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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Precision measurement of positron decay modes of Xe-125 in the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment

The radioisotope $^{125}\text{Xe}$ is a short-lived ($T_{1/2}\sim16.9 h$) activation product of the neutron calibrations performed in the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment. Subsequently, $^{125}$Xe decays primarily ($>99\%$) via electron capture, but positron emission has been confirmed by direct measurement to at least the 243 keV level of $^{125}\text{I}$. An additional decay to the 188keV level is expected from triple-coincident measurements of the annihilation and relaxation $γ$ rays, but has not been directly confirmed. By utilizing multiple-scatter event analysis and the pre-activation data to constrain backgrounds, this work reports positron emission with a statistical significance of 5.5$σ$. This corresponds to a total branching ratio of $0.29\pm0.08_{\text{stat.}}\pm0.04_{\text{sys.}}$%, and is the first constraint to the individual branching levels of $^{125}\text{I}$.

Akerib, D. S. [SLAC; KIPAC, Menlo Park]↗
DOE OSTI2020

Identification of new transitions and levels in 163 Gd from $β$-decay studies

Background: Neutron-rich nuclei in the mass region around A = 160 have been and will continue to be of interest for the study of nuclear structure because of the rapid onset of deformation between 88 and 90 neutrons. The observation of detailed changes in nuclear structures within this mass region has provided and will continue to provide insight into the nuclear force. Purpose: Investigations of γ rays emitted following Eu 163 β -decay to Gd 163 have been performed for evaluation of the nuclear structure of Gd 163 . Method: Data were collected at the LeRIBSS station of the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory with an array of four Clover HPGe detectors for γ -rays and two plastic scintillators for β detection. The γ rays were identified as belonging to Gd 163 via mass selection and γ – γ – β , x-ray- γ , or γ – γ coincidences. Results: In total 107 new γ -ray transitions were observed in Gd 163 from 53 newly identified levels. Conclusions: We report the structure of Gd 163 has been identified for the first time. This structure has been evaluated in comparison to projected shell model, and potential energy surface calculations with good agreement.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Absolute decay counting of 146 Sm with 4π cryogenic microcalorimetry

We present a methodology for absolute activity counting of long-lived isotopes based on cryogenic Decay Energy Spectroscopy. A 146 Sm source was produced at the TRIUMF Laboratory and then processed and purified at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, yielding a pure sample. The source was embedded within a 4π thermal absorber coupled to a magnetic microcalorimeter achieving nearly 100% counting efficiency. Experimental uncertainties were studied and modeled, including thermal coupling of the source to the absorber, pulse pile-up, trigger, and event selection efficiencies. Here, the absolute activity of the pure 146 Sm source was measured to better than 1% uncertainty.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

$Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$ form factors from lattice QCD and standard-model predictions for $Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$⁢𝜇 + ⁢𝜇 − and $Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$⁢𝛾 decays

We present the first lattice QCD determination of the $Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$ vector, axial-vector, and tensor form factors, which are relevant for the theory of rare decays including $Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$⁢ℓ + ⁢ℓ − and $Ξ$ 𝑏 → $Ξ$⁢𝛾. The calculation is performed with 2+1 flavors of domain-wall fermions at three different lattice spacings and pion masses in the range from approximately 430 to 230 MeV. The bottom quark is implemented using an anisotropic clover action. Three-point functions with a wide range of source-sink separations and model averaging are used to extract the ground-state contributions. We fit the dependence of the form factors on the momentum transfer, the pion mass, and the lattice spacing using modified 𝑧 expansions that account for subthreshold branch cuts, and apply dispersive bounds and asymptotic behavior constraints to achieve controlled uncertainties in the full semileptonic kinematic region. Using our form factor results, we present standard model predictions for the $Ξ$$^{−}_{𝑏}$ → $Ξ$ − ⁢𝛾 and $Ξ$$^{−}_{𝑏}$ → $Ξ$ − ⁢𝜇 + ⁢𝜇 − branching fractions and two angular observables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Global description of $β$ – decay with the axially deformed Skyrme finite-amplitude method: Extension to odd-mass and odd-odd nuclei

Here we use the finite-amplitude method (FAM), an efficient implementation of the quasiparticle random phase approximation, to compute $β$-decay rates with Skyrme energy-density functionals for 3983 nuclei, essentially all the medium-mass and heavy isotopes on the neutron-rich side of stability. We employ an extension of the FAM that treats odd-mass and odd-odd nuclear ground states in the equal filling approximation. Our rates are in reasonable agreement both with experimental data where available and with rates from other global calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mapping of fragmented νf 5/2 →πf 7/2 transitions in the 73 Co→ 73 Ni decay

Excited states in 73 , 75 Ni were investigated through the β decay of 73 , 75 Co in an experiment performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU). The experimental results extended the level scheme of Ni 73 to 3.2-MeV excitation energy and provided the experimental information on excited states in Ni 75 . The β -delayed neutron branching ratio for Co 73 was obtained. Furthermore, the experimental results are discussed in comparison with shell-model calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Long-lived isomeric states and quasiparticle band structures in neutron-rich 162,164 Gd nuclei from β decay

Neutron-rich nuclei 162,164 Eu were produced by bombarding a proton beam on a 238 U target at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and mass separating the 162,164 Eu products. New level schemes and new γ-ray transitions of the daughters 162,164 Gd were identified from β-decay spectroscopy studies. Additionally, half-lives of the 162,164 Eu were remeasured to clarify the previous ambiguous results. Two quasiparticle band structures were built and compared with neighboring nuclei. The β and γ bands were extended in 162 Gd and a γ band was extended in 164 Gd. Half-lives of the isomeric states at (6 - ) 1449 keV in 162 Gd and (4 - ) 1096 keV in 164 Gd were measured to be 99(3) μs and 0.56(3) μs, respectively. Projected shell model calculations were performed and found to be in good agreement with all of the experimental data.

150 ≤ A ≤ 189↗
DOE OSTI2022

Statistical analysis for the neutrinoless double-β-decay matrix element of 48 Ca

Neutrinoless double-β-decay (0⁢vββ) nuclear matrix elements (NME) are the object of many theoretical calculation methods, and are very important for analysis and guidance of a large number of experimental efforts. However, there are large discrepancies between the NME values provided by different methods. Here, in this paper, we propose a statistical analysis of the 48 Ca 0v⁢ββ NME using the interacting shell model, emphasizing the range of the NME probable values and their correlations with observables that can be obtained from the existing nuclear data. Based on this statistical analysis with three independent effective Hamiltonians, we propose a common probability distribution function for the 0⁢vββ NME, which has a range of (0.45–0.95) at 90% confidence level, and a mean value of 0.68.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

$\mathrm{α}$ decay of the longest-lived Cm isotope: $^{247}_{96}\mathrm{Cm}$

We report alpha decay of 247 Cm was studied fifty years ago using a 1.6 Bq source containing 99.4 % 247 Cm and levels in 243 Pu were deduced. Using the same source, γ-ray spectra were measured with a more efficient Ge detector. A γ-ray spectrum was also measured in coincidence with α particles for a period of two months and has 80 times more counts than the previously published spectrum. Gamma-ray energies were determined with higher precision and four new γ rays were identified. A new high-energy γ ray of 564.5 keV was observed, which is interpreted as a transition between a level at 564.5 keV and the ground state of 243 Pu. The 564.5-keV level has been tentatively assigned to the 7/2 - [743] Nilsson state.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Test of Lepton Universality in b → $s$$\ell$ + $\ell$ – Decays

The first simultaneous test of muon-electron universality using $B^+$ → $K^+$$\ell^+$$\ell^–$ and $B^0$ → $K^{*0}$$\ell^+$$\ell^–$ decays is performed, in two ranges of the dilepton invariant-mass squared, q 2 . The analysis uses beauty mesons produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb –1 . Each of the four lepton universality measurements reported is either the first in the given q 2 interval or supersedes previous LHCb measurements. The results are compatible with the predictions of the Standard Model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Description of the Proton-Decaying 0 2 + Resonance of the α Particle

The recent precise experimental determination of the monopole transition form factor from the ground state of 4 He to its $0$$^{+}_{2}$ resonance via electron scattering has reinvigorated discussions about the nature of this first excited state of the α particle. The $0$$^{+}_{2}$ state has been traditionally interpreted in the literature as the isoscalar monopole resonance (breathing mode) or, alternatively, as a particle-hole shell-model excitation. To better understand the nature of this state, which lies only ~410 keV above the proton emission threshold, we employ the coupled-channel representation of the no-core Gamow shell model. By considering the [ 3 H + p], [ 3 He + n], and [ 2 H + 2 H] reaction channels, we explain the excitation energy and monopole form factor of the $0$$^{+}_{2}$ state. Furthermore, we argue that the continuum coupling strongly impacts the nature of this state, which carries characteristics of the proton decay threshold.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Radiative Corrections to Superallowed β Decays in Effective Field Theory

The accuracy of V u d determinations from superallowed β decays critically hinges on control over radiative corrections. Recently, substantial progress has been made on the single-nucleon, universal corrections, while nucleus-dependent effects, typically parametrized by a quantity δ NS , are much less well constrained. Here, we lay out a program to evaluate this correction from effective field theory (EFT), highlighting the dominant terms as predicted by the EFT power counting. Moreover, we compare the results to a dispersive representation of δ NS and show that the expected momentum scaling applies even in the case of low-lying intermediate states. Our EFT framework paves the way toward calculations of δ NS and thereby addresses the dominant uncertainty in V u d . Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Search for the radiative $Ξ_b^{-}$ → $Ξ^-γ$ decay

The first search for the rare radiative decay $Ξ_b^{-}$ → $Ξ^-γ$ is performed using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb -1 . $Ξ_b^{-}$ → $Ξ^-J/ψ$ channel is used as normalization. No $Ξ_b^{-}$ → $Ξ^-γ$ signal is found and an upper limit of $\mathcal{B}$( $Ξ_b^{-}$ → $Ξ^-γ$) < 1.3 x 10 -4 at 95% confidence level is obtained.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Observation of the ${K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}$ decay and measurement of its branching ratio

A measurement of the ${K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}$ decay by the NA62 experiment at the CERN SPS is presented, using data collected in 2021 and 2022. This dataset was recorded, after modifications to the beamline and detectors, at a higher instantaneous beam intensity with respect to the 2016–2018 data taking. Combining NA62 data collected in 2016–2022, a measurement $\mathcal{B} ({K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}) = \large{(}13.0^{+3.3}_{-3.0}\large{)}$ x $10^{-11}$ of is reported. With 51 signal candidates observed and an expected background of $18^{+3}_{-2}$ events, $\mathcal{B} ({K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu})$ becomes the smallest branching ratio measured with a signal significance above 5σ.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measurement of the very rare K+ → $ {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $ decay

The NA62 experiment reports the branching ratio measurement BR K + → π + ν ν ¯ = 10.6 - 3.4 + 4.0 stat ± 0.9 syst × 10 - 11 at 68% CL, based on the observation of 20 signal candidates with an expected background of 7.0 events from the total data sample collected at the CERN SPS during 2016–2018. This provides evidence for the very rare K + → π + ν ν ¯ decay, observed with a significance of 3.4 σ . The experiment achieves a single event sensitivity of (0 . 839 ± 0 . 054) × 10 - 11 , corresponding to 10.0 events assuming the Standard Model branching ratio of (8 . 4 ± 1 . 0) × 10 - 11 . This measurement is also used to set limits on BR( K + → π + X ), where X is a scalar or pseudo-scalar particle. Details are given of the analysis of the 2018 data sample, which corresponds to about 80% of the total data sample.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Search for the lepton-flavour violating decays B 0 → K *0 τ ± μ ∓

A first search for the lepton-flavour violating decays B 0 → K*0 τ ± μ ∓ is presented. The analysis is performed using a sample of proton-proton collision data, collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb –1 . No significant signal is observed, and upper limits on the branching fractions are determined to be B (B 0 → K* 0 τ + μ – ) < 1.0(1.2) x 10 –5 and B(B 0 → K* 0 τ – μ + ) < 8.2(9.8) x 10 –6 at the 90% (95%) confidence level.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Search for the $ {B}_s^0$ → μ + μ – $\gamma$ decay

A search for the fully reconstructed ${B}_s^0$ → μ + μ – γ decay is performed at the LHCb experiment using proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb –1 . No significant signal is found and upper limits on the branching fraction in intervals of the dimuon mass are set ${\displaystyle \begin{array}{cc}\mathcal{B}\left({B}_s^0\to {\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\gamma \right)<4.2\times {10}^{-8},& m\left({\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)\in \left[2{m}_{\mu },1.70\right]\textrm{GeV}/{c}^2,\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({B}_s^0\to {\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\gamma \right)<7.7\times {10}^{-8},&\ m\left({\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)\in \left[\textrm{1.70,2.88}\right]\textrm{GeV}/{c}^2,\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({B}_s^0\to {\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\gamma \right)<4.2\times {10}^{-8},& m\left({\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)\in \left[3.92,{m}_{B_s^0}\right]\textrm{GeV}/{c}^2,\end{array}}\\{}$ at 95% confidence level. Additionally, upper limits are set on the branching fraction in the [2m μ , 1.70] GeV/c 2 dimuon mass region excluding the contribution from the intermediate Φ(1020) meson, and in the region combining all dimuon-mass intervals.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hybrid analysis of radiative corrections to neutron decay with current algebra and effective field theory

We introduce a useful framework for high-precision studies of the neutron beta decay by merging the current algebra description and the fixed-order effective field theory calculation of the electroweak radiative corrections to the neutron axial form factor. We discuss the advantages of this hybrid method and show that it only requires a minimal amount of lattice QCD inputs to achieve a 10 –4 theory accuracy for the Standard Model prediction of the neutron lifetime and the axial-to-vector coupling ratio λ, both important to the search for physics beyond the Standard Model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗