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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Mirror nucleon removal reactions in p-shell nuclei

Nucleon removal reactions have been shown to be an effective tool for studying the single particle structure of nuclei. This work continues efforts to experimentally probe and benchmark the reaction and structure models used to calculate the removal reaction cross sections when using microscopic nuclear structure inputs. Here, three different single nucleon removal reactions were performed, from p -shell nuclei with masses A = 7, 9, and 10. The residual nuclei from the reactions were detected in coincidence with γ rays to determine partial cross sections to individual final states. The eikonal direct-reaction model is combined with overlap functions and residual nucleus densities from microscopic, variational Monte Carlo calculations to provide consistent nuclear structure input to the partial cross section calculations. Comparisons of measured and calculated cross sections, including for mirror reactions, are presented. The analysis of the partial cross sections leading to the ground states shows a similar behavior to the one observed from analyses of inclusive cross sections using shell model nuclear structure input: the theoretical description of the removal process is in better agreement with the data when removing weakly bound nucleons, than when removing well-bound ones. The two mirror reaction pairs presented here show consistent results between the respective members of the pairs. The results obtained for the population of the excited states, however, show a systematically different trend that appears connected to the structure part of the calculation. Additional cases are needed to better understand the respective roles of structure and dynamical effects in the deviations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 68 Fe from charge exchange on 68 Co projectiles

Excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus 68 Fe were populated using a 9 Be( 68 Co, 68 Fe + γ)X charge-exchange reaction at 95 MeV/u. The new γ-ray transitions reported here for the first time complement data from β-decay studies and nucleon knockout reactions. In comparison to shell-model calculations with the LNPS effective interaction, two candidate states for the $6$$^{+}_{1}$ level emerge. Here, the distinct population pattern of excited states and the magnitude of the cross section, σ inc = 0.51(6) mb, make this reaction a promising one for future in-beam γ -ray spectroscopy. Reaction calculations with nuclear structure input from a new, locally optimized Hamiltonian, f7j4a, together with general considerations for heavy-ion-induced charge-exchange reactions appear consistent with most of the observations, although challenges remain.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
DOE OSTI2020

Solid Cherenkov detector for studying nucleosynthesis in inertial confinement fusion

Measuring gamma rays emitted from nuclear reactions gives insight into their nuclear structure. Notably, there are several nuclear reactions that produce gamma rays at ~1 MeV–3 MeV energies such as T( 4 He, γ) 7 Li, 4 He( 3 He, γ) 7 Be, and 12 C(p, γ) 13 N, which may solve questions lingering about big-bang nucleosynthesis and stellar nucleosynthesis. To observe 1 MeV–3 MeV gamma rays in an inertial confinement fusion system, a new style of the Cherenkov detector was developed using aerogel and fused silica as a Cherenkov medium. Utilizing the OMEGA laser facility, both aerogel and fused silica media were compared with the existing gas-medium Cherenkov detector to validate the concept. Furthermore, gamma ray measurements from high yield inertial confinement fusion implosions (deuterium–tritium and deuterium– 3 He) demonstrated that aerogel and fused silica were viable Cherenkov media, paving the way for a potential optimized detector to make these cross section measurements on OMEGA or the National Ignition Facility.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Low-energy cross-section measurement of the B 10 ( α , n ) N 13 reaction and its impact on neutron production in first-generation stars

Nucleosynthesis in the first generation of massive stars offers a unique setting to explore the creation of the first heavier nuclei in an environment free of impurities from earlier stellar generations. In later generations of massive stars, hydrogen burning occurs predominantly through the CNO cycles, but without the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen to catalyze the reaction sequence, first stars would have to rely on the inefficient pp chains for their energy production. Observations of second and third generation stars show pronounced abundances of carbon and oxygen isotopes, which suggests a rapid conversion of the primordial abundances to heavier elements. While the triple-alpha-process primarily facilitates this conversion, there are alternative reaction sequences, such as 2 H(α,γ) 6 Li(α,γ) 10 B(α,n) 13 N, that may play a significant role. To study such alternate reaction pathways for production of carbon and heavier nuclei, a number of new measurements are needed. In this work, new measurements are reported for the 10 B(α,n) 13 N reaction, extending the cross section down to 575 keV incident α-particle energy. The measurements were made using a state-of-the-art deuterated liquid scintillator and a spectrum unfolding technique. An R-matrix analysis was performed in order to facilitate a comparison of the underlying nuclear structure with the reaction measurements. An unexpected upturn is observed in the low-energy S factor that indicates the presence of a new low-energy resonance. Finally, a revised reaction rate is determined that takes into account the present data as well as other previous measurements from the literature that were previously neglected.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dissipative Reactions with Intermediate-Energy Beams: A Novel Approach to Populate Complex-Structure States in Rare Isotopes

A novel pathway for the formation of multiparticle-multihole excited states in rare isotopes is reported from highly energy- and momentum-dissipative inelastic-scattering events measured in reactions of an intermediate-energy beam of 38 Ca on a Be target. The negative-parity, complex-structure final states in 38 Ca are observed following the in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of events in the 9 Be( 38 Ca, 38 Ca + γ)X reaction in which the scattered projectile loses longitudinal momentum of order Δp || = 700 MeV/c. Here, the characteristics of the observed final states are discussed and found to be consistent with the formation of excited states involving the rearrangement of multiple nucleons in a single, highly energetic projectile-target collision. Unlike the far-less-dissipative, surface-grazing reactions usually exploited for the in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of rare isotopes, these more energetic collisions appear to offer a practical pathway to nuclear-structure studies of more complex multiparticle configurations in rare isotopes—final states conventionally thought to be out of reach with high-luminosity fast-beam-induced reactions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

New scaling and nuclear structure aspects in heavy-ion fusion reactions

Three new behaviors have been found in comparisons of fusion cross sections for different collision systems. root (1) Replacing the energy E with a scaling one, E scal = (E-V g )/($\sqrt{2}$W g ), is successful for washing out the Coulomb interaction in the spectra of fusion cross sections, where V g and W g are barrier height and width of the single-Gaussian barrier distribution model. (2) In a representation of σE vs the scaling energy, E scal , all data sets display in parallel. Here, the ratio for sigma E from any two fusion systems over the whole range is a constant value. That behavior is also studied in another representation, in which the data sets display as parallel horizontal lines for any heavy-ion fusion system. (3) The constant ratio value is the ratio of parameter products, $R^2_gW_g$, of the two systems; where R g is the barrier radius obtained in the single-Gaussian barrier distribution model. Moreover, when comparing neighboring collision systems at the same E scal , the ratio of sigma is near a constant value within a few percent over the whole range. Thus a quantitative comparison for the fusion enhancement for neighboring systems is developed. The present finding could be beneficial for predicting unmeasured fusion cross sections.

Jiang, C. L. [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), A↗
DOE OSTI2026

How threshold effects in spectroscopic factors influence heavy-ion knockout reactions

A two-decade-old puzzle in heavy-ion one-nucleon knockout reactions is the strong correlation between the reduction factor R S = σ exp /σ t h and the Fermi surface asymmetry ΔS. Theoretical cross sections typically rely on spectroscopic factors (SFs) from shell model (SM) calculations, which neglect continuum coupling effects. Here, we employ the Gamow shell model (GSM), which explicitly incorporates continuum coupling, to compute SFs for p-shell nuclei and predict corresponding theoretical cross sections. Systematic calculations demonstrate that using GSM-derived SFs substantially reduces discrepancies between theoretical and experimental results. This improvement is particularly significant for deeply bound nucleon knockout in nuclei near the dripline, where traditional SM-based calculations fall short. As a result, using GSM SFs, the ratio R s exhibits no pronounced dependence on ΔS. Furthermore, both the ratio of GSM SFs to SM SFs and their corresponding reaction cross sections ratios exhibit a strong ΔS dependence. We have also compared GSM SFs and cross sections with those from the no-core shell model calculations, giving a similar pronounced sensitivity to ΔS. Detailed analysis attributes these correlations to threshold effects for SFs in weakly bound systems. Overall, incorporating continuum coupling via GSM enhances the reliability of SF predictions for exotic, weakly bound nuclei and provides key insights toward resolving the enduring puzzle in heavy-ion knockout reactions from a nuclear structure perspective.

Gamow shell model↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microstructural characterization of nuclear graphite: from the microscale to the nanoscale

Multiple reactor designs use graphite as a moderator of the nuclear reactions and as structural support. During the lifetime of the reactor, multiple aging factors such as neutron irradiation, oxidation, and temperature along with others induce changes in the microstructure and crystal lattice of graphite components. The pore morphology and crystal structure of some phases in graphite can be used to trace the evolution of irradiation defects and mechanical properties of graphite. We present a combination of results from several microscopy techniques to investigate the differences between nuclear graphite grades and the effects of neutron irradiation and oxidation at multiple length scales. This multiscale approach is needed to understand the microstructural variations caused by the raw materials and manufacturing processes as well as how the different phases of graphite are affected by the reactor environment. The results provide insight into the oxidation- and radiation-induced changes of graphite and create a robust baseline of microstructure information that can be used for the selection of materials for the next generation of nuclear power stations. Moreover, the experiments conducted in this work provide an overview of the advantages and limitations of the most common techniques used to characterize nuclear graphite and how these techniques might be applied to study other carbon-based materials used in the nuclear industry.

Arregui Mena, Jose'↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=48

Experimental nuclear structure data from various reactions and decays are compiled and evaluated for all known nuclides with mass number A=48 (S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni). For each nuclide, detailed evaluated nuclear structure information is presented for each individual reaction and decay, and the best values combining all available data are recommended for spectroscopic properties, such as level energies, half-lives, γ-ray energies and intensities, decay radiations. No excited states have been identified in 48 S, 48 Cl, 48 Co and 48 Ni, among which the first three even have no measured ground-state half-lives and decay modes. For 48 Fe, a level scheme with a sequence of excited states was established for the first time from a recent one-neutron removal measurement by 2021Ya33. Data for excited states in 48 Ar, 48 K and 48 Mn remain limited; no decay scheme has been measured for 48 Ar and 48 K yet, while the decay scheme for 48 Ni is incomplete due to unobserved levels. 48 Ti is the most studied nuclide through various reactions and decays, followed by 48 V, 40 Ca, 48 Sc, and 48 Cr, among which no decay event to 48 Sc has been observed and the decay schemes for 48 V and 48 Cr are considered as incomplete. Furthermore, this work supersedes the previous full evaluations of A=48: 2006Bu08, 1993Bu04, 1985Al14, 1978Be01.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Short-range correlation physics at low renormalization group resolution

Recent experiments have succeeded in isolating processes for which short-range correlation (SRC) physics is dominant and well accounted for by SRC phenomenology. But an alternative and compelling picture emerges from renormalization group (RG) evolution to low RG resolution. At high RG resolution, SRCs are identified as components in the nuclear wave function with relative pair momenta greater than the Fermi momentum. Scale separation results in wave-function factorization that can be exploited with phenomenologies such as the generalized contact formalism or the low-order correlation operator approximation. Evolution to lower resolution shifts SRC physics from nuclear structure to the reaction operators without changing the measured observables. We show how the features of SRC phenomenology manifested at high RG resolution are cleanly identified at low RG resolution using simple two-body operators and local-density approximations with uncorrelated wave functions, all of which can be systematically generalized. We verify that the experimental consequences to date follow directly at low resolution from well-established properties of nucleon-nucleon interactions such as the tensor force. Thus the RG reconciles the contrasting pictures of the same experiment and shows how to get correct results using wave functions without SRC components. Finally, our demonstration has implications for the analysis of knockout reactions for which SRC physics is not cleanly isolated.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Experimental study of 53 Cr via the (𝑑, 𝑝⁢𝛾) reaction

Excited states in 53 Cr were studied via the 52 Cr ⁢(𝑑, 𝑝⁢𝛾) reaction up to the neutron-separation threshold. Proton-𝛾 angular correlations and 𝛾 decay branching ratios were measured in particle-𝛾 coincidences between the Super-Enge Split-Pole Spectrograph (SE-SPS) and CeBr 3 Array (CeBrA) demonstrator of the John D. Fox Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University. Previous spin-parity assignments from a (𝑑,𝑝) singles experiment at the SE-SPS are supported and 𝛾-ray transitions in 53 Cr are reported. We firmly assign higher-lying excited states to 53 Cr because overlapping excited states and contaminants could be identified better due to the complementary 𝛾-decay information. We also correct some of the previously reported excitation energies and present a reanalysis of previously measured 52 Cr (𝑑, 𝑝)⁢ 53 Cr angular distributions guided by the complementary 𝛾-ray information. Based on this reanalysis, the fragmentation of the neutron 2⁢𝑝 3/2 , 2⁢𝑝 1/2 , 1⁢𝑓 5/2 , 1⁢𝑔 9/2 , and 2⁢𝑑 5/2 single-particle strengths is reassessed for 53 Cr. Here, a comparison to the corresponding strengths in 55 Fe is presented.

39 ≤ A ≤ 58↗
DOE OSTI2026

Neural-network quantum states for the nuclear many-body problem

A long-standing goal of nuclear theory is to explain how the structure and dynamics of atomic nuclei and neutron-star matter emerge from the underlying interactions among protons and neutrons. Achieving this goal requires solving the nuclear quantum many-body problem with high accuracy across a wide range of length scales and density regimes. In this review, we discuss how artificial neural network representations of the nuclear many-body wave function have significantly extended the capabilities of continuum quantum Monte Carlo methods. In particular, neural network quantum states enable calculations of larger systems than were previously accessible and provide a flexible framework for capturing phenomena that challenge conventional approaches, including the emergence of nuclear clusters and superfluid phases in dense matter. We highlight recent applications to finite nuclei, infinite nuclear and neutron matter, and dynamical processes relevant to lepton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus scattering. We also discuss conceptual and methodological connections with condensed matter physics, emphasizing developments in neural network quantum states that bridge strongly correlated systems across disciplines. Together, these developments demonstrate how neural-network methods open new avenues toward unified and accurate descriptions of nuclear structure, matter, and reactions.

Lovato, Alessandro [Argonne; TIFPA-INFN, Trento; V↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploiting dissipative reactions to perform in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient isotopes 38,39 Ca

The neutron-deficient Ca isotopes continue to attract attention due to their importance for testing isospin symmetry and their relevance in capture reactions of interest for nova nucleosynthesis and the shape of light curves in Type I x-ray bursts. To date, spectroscopic information on 38,39 Ca is largely limited to data on lower-spin excited states. Here, we report in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of complementary higher-spin, complex-structure states in 39 Ca populated in fast-beam-induced, momentum-dissipative processes leading to neutron pickup onto excited configurations of the projectile, 9 Be( 38 Ca*, 39 Ca + γ)X. Such a dissipative reaction was recently characterized for the case of inelastic scattering of 38 Ca off 9 Be, 9 Be( 38 Ca, 38 Ca + γ)X. Additional data and discussion on the nuclear structure of 38 Ca is also presented. Furthermore, an explanation for the more-complex-structure states, populated with small cross sections in one-nucleon knockout reactions, and observed in the tails of their longitudinal momentum distributions, is also offered.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direct Reactions and Spectroscopy with Hydrogen Targets at the RIBF

The implementation of MINOS, a liquid-hydrogen target and vertex-tracking system, at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center has led to numerous nuclear physics discoveries. In experiments involving rare-isotope beams at intermediate energies, MINOS was integrated with the DALI2 + γ-ray spectrometer and other auxiliary devices. These were positioned in front of both the ZeroDegree Spectrometer and the SAMURAI magnetic spectrometers for the identification of ejectiles following quasi-free scattering direct reactions. Notable outcomes include the first spectroscopy of unstable doubly magic nucleus, investigations into multi-neutron decays, and the study of shell evolution along isotopic chains. These studies have significantly advanced our understanding of nuclear structure, as well as the mechanism of direct reactions with fast beams. Simultaneously, these direct reactions enabled raising new physics questions and paved the way for next-generation experimental setups to address them. Through the combination of particle- and γ-spectroscopy with a broad range of nuclear reactions, new frontiers will be established in our understanding of nuclear structure and reaction mechanisms. Here, we review the past ten years of studies on direct reactions and spectroscopy of exotic nuclei with liquid-hydrogen targets at the RIBF and define a vision for the future.

Bertulani, Carlos A [East Texas A & M Univ., Comme↗
DOE OSTI2020

Two-neutron knockout as a probe of the composition of states in Mg 22 , Al 23 , and Si 24

Simpson and Tostevin proposed that the width and shape of exclusive parallel momentum distributions of the A - 2 residue in direct two-nucleon knockout reactions carry a measurable sensitivity to the nucleon single-particle configurations and their couplings within the wave functions of exotic nuclei. We further report here on the first benchmarks and use of this new spectroscopic tool. Exclusive parallel momentum distributions for states in the neutron-deficient nuclei Mg 22 , Al 23 , and Si 24 populated in such direct two-neutron removal reactions were extracted and compared to predictions combining eikonal reaction theory and shell-model calculations. For the well-known Mg 22 and Al 23 nuclei, measurements and calculations were found to agree, supporting the dependence of the parallel momentum distribution width on the angular momentum composition of the shell-model two-neutron amplitudes. In Si 24 , a level at 3439(9) keV, of relevance for the important Al 23 ( p , γ ) Si 24 astrophysical reaction rate, was confirmed to be the 2 2 + state, whereas the 4 1 + state, expected to be strongly populated in two-neutron knockout, was not observed. This puzzle is resolved by theoretical considerations of the Thomas-Ehrman shift, which also indicates that a previously reported 3471-keV state in Si 24 is, in fact, the ( 0 2 + ) level with one of the largest experimental mirror-energy shifts ever observed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Experimental test of the ratio method for nuclear-reaction analysis

Nuclear halos are exotic quantal structures observed far from stability. They are mostly studied through reactions. The ratio of angular cross sections for breakup and scattering is predicted to be independent of the reaction process and to be very sensitive to the halo structure. We test this new observable experimentally for the first time on the collision of 11 Be on C at 22.8 MeV/nucleon and using existing data on Pb at 19.1 MeV/nucleon. The theoretical predictions are verified, which offers the possibility to develop a new spectroscopic tool to study nuclear structure far from stability.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Experimental Test of the Ratio Method for Nuclear-Reaction Analysis

Nuclear halos are exotic quantal structures observed far from stability. They are mostly studied through reactions. The ratio of angular cross sections for breakup and scattering is predicted to be independent of the reaction process and to be very sensitive to the halo structure. Here, we test this new observable experimentally for the first time on the collision of 11 Be on C at 22.8 MeV/nucleon and using existing data on Pb at 19.1 MeV/nucleon. The theoretical predictions are verified, which offers the possibility of developing a new spectroscopic tool to study nuclear structure far from stability.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quenching of single-particle strengths in direct reactions

A discrepancy in the asymmetry dependence of spectroscopic factors extracted with different reaction probes calls into question whether the corresponding reaction models are properly understood. In this work, we present extracted spectroscopic factors from the Ar 46 , 34 ( p , d ) Ar 45 , 33 transfer reactions in inverse kinematics at a beam energy of 70 MeV/nucleon. The results are consistent with previous measurements of these reactions at a lower beam energy [Lee et al. , Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 , 112701 (2010) ], indicating that the transfer reaction is a reliable probe for the nuclear structure of exotic nuclei across a wide energy range. Results from a large body of transfer reaction measurements, ( p , p N ) measurements, and theoretical nuclear structure studies make a compelling case for much weaker asymmetry dependence than what is observed with single-nucleon knockout reactions on beryllium or carbon targets.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗