation for the neutron-rich ruthenium isotopes. Nevertheless, theoretical calculations differ in the description of the triaxial deformation and its evolution with neutron number, making experimental data crucial to understanding it. We investigated the evolution of the degree of triaxiality and $γ$ rigidity in neutron-rich ruthenium isotopes by measuring lifetimes of excited states in 108-112 Ru with the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. The experiment was carried out at the Grand Accélérateur National d’Ions Lourds using the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array coupled to the Variable Mode Spectrometer. We obtained B(E2) values for 29 transitions in the studied nuclei and compared them with fully microscopic symmetry conserving configuration mixing calculations, and phenomenological generalized triaxial rotor and triaxial particle-rotor models. The models generally reproduce the measured transition strengths, and show an increase in triaxiality with neutron number, reaching near maximum triaxiality in 112 Ru. The results are consistent with a transition from soft to rigid motion as the neutron number increases.

Heines, Johannes Sorby [Univ. of Oslo (Norway); No↗
DOE OSTI2024

G EANT 4 atomic relaxation data for transfermium nuclei (Z = 101–104)

Advanced theoretical methods can accurately calculate various atomic observables and predict electronic structure. Still, systematic computations of the radiative and non-radiative transition probabilities and energies are missing for the actinides and all the transfermium elements. However, these compilations are needed for comprehensive Monte-Carlo simulations (such as GEANT4) of the radioactive decay of transfermium nuclei. These simulations can forma basis for data analysis of experiments, especially with complex detection setups. Investigation of the transfermium nuclei is crucial for understanding the nature of the nuclear force. In this study, simulations based on data from the Jena Atomic Calculator (JAC) and the data from the Evaluated Atomic Data Library (EADL) present in GEANT4 were found compatible for the three elements Ba(Z = 56), U(Z = 92), and Fm(Z = 100), thus, validating the JAC calculations. For Z> 100, we also found sound agreement between simulations that used data generated with JAC and experimental results involving No(Z = 102) and Rf(Z = 104) isotopes. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that JAC can produce reliable atomic data sets for transfermium elements, which will assist in analyzing nuclear-decay-spectroscopy experiments.

GEANT4↗
DOE OSTI2025

The critical importance of software for HEP

Particle physics has an ambitious and broad global experimental programme for the coming decades. Large investments in building new facilities are already underway or under consideration. Scaling the present processing power and data storage needs by the foreseen increase in data rates in the next decade for HL-LHC is not sustainable within the current budgets. As a result, a more efficient usage of computing resources is required in order to realise the physics potential of future experiments. Software and computing are an integral part of experimental design, trigger and data acquisition, simulation, reconstruction, and analysis, as well as related theoretical predictions. A significant investment in computing and software is therefore critical. Advances in software and computing, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), will be key for solving these challenges. Making better use of new processing hardware such as graphical processing units (GPUs) or ARM chips is a growing trend. This forms part of a computing solution that makes efficient use of facilities and contributes to the reduction of the environmental footprint of HEP computing. The HEP community already provided a roadmap for software and computing for the last EPPSU, and this paper updates that, with a focus on the most resource critical parts of our data processing chain.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Precision measurements of Higgs hadronic decay modes at the FCC-ee

The expected precision at the FCC-ee on the product $σ$ x $\mathcal{B} \large{(}H → b\bar{b}, c\bar{c}, s\bar{s}, gg\large{)}$ of Higgs boson production cross sections times branching ratios of hadronic decays is presented. This study provides the first comprehensive determination of all major hadronic Higgs decay modes in a combined fit at future $e^+e^−$ colliders, using both Higgs-strahlung $(ZH)$ and Vector boson fusion $(v\bar{v}H)$ production processes, with a full treatment of interference effects in the $v\bar{v}jj$ final state. It assumes four identical IDEA detectors collecting $e^+e^−$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 240 and 365 GeV. The combination of all channels across both energies, with full covariance between production and decay modes, yields a production cross-section times branching-ratio precision at the percent to per-mil level for the dominant hadronic final states $(b\bar{b}, c\bar{c}, gg)$. These results provide a comprehensive input to the determination of Higgs coupling projections at the FCC-ee, and they establish for the first time sensitivity to the rare decay $H → s\bar{s}$, demonstrating that FCC-ee has the potential to provide evidence of the strange-quark Yukawa coupling.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

ZTF SN Ia DR2 follow-up: Exploring the origin of the Type Ia supernova host galaxy step through Si II velocities

The relation between Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the stellar masses of their host galaxy is well documented. In particular, Hubble residuals display a distinct luminosity shift based on host mass. This is known as the mass step. This effect is widely used as an additional correction factor in the standardisation of SN Ia luminosities. We investigate the Hubble residuals and the mass step of normal SNe Ia in the context of Si IIλ6355 velocities based on 277 normal SNe Ia that are near their peak in the second data release (DR2) of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). We divided the sample into high-velocity (HV) and normal-velocity (NV) SNe Ia, separated at 12,000 km s −1 . This produced a sample of 70 HV and 207 NV objects. We then explored potential environment- and/or progenitor-related effects by investigating the Si IIλ6355 velocities with parameters such as the light-curve stretch x 1 , the colour c, and the host galaxy properties. Although we only find a marginal difference between the Hubble residuals of HV and NV SNe Ia, the NV mass step is 0.149 ± 0.024 mag (6.3σ). The HV mass step is smaller, 0.046 ± 0.041 mag (1.1σ), and is consistent with zero. The difference between the NV and HV mass steps is modest, at ∼2.2σ. Moreover, the clearest subtype difference appears for SNe in central regions (d DLR < 1), where NV SNe Ia show a large mass step, whereas HV SNe Ia are consistent with no step, yielding a difference of 3.1–3.6σ between NV and HV SNe Ia. We observe a host-colour step for both subtypes. NV SNe Ia show a step of 0.142 ± 0.024 mag (5.9σ), while HV SNe Ia show a step of 0.158 ± 0.042 mag (3.8σ), where the HV SNe Ia step appears to be larger, but the significance is lower because the sample size is smaller. Overall, the NV and HV colour steps are statistically consistent. HV SNe Ia also show modest (∼2.5–3σ) steps in certain subsets, such as those in outer regions (d DLR > 1), whereas NV SNe display stronger environmental trends. Our results indicate that NV SNe Ia appear to be more environmentally sensitive, particularly in central likely metal-rich and older regions, while HV SNe Ia show weaker and subset-dependent trends. This suggests that applying a universal mass-step correction might introduce biases, and that incorporating refined classifications and/or environment-dependent factors, such as the location within the host, might improve future cosmological analyses beyond the standard x 1 and c cuts.

supernovae: general↗
DOE OSTI2026

Nuclear cold QCD: Review and future strategy

This review examines data from hadron-nucleus collisions, primarily focusing on hard processes like Drell-Yan, heavy flavor, and quarkonium production. It highlights observed modifications of particle yields as functions of momentum and rapidity, aiming to clarify the underlying QCD effects on cold nuclear matter. It outlines strategies for future experiments, including the Electron-Ion Collider, to distinguish between these effects. Key questions address the universality of suppression mechanisms and the role of nonperturbative physics, providing a road map for upcoming measurements of hadrons on nuclei.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heavy quark mass effects in charged-current deep-inelastic scattering at approximate NNLO in the Aivazis-Collins-Olness-Tung scheme

The approximate SACOT-𝜒 scheme for heavy quark production in deep-inelastic scattering was initially formulated for the neutral current structure functions 𝐹 2 and 𝐹 𝐿 . We extend this approach to the charged current case (also including 𝐹 3 ), and thereby complete the definitions for the most relevant inclusive structure functions. Furthermore, we implement these structure functions in the open-source code APFEL++ which provides fast numerical evaluations over a wide kinematic range; this addition to the APFEL++ code is publicly available, with details provided in the Appendix. This SACOT-𝜒 implementation enables detailed numerical insights on the mass dependence of the structure functions and cross sections in the (𝑥,𝑄 2 )-plane for both neutral and charged current processes. We consider kinematic regions relevant for the experimental measurements from fixed-target 𝜈⁢ DIS experiments (NuTeV, CCFR, and Chorus) and HERA, and also projections for the upcoming EIC. In particular, the 𝜈⁢ DIS experiments reveal a surprisingly strong dependence on the mass effects, offering valuable insights that may help resolve long-standing challenges in accurately describing these datasets.

Risse, P. [Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münst↗
DOE OSTI2025

Fermi-LAT Captures a Late-2024 Gamma-Ray Outburst near Two Newly Identified Gamma-Ray-emitting Galactic Supernova Remnants, without Evidence of Physical Association

We report the gamma-ray study of two neighboring in the sky Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs), namely, 3C 434.1 (or G094.0+01.0) and G093.7–00.2. In the vicinity of the two SNRs, a late-2024 gamma-ray outburst—not physically connected to the SNRs—was detected with the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Employing 16.5 yr of Fermi-LAT data, we report the first firm detection of the gamma-ray counterpart of 3C 434.1 at a 7.2σ significance and a likely detection of an enhanced gamma-ray emission signal at a 4.5σ level from G093.7–00.2. The late-2024 gamma-ray outburst is detected at a ∼12σ significance level over a duration of 3 days. For all three objects, a comprehensive morphological and spectral analysis of the corresponding gamma-ray data was conducted. The prevalent scenario for the nature of the gamma-ray emission of both SNRs is attributed to their surrounding environment. Both are likely interacting with nearby dense material, resulting in hadronically induced gamma-ray emission. We deduce that the outburst source is most likely a blazar in flare, linked to the compact, flat-spectrum radio source TXS 2138+527 (also known as NVSS J213953+530016). Further, the spectral analysis of the gamma-ray source conducted within the 100 MeV–800 GeV energy range using the complete LAT data sets, which yielded a soft averaged spectral shape, supports the hypothesis of a flat spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) origin for the source; with a most likely leptonically induced scenario for the observed gamma-ray outburst as inferred from the obtained hard spectral shape when utilizing short time intervals focusing on the outburst.

Michailidis, Miltiadis [Stanford Univ., CA (United↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of $t\overline{t}$ production in association with additional b -jets in the eμ final state in proton–proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents measurements of top-antitop quark pair ($t\overline{t}$) production in association with additional b-jets. The analysis utilises 140 fb -1 of proton–proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Fiducial cross-sections are extracted in a final state featuring one electron and one muon, with at least three or four b-jets. Results are presented at the particle level for both integrated cross-sections and normalised differential cross-sections, as functions of global event properties, jet kinematics, and b-jet pair properties. Observable quantities characterising b-jets originating from the top quark decay and additional b-jets are also measured at the particle level, after correcting for detector effects. The measured integrated fiducial cross sections are consistent with $t\overline{t}$$b\overline{b}$ predictions from various next-to-leading-order matrix element calculations matched to a parton shower within the uncertainties of the predictions. State of-the-art theoretical predictions are compared with the differential measurements; none of them simultaneously describes all observables. Differences between any two predictions are smaller than the measurement uncertainties for most observables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Gluon splitting at small x: a unified derivation for the JIMWLK, DGLAP and CSS equations

We revisit the calculation of the next-to-leading order (NLO) corrections to dijet production in electron-ion collisions at small x. We focus on the back-to-back configuration where the relative transverse momentum P ⊥ of the measured jets is much larger than both their momentum imbalance K ⊥ and the target saturation momentum Q s (x, A). In this regime, we present for the first time a complete calculation of the real NLO corrections, associated with gluon emissions outside the jet cones, at leading power in 1/P ⊥ . Our result exhibits TMD factorisation, with the same hard factor as at tree-level and a NLO correction to the Weiszäcker-Williams (WW) gluon transverse momentum dependent (TMD) distribution which involves four Wilson-line operators. By studying different kinematical regimes for K ⊥ and for the radiated gluon, we recover all the quantum evolutions that were previously identified for this process at NLO: the B-JIMWLK high-energy evolution and the CSS evolution of the gluon WW TMD, and the DGLAP evolution of the gluon PDF. When both K ⊥ and the transverse momentum transferred by the target are large compared to Q s , all the Wilson-line operators boil down to the unintegrated gluon distribution and our NLO result for the gluon TMD can be used to isolate the transverse-momentum dependent gluon splitting function.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Light neutral-meson production in pp collisions at $\sqrt{\text{s}}$ = 13 TeV

The momentum-differential invariant cross sections of π 0 and η mesons are reported for pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV at midrapidity (|y| < 0.8). The measurement is performed in a broad transverse-momentum range of 0.2 < p T < 200 GeV/c and 0.4 < p T < 60 GeV/c for the π 0 and η, respectively, extending the p T coverage of previous measurements. Transverse-mass-scaling violation of up to 60% at low transverse momentum has been observed, agreeing with measurements at lower collision energies. Transverse Bjorken x (x T ) scaling of the π 0 cross sections at LHC energies is fulfilled with a power-law exponent of n = 5.01 ± 0.05, consistent with values obtained for charged pions at similar collision energies. The data are compared to predictions from next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations, where the π 0 spectrum is best described using the CT18 parton distribution function and the NNFF1.0 or BDSS fragmentation function. Expectations from PYTHIA8 and EPOS LHC overestimate the spectrum for the π 0 and are not able to describe the shape and magnitude of the η spectrum. The charged-particle multiplicity dependent π 0 and η p T spectra show the expected change of the spectral shape, characterized by a flatter slope with increasing multiplicity. This is demonstrated across a broad transverse-momentum range and up to events with a charged-particle multiplicity exceeding five times the mean value in minimum bias collisions. The η/π 0 ratio depends on the charged-particle multiplicity for p T < 4 GeV/c. PYTHIA8 and EPOS LHC qualitatively explain this behavior with an increasing contribution from the feed-down of heavier particles to the π 0 spectrum.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson decaying into a pair of τ -leptons in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper reports a search for a light CP-odd scalar resonance with a mass of 20 GeV to 90 GeV in 13 TeV proton-proton collision data with an integrated luminosity of 140 fb -1 collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis assumes the resonance is produced via gluon-gluon fusion and decays into a $τ^+ τ^-$ pair which subsequently decays into a fully leptonic $µ^+ ν_µ \overline{ν}_τ e^- \overline{ν}_ e ν_τ$ or $e^+ ν_e \overline{ν}_τ µ^- \overline{ν}_µ ν_τ$ final state. No significant excess of events above the predicted Standard Model background is observed. The results are interpreted within a favour-aligned two-Higgs-doublet model, and a model independent cross-section interpretation is also given. Upper limits at 95% confidence level between 3.0 pb and 68 pb are set on the cross-section for producing a CP-odd Higgs boson that decays into a $τ^+ τ^-$ pair.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Constraint on the total width of the Higgs boson from Higgs boson and four-top-quark measurements in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents a constraint on the total width of the Higgs boson (Γ H ) using a combined measurement of on-shell Higgs boson production and the production of four top quarks, which involves contributions from off-shell Higgs boson-mediated processes. This method relies on the assumption that the tree-level Higgs-top Yukawa coupling strength is the same for on-shell and off-shell Higgs boson production processes, thereby avoiding any assumptions about the relationship between on-shell and off-shell gluon fusion Higgs production rates, which were central to previous measurements. The result is based on up to 140 fb -1 of proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The observed (expected) 95% confidence level upper limit on Γ H is 450 MeV (75 MeV). Additionally, considering the constraint on the Higgs-top Yukawa coupling from loop-induced Higgs boson production and decay processes further yields an observed (expected) upper limit of 160 MeV (55 MeV).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Unveiling the sea: universality of the transverse momentum dependent quark distributions at small x

Within the Colour Glass Condensate effective theory, we demonstrate that back-to-back dijet correlations in dilute-dense collisions involving a small-quark from the nuclear target can be factorised in terms of universal transverse momentum dependent distributions (TMDs) for the sea quarks. Two building blocks are needed to construct all these TMDs at the operator level: the sea quark TMD operator which appears in semi-inclusive Deep-Inelastic Scattering (SIDIS) or in the Drell-Yan process and the elastic-matrix for a quark-antiquark dipole. Compared to SIDIS, the saturation effects are stronger for dijet production in forward proton-nucleus collisions, due to additional scattering in the initial and final state, effectively resulting in a larger value for the nuclear saturation momentum.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Probing gluon saturation with forward di-hadron correlations in proton-nucleus collisions

We present a detailed numerical investigation of semi-inclusive forward di-hadron production in proton–nucleus collisions employing the Color Glass Condensate effective theory. We focus on the regime where di-hadrons are produced nearly back-to-back in the transverse plane, thereby justifying a transverse-momentum-dependent factorization approach in terms of small-x gluon distributions. Our computation integrates several key elements: i) non-linear rapidity evolution via the Balitsky–Kovchegov equation with running coupling, ii) both perturbative and non-perturbative Sudakov resummation, and iii) a phenomenologically constrained model for the initial conditions for small-x gluon distributions. We compare this phenomenological framework to experimental data from the STAR Collaboration on azimuthal correlations in forward di-pion production in both proton–proton and proton–gold collisions. We analyze the systematic theoretical uncertainties associated with the saturation scales of nuclei at the initial scale for rapidity evolution and with those associated with the hadronization process. Finally, we make predictions for the kinematics anticipated to be covered by the ALICE Forward Calorimeter (FoCal) upgrade at the Large Hadron Collider.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗