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At least 73 records · Page 4

Project Update for “Designing Nuclear-data Measurements that Resolve Discrepancies in Existing Data” [Slides]

AIACHNE has made key progress this past year and will contribute to the larger scientific community. We recovered input data for the current 252 Cf(sf) PFNS evaluation that was previously lost. We render a standard to the best of our ability reproducible. We critically reviewed past data as input for ML & new standard evaluation that will impact PFNS of all major actinides. We developed a unique AI/ ML code that highlights which measurement features are related to bias and are working towards open-sourcing it for the community. Features that were identified as related to bias follow physics’ intuition and bring new understanding of exp effects and might help us for other reactions and isotopes. The results highlight that EXFOR is a goldmine of features that could help us understand experiment bias (if they are easy to parse).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Electrospraying deposition and characterization of potassium chloride targets for nuclear science measurements

Natural and isotopically enriched KCl targets were prepared using specially formulated KCl solutions, deposited by electrospraying on thin (1.5 μm) gold backings, followed by a short annealing in a preheated (350-450 °C) furnace. Various techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were used to characterize the produced targets. A white neutron beam at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility was also used to verify the estimated atomic percentages of the enriched 40 KCl targets. KCl was deposited relatively uniformly as large particles rather than films on the gold surface. As a result, this method can be broadly extended to make stable targets that are difficult to produce with other methods and more exotic radioactive targets required for research in fundamental sciences and applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Nuclear mass measurements map the structure of atomic nuclei and accreting neutron stars

We introduce here mass excesses (ME) of neutron-rich isotopes of Ar through Fe, obtained via time of flight B ρ mass spectrometry at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Our new results have significantly reduced systematic uncertainties relative to a prior analysis, enabling the first determination of ME for Ti 58 , 59 , V 62 , Cr 65 , Mn 67 , 68 , and Fe 69 , 70 . Our results show the N = 34 subshell weaken at Sc and vanish at Ti, along with the absence of an N = 40 subshell at Mn. This further leads to a cooler accreted neutron star crust, highlighting the connection between the structure of nuclei and neutron stars.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

High temperature nuclear data measurements of SiC, ZrC, and MgO [Slides]

Performed temperature dependent measurements of SiC and ZrC at ARCS instrument at SNS. Performed temperature dependent measurements of SiC, ZrC, and MgO at VISION instrument at SNS. Performed initial atomistic modeling of these materials using various techniques, including machine learned potentials. Future work includes temperature dependent transmission measurements of these materials, as well as improving the machine learned potentials with more training data and different machine learned frameworks.

ARCS↗

Nuclear emulsion measurements of the astronauts' radiation exposures on Skylab missions 2, 3, and 4

On the Skylab missions, Ilford G.5 and K.2 emulsions were flown as part of passive dosimeter packs carried by the astronauts on their wrists. Due to the long mission times, latent image fading and track crowing imposed limitations on a quantitative track and grain count analysis. For Skylab 2, the complete proton energy spectrum was determined within reasonable error limits. A combined mission dose equivalent of 2,490 millirems from protons, tissue stars and neutrons was measured on Skylab 2. A stationary emulsion stack, kept in a film vault drawer on the same mission, displayed a highly structured directional distribution of the fluence of low-energy protons (enders) reflecting the local shield distribution. On the 59 and 84-day mission 3 and 4, G.5 emulsions had to be cut on the microtom to 5-7 microns for microscopic examination. Even so, the short track segments in such thin layers precluded a statistically reliable grain count analysis. However, the K.2 emulsions still allowed accurate proton ender counts without special provisions.

Schaefer, H. J.↗

A dc amplifier for nuclear particle measurement

A monolithic preamplifier-postamplifier combination has been developed for use with solid state particle detectors. The direct coupled amplifiers employ interdigitated n-channel JFET's, diodes, and diffused resistors. The circuits developed demonstrate the feasibility of matching the performance of existing discrete component designs. The fabrication procedures for the monolithic amplifier fabrication are presented and the results of measurements on a limited number of sample amplifiers are given.

Macnee, A. B.↗

Characterization of Advanced Manufactured Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor for Temperature Measurement in Nuclear Applications

As part of a collaborative effort between Idaho National Laboratory and the Boise State University, printed SAW transducers were developed. The transducers were first modelled and evaluated for optimum performance, then fabricated using several piezoelectric substrates. These printed SAW-sensors were tested for temperature sensing ability and found to be highly sensitive and with a very linear response over the tested range.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Simultaneous analysis of collinear neutron time-of-flight (nToF) traces applied to pulsed fusion experiment

On pulsed fusion experiments, the neutron time of flight (nToF) diagnostic provides critical information on the fusion neutron energy spectrum. This work presents an analysis technique that uses two collinear nToF detectors, potentially to measure nuclear bang time and directional flow velocities. Two collinear detectors may be sufficient to disambiguate the contributions of nuclear bang time and directional flow velocities to the first moment of the neutron energy spectrum, providing an independent measurement of nuclear bang time. In conclusion, preliminary results from measured nToF traces on the National Ignition Facility and additional applications of this technique are presented.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗