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At least 55 records · Page 3

In-beam γ -ray spectroscopy of negative-parity states of 37 K populated in dissipative reactions

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy was used to study excited states of the neutron-deficient nucleus 37 K populated in fast-beam inelastic-scattering and proton-removal reactions at high-momentum loss. New γ-ray transitions and γγ coincidence relationships were established using the γ-ray tracking array GRETINA. The extension of the level scheme up to the first (13/2 – ) state highlights the potential of this recently demonstrated population pathway for studies of isospin symmetry involving mirror-energy differences. Furthermore, the nature of the newly identified states is discussed in comparison to shell-model calculations with the FSU cross-shell effective interaction. The calculated occupation numbers of individual orbitals are shown to offer a consistent explanation of the measured mirror-energy differences between 37 K and 37 Ar.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗

Proton and neutron contributions to the quadrupole transition strengths in 39 Ca and 39 K studied by lifetime measurements of mirror transitions

The E2 transition matrix elements of isobaric multiplets are expected to follow a linear trend as a function of isospin projection. However, measurements of the 2 + → 0 + transitions in the A = 38 triplet of Ca, K, and Ar show a deviation from this trend with an enhanced transition strength in 38 Ca with respect to its mirror 38 Ar. We have studied analogue 11/2 – → 7/2 – E2 transitions in 39 Ca and its mirror partner 39 K to determine if this enhancement persists in neighboring Ca isotopes. Recoil-distance lifetime measurements of 39 Ca and 39 K were performed utilizing a 42 Sc secondary beam, the TRIPLEX plunger, the GRETINA array, and the S800 spectrograph. Our data provide a lifetime measurement of the (11/2 – ) state in 39 Ca as well as an improved lifetime result for the (9/2 – ) state, while the 39 K data are used to validate the present analysis. Furthermore, a comparison of the present data to shell-model calculations suggests an enhanced transition strength in 39 Ca, pointing to both proton and neutron contributions to core excitations across the Z = N = 20 shell gaps in close proximity to 40 Ca.

39 ≤ A ≤ 58↗

Lifetime measurements of C 17 excited states and three-body and continuum effects

We studied transition rates for the lowest 1/2 + and 5/2 + excited states of 17 C through lifetime measurements with the GRETINA array using the recoil-distance method. The present measurements provide a model-independent determination of transition strengths giving the values of B(M1;1/2 + →3/2$+\atop{g.s}$)=1.04$+0.03\atop{-0.12}$ ×10 -2 μ$2\atop{N}$ and B(M1;5/2 + →3/2$+\atop{g.s}$)=7.12$+1.27\atop{-0.96}$×10 -2 μ$2\atop{N}$. The quenched M1 transition strength for the 1/2+→3/2$+\atop{g.s}$ transition, with respect to the 5/2 + →3/2$+\atop{g.s}$ transition, has been confirmed with greater precision. The current data are compared to importance-truncated no-core shell model calculations addressing effects due to continuum and three-body forces.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Low-lying level structure of $^{56}\mathbf{Cu}$ and its implications for the $\mathit{rp}$ process

The low-lying energy levels of proton-rich Cu 56 have been extracted using in-beam γ -ray spectroscopy with the state-of-the-art γ -ray tracking array GRETINA in conjunction with the S800 spectrograph at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. Excited states in Cu 56 serve as resonances in the Ni 55 ( p , γ ) Cu 56 reaction, which is a part of the rp process in type-I x-ray bursts. To resolve existing ambiguities in the reaction Q value, a more localized isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) fit is used, resulting in Q = 639 ± 82 keV. We derive the first experimentally constrained thermonuclear reaction rate for Ni 55 ( p , γ ) Cu 56 . We discover that, with this new rate, the rp process may bypass the Ni 56 waiting point via the Ni 55 ( p , γ ) reaction for typical x-ray burst conditions with a branching of up to ~ 40 % . We further identify additional nuclear physics uncertainties that need to be addressed before drawing final conclusions about the rp -process reaction flow in the Ni 56 region.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Spectroscopy of Ti 54 and the systematic behavior of low-energy octupole states in Ca and Ti isotopes

We report excited states of the N = 32 nucleus 54 Ti have been studied, via both inverse-kinematics proton scattering and one-neutron knockout from 55 Ti by a liquid hydrogen target, using the GRETINA γ-ray tracking array. Inelastic proton-scattering cross sections and deformation lengths have been determined. A low-lying octupole state has been tentatively identified in 54 Ti for the first time. A comparison of (p,p′) results on low-energy octupole states in the neutron-rich Ca and Ti isotopes with the results of random phase approximation calculations demonstrates that the observed systematic behavior of these states is unexpected.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Sub-shell closure and shape coexistence in the transitional nucleus Zr 98

In the rapid shape change from spherical to deformed nuclei in the Z=40 Zr isotopic chain, recent work has identified shape coexistence in 96 Zr. Between 96 Zr and the strongly deformed 100 Zr, 98 Zr is expected to also exhibit coexistence of nuclear shapes. The degree of mixing between different configurations is mainly determined by the nucleon-nucleon interactions. For nuclear model predictions, experimental constraints are needed, but they are barely available for 98 Zr. To study low-lying transitions in 98 Zr, a Coulomb excitation experiment was conducted at the Argonne Tandem-Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) facility using a 98 Zr beam extracted from the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) ion source and Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) for γ-ray spectroscopy coupled to the compact heavy ion counter (CHICO2) for ion detection. Furthermore, this paper reports on the first decisive deduction of the B(E2;2 + 1 →0 + 1 ) transition strength in 98 Zr and on its interpretation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Structure of Fe 70 : Single-particle and collective degrees of freedom

Excited states in the neutron-rich 70 Fe nucleus were populated in a one-proton removal reaction from 71 Co projectiles at 87 MeV/nucleon. A new transition was observed with the γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and shown to feed the previously assigned 4 + 1 state. In comparison to reaction theory calculations with shell-model spectroscopic factors, it is argued that the new γ ray possibly originates from the 6 + 1 state. It is further shown that the Doppler-reconstructed γ-ray spectra are sensitive to the very different lifetimes of the 2 + and 4 + states, enabling their approximate measurement. In conclusion the emerging structure of 70 Fe is discussed in comparison to LNPS-new large-scale shell-model calculations.

70Fe↗

Direct lifetime measurements of the excited states in Ni 72

The lifetimes of the first excited 2 + and 4 + states in 72 Ni were measured at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method, a model-independent probe to obtain the reduced transition probability. Excited states in 72 Ni were populated by the one-proton knockout reaction of an intermediate energy 73 Cu beam. γ-ray-recoil coincidences were detected with the γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and the S800 spectrograph. Our results provide evidence of enhanced transition probability B(E2;2 + → 0 + ) as compared to 68 Ni, but do not confirm the trend of large B(E2) values reported in the neighboring isotope 70 Ni obtained from Coulomb excitation measurement. The results are compared to shell model calculations. Here, the lifetime obtained for the excited 4 + 1 state is consistent with models showing decay of a seniority ν = 4, 4 + state, which is consistent with the disappearance of the 8+ isomer in 72 Ni.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Isomeric Character of the Lowest Observed 4 + State in S 44

Previous experiments observed a 4 + state in the N=28 nucleus S 44 and suggested that this state may exhibit a hindered E2-decay rate, inconsistent with being a member of the collective ground state band. We populate this state via two-proton knockout from a beam of exotic Ar 46 projectiles and measure its lifetime using the recoil distance method with the GRETINA γ-ray spectrometer. The result, 76(14) stat (20) syst ps, implies a hindered transition of B(E2;4 + →2$+\atop{1}$)=0.61(19) single-particle or Weisskopf units strength and supports the interpretation of the 4 + state as a K=4 isomer, the first example of a high-K isomer in a nucleus of such low mass.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Enhanced Electric Dipole Strength for the Weakly Bound States in Ne 27

In this paper, an enhanced low-energy electric dipole (E1) strength is identified for the weakly bound excited states of the neutron-rich isotope 27 Ne. The Doppler-shift lifetime measurements employing a combination of the γ-ray tracking array GRETINA, the plunger device, and the S800 spectrograph determine the lower limit of 0.030 e 2 fm 2 or 0.052 W.u. for the 1/2 + → 3/2 – E1 transition in 27 Ne, representing one of the strongest E1 strengths observed among the bound discrete states in this mass region. This value is at least 30 times larger than that measured for the 3/2 – decay to the 3/2 + gs ground state. A comparison of the present results to large-scale shell-model calculations points to an important role of core excitations and deformation in the observed E1 enhancement, suggesting a novel example of the electric dipole modes manifested in weakly bound deformed systems.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Extraction of neutron-capture cross sections on 92 Zr using the charge-exchange Oslo method

The 93 Nb (𝑡, 3 He ) reaction at 115 MeV/nucleon was studied to demonstrate that nuclear level densities and 𝛾-ray strength functions can be extracted from charge-exchange reactions at intermediate energies using the Oslo technique. The matrix of excitation energy in 93 Zr, reconstructed from the (𝑡, 3 He ) reaction, versus the energy of 𝛾 rays emitted by the excited 93 Zr nuclei, was obtained in an experiment with the S800 Spectrograph operated in coincidence with the GRETINA 𝛾 -ray detector. The extracted level density and 𝛾 -ray strength function obtained by applying the Oslo method to this matrix were used to estimate the 92 Zr⁢(𝑛,𝛾) ⁢93 Zr cross section by combining the new results with other experimental data and theoretical calculations for 𝐸⁢1 and 𝑀⁢1 strength functions at higher energies. Good agreement with direct measurements of the 92 Zr⁢(𝑛,𝛾)⁢ 93 Zr cross section was found. The contribution from the upbend in the extracted 𝛾-ray strength function was important to achieve the consistency, as the neutron-capture cross section without this contribution is significantly below the direct measurements otherwise. Since charge-exchange reactions at intermediate energies have long been used for extracting Gamow-Teller strengths, the successful demonstration of the charge-exchange Oslo method enables experiments in which (𝑛,𝛾) cross sections and Gamow-Teller strengths can be measured simultaneously, which is of benefit for astrophysical studies.

90 ≤ A ≤ 149↗

Persistence of collectivity in the low-lying states of 30,31 Na inside the 𝑁 = 20 island of inversion

Near the 𝛽-stability line, nuclei with magic numbers are expected to exhibit spherical ground states. However, mass measurements of neutron-rich nuclei near the 𝑁 = 20 island of inversion have indicated an excess in the binding energies. These results, together with subsequent spectroscopic studies and theoretical works, point to the structural evolution from normal configurations to intruder-deformed configurations characterized by particle-hole excitations across the shell gap. Despite evidence of intruder-dominant ground states for the 30,31 Na isotopes in the vicinity of 𝑁 = 20, a question remains as to whether the deformation persists into the ground-state bands beyond the first excited states. Here, in this work, we report on a heavy-ion inelastic scattering measurement performed with GRETINA, the TRIPLEX device, and the S800 spectrograph to study the low-lying excitations in neutron-rich 30,31 Na . The observed gamma rays for the (4 + ) → (3 + ), (3 + ) → 2$^+_{g.s.}$, and (4 + ) → 2$^+_{g.s.}$ decays in 30 Na and for the (7/2 + ) → (5/2 + ) and (5/2 + )→3/2$^+_{g.s.}$ decays in 31 Na were used to extract the reduced transition probabilities 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2↑). We report the first measurement of the 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2↑) between the 3/2$^+_{g.s.}$ and the (7/2 + ) states in 31 Na . The results from this study are compared to shell-model calculations, confirming the persistence of large collectivity in the low-lying excited states consistent with the formation of the well-deformed ground-state bands in 30,31 Na .

collective models↗

Direct Measurement of Octupole Deformation in 146 Ba

The octupole strength present in the neutron-rich, radioactive nucleus 146 Ba has been experimentally determined for the first time using Coulomb excitation. To achieve this, A=146 fission fragments from CARIBU were post-accelerated by the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) and impinged on a thin 208 Pb target. Using the GRETINA gamma-ray spectrometer and the CHICO2 heavy-ion counter, the reduced transition probability B(E3; 3- ->0 + ) was determined as 48(+21/-29) W.u. The new result provides further experimental evidence for the presence of a region of octupole deformation surrounding the neutron-rich barium isotopes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Structure Research at Richmond

The goals for the final year were; (1) to continue ongoing efforts to develop and enhance GRETINA and work towards GRETA; (2) to investigate the structure of non-yrast states in shape transitional Sm and Gd nuclei; (3) to investigate the structure of selected light Cd nuclei; (4) to exploit the surrogate reaction technique to extract (n,f) cross sections for actinide nuclei, particularly the first measurement of the 236 Pu and 237 Pu(n,f) cross sections.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Investigations of Nuclear Structure

The proposal addresses studies of nuclear structure at low-energies and development of instrumentation for that purpose. The structure studies deal with features of neutron-rich nuclei with unexplored shapes (football- or pear-shaped nuclei). The regions of interest are: neutron rich nuclei like 132-138 Sn, or 48-54 Ca, and the Zr, Mo, and Ru isotopes. The tools used can be grouped as follows: either Gammasphere or Gretina multi-gamma detector arrays and auxiliary detectors (Microball, Neutron Shell, and the newly completed Phoswich Wall).The neutron-rich nuclei are accessed by radioactive-beam binary reactions or by 252 Cf spontaneous fission. The experiments with heavy radioactive beams aim at exciting the beam nuclei by pick-up or transfer a neutron or a proton from a light target like 13 C, 9 Be, 11 B or 14 N .For these binary-reaction studies the Phoswich Wall detector system is essential. It is based on four multi-anode photomultiplier tubes on which CsI and thin fast-timing plastic scintillators are attached. Their signals are digitized with a high density microchip system.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Nuclear Structure Research at Richmond (Final Report)

The activities of the Nuclear Structure Group at the University of Richmond under this award are described. Progress continued on our investigations of shape-transitional rare-earth Sm nuclei with neutron numbers close to N ~ 90 and our results were published in a comprehensive PRC article. Graduate student Peter Humby successfully defended and published his thesis. We began to investigate the properties of the high energy continuum, between 4 and 8 MeV. Progress continued on predicting gamma-ray branching ratios using the PTCRUISER code, developed by postdoc Nathan Cooper. In collaboration with Prof. Anna Simon we carried out our first experiment at Notre Dame to investigate the gamma-ray strength function in 90 Zr. Our involvement in GRETINA and work towards GRETA continued via the P.I.’s service on the Advisory Committee.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Physics Division Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2020-2024

The vision of the Physics Division (PHY) at Argonne National Laboratory is to continue enhancing its role as a world-leading institution in basic nuclear physics research and its applications. Key to this vision is for PHY to continue to safely and effectively operate and evolve the capabilities of the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) facility to best serve its users. ATLAS is the Department of Energy (DOE) accelerator facility for low-energy nuclear physics research. The research carried out by PHY covers many themes in contemporary science but can be distilled into five areas of focus. These themes are interconnected, with continuously evolving synergies between the various groups and facilities in PHY and the broader Laboratory. This five-year strategic plan serves to illustrate our current capabilities and new directions related to these five areas of focus (ATLAS also develops an independent strategic plan): Accelerator research and design. The goal of this theme is to design, fabricate, test, and implement novel accelerator systems, with a focus on high-intensity ion and electron systems. These R&D activities have led to enhancements in the ATLAS accelerator system. Among others, the division’s accelerator systems are in use or planned for use at Fermilab, the Advanced Photon Source, and in a broad variety of applications at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Atom trapping and fundamental symmetries. The goal of this theme is to explore and exploit the uses of advanced laser cooling and trapping techniques to manipulate atoms. There are three main areas of focus. First is in the application of the atom trap trace analysis (ATTA) technique for age determination of groundwater and ice by using radio-krypton dating. The next two trapping-based programs involve tests of fundamental symmetries in nature: the cooling and trapping of radium-225 with the aim of determining limits on an observation of its electric dipole moment and precision measurements of the beta decay properties of helium-6 to set limits on the tensor coupling constant. This is complemented by measurements of similar properties in lithium-8 and boron-8. Nuclear astrophysics. The goal of this theme is to enhance our understanding of how elements are created in the universe via explosive nucleosynthesis and how stars evolve. To meet the challenges of this theme, many of the capabilities of ATLAS are being enhanced, including the development of new beams through a new in-flight separator (RAISOR) and the anticipated neutron-generator upgrade of the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade facility (nuCARIBU). These are coupled to state-of-the-art instruments such as the Canadian Penning Trap, Helical Orbit Spectrometer, Gammasphere, GRETINA, Multi-Sampling Ionization Chamber, the Fragment Mass Analyzer, and Argonne Gas-filled Fragment Analyzer, and a new low-background experimental area for decay studies. Nuclear structure. The goal of this theme is to understand the structure of nuclei, both stable and radioactive, in terms of single-particle properties, their shapes, and the dynamics governing reactions between them. These include questions such as what are the limits of nuclear stability and what are the properties of super heavy nuclei. As with the nuclear astrophysics theme, the capabilities of ATLAS, guided by the ATLAS user community, are continuously being enhanced to this end. The Division has strategic initiatives to play a leading role in the development of instrumentation and research programs at the FRIB. Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and hadron physics. The goal of this theme is to lead major research programs focused on revealing the quark and gluon structure of protons, neutrons, nuclei, and short-lived mesons and baryons. These involve major programs at Jefferson Lab, Fermilab, and smaller facilities. They are complemented by theoretical endeavors centered on the question of how hadrons and their properties emerge from QCD. Out of these activities arise strategic initiatives to play a major role in the forthcoming Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

C$^{7}$LYC: A New Scintillator for Fast Neutron Spectroscopy

The scintillator Cs 2 LiYCl 6 (CLYC) has emerged as a versatile detector for both gammas and neutrons, with excellent pulse shape discrimination. Originally developed as a thermal neutron counter, the discovery of its unexpected and unprecedented ~10% pulse height resolution for fast neutrons in the few MeV range has prompted studies to benchmark its use in low-energy nuclear science and applications. Since the typical long time-of-flight arms are not needed for achieving good energy resolution, geometrical efficiency can be enhanced by positioning the detectors much closer to the target. We have constructed a 16-element array of 1” × 1”7Li-enriched C 7 LYC, to eliminate the dominant peak in the spectrum from thermal neutron capture on 6Li, leaving the energy region above 3 MeV with a clean baseline for fast neutron spectroscopy. We have also procured the first ever 3” × 3” C 7 LYC crystal. Test experiments under way with C 7 LYC include elastic and inelastic neutron scattering cross sections at Los Alamos with a pulsed white neutron source, efficiency measurements using mono-energetic neutron beams up to a few MeV at UMass Lowell, and fission neutron measurements with GRETINA and CHICO detector arrays at Argonne. Beta-delayed neutron spectroscopy experiments have also been initiated at the CARIBU and NSCL facilities, to evaluate C 7 LYC as a possible candidate for auxiliary scintillator arrays for stopped beam physics at the next generation rare isotope accelerators.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗