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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2014

Thermonuclear supernovae: probing magnetic fields by positrons and late-time IR line profiles

We show the importance of γ and positron transport for the formation of late-time spectra in Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). The goal is to study the imprint of magnetic fields (B) on late-time IR line profiles, particularly the [Fe II] feature at 1.644 μm, which becomes prominent two to three months after the explosion. As a benchmark, we use the explosion of a Chandrasekhar mass (M {sub Ch}) white dwarf (WD) and, specifically, a delayed detonation model that can reproduce the light curves and spectra for a Branch-normal SN Ia. We assume WDs with initial magnetic surface fields between 1 and 10{sup 9} G. We discuss large-scale dipole and small-scale magnetic fields. We show that positron transport effects must be taken into account for the interpretation of emission features starting at about one to two years after maximum light, depending on the size of B. The [Fe II] line profile and its evolution with time can be understood in terms of the overall energy input by radioactive decay and the transition from a γ-ray to a positron-dominated regime. We find that the [Fe II] line at 1.644 μm can be used to analyze the overall chemical and density structure of the exploding WD up to day 200 without considering B. At later times, positron transport and magnetic field effects become important. After about day 300, the line profile allows one to probe the size of the B-field. The profile becomes sensitive to the morphology of B at about day 500. In the presence of a large-scale dipole field, a broad line is produced in M {sub Ch} mass explosions that may appear flat-topped or rounded depending on the inclination at which the SN is observed. Small or no directional dependence of the spectra is found for small-scale B. We note that narrow-line profiles require central {sup 56}Ni as shown in our previous studies. Persistent broad-line, flat-topped profiles require high-density burning, which is the signature of a WD close to M {sub Ch}. Good time coverage is required to separate the effects of optical depth, the size and morphology of B, and the aspect angle of the observer. The spectra require a resolution of about 500 km s{sup –1} and a signal-to-noise ratio of about 20%. Two other strong near-IR spectral features at about 1.5 and 1.8 μm are used to demonstrate the importance of line blending, which may invalidate a kinematic interpretation of emission lines. Flat-topped line profiles between 300 and 400 days have been observed and reported in the literature. They lend support for M {sub Ch} mass explosions in at least some cases and require magnetic fields equal to or in excess of 10{sup 6} G. We briefly discuss the effects of the size and morphology of B on light curves, as well as limitations. We argue that line profiles are a more direct measurement of B than light curves because they measure both the distribution of {sup 56}Ni and the redistribution of the energy input by positrons rather than the total energy input. Finally, we discuss possible mechanisms for the formation of high B-fields and the limitations of our analysis.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2017

Positron annihilation spectroscopy investigation of vacancy defects in neutron-irradiated 3 C -SiC

We described positron annihilation spectroscopy characterization results for neutron-irradiated 3 C -SiC, with a specific focus on explaining the size and character of vacancy clusters as a complement to the current understanding of the neutron irradiation response of 3 C -SiC. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to capture the irradiation temperature and dose dependence of vacancy defects in 3 C -SiC following neutron irradiation from 0.01 to 31 dpa in the temperature range from 380C °to 790C .° The neutral and negatively charged vacancy clusters were identified and quantified. The results suggest that the vacancy defects that were measured by positron annihilation spectroscopy technique contribute very little to the transient swelling of SiC. Additionally, we used coincidence Doppler broadening measurement to investigate the chemical identity surrounding the positron trapping sites.Finally, we found that silicon vacancy-related defects dominate in the studied materials and the production of the antisite defect C Si may result in an increase in the probability of positron annihilation with silicon core electrons.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Utilizing cosmic-ray positron and electron observations to probe the averaged properties of Milky Way pulsars

Pulsars have long been studied in the electromagnetic spectrum. Their environments are rich in high-energy cosmic-ray electrons and positrons likely enriching the interstellar medium with such particles. In this work we use recent cosmic-ray observations from the AMS-02, CALET and DAMPE collaborations to study the averaged properties of the local Milky Way pulsar population. We perform simulations of the local Milky Way pulsar population, for interstellar medium assumptions in agreement with a range of cosmic-ray nuclei measurements. Each such simulation contains $\sim 10^{4}$ pulsars of unique age, location, initial spin-down power and cosmic-ray electron/positron spectra. We produce more than $7 \times 10^3$ such Milky Way pulsar simulations. Further, we account for and study i) the pulsars' birth rates and the stochastic nature of their birth, ii) their initial spin-down power distribution, iii) their time evolution in terms of their braking index and characteristic spin-down timescale, iv) the fraction of spin-down power going to cosmic-ray electrons and positrons and v) their propagation through the interstellar medium and the Heliosphere. We find that pulsars of ages $\sim 10^{5}-10^{7}$ yr, have a braking index that on average has to be 3 or larger. Given that electromagnetic spectrum observations of young pulsars find braking indices lower than 3, our work provides strong hints that pulsars' braking index increases on average as they age, allowing them to retain some of their rotational energy. Moreover, we find that pulsars have relatively uniform properties as sources of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons in terms of the spectra they produce and likely release $O(10\%)$ of their rotational energy to cosmic rays in the ISM. Finally, we find at $\simeq$12 GeV positrons a spectral feature that suggests a new subpopulation of positron sources contributing at these energies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2016

Production of Highly Polarized Positrons Using Polarized Electrons at MeV Energies

The Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons experiment at the injector of the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility has demonstrated for the first time the efficient transfer of polarization from electrons to positrons produced by the polarized bremsstrahlung radiation induced by a polarized electron beam in a high-Z target. Positron polarization up to 82% have been measured for an initial electron beam momentum of 8.19~MeV/c, limited only by the electron beam polarization. We report that this technique extends polarized positron capabilities from GeV to MeV electron beams, and opens access to polarized positron beam physics to a wide community.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2021

High Efficiency Uniform Wakefield Acceleration of a Positron Beam Using Stable Asymmetric Mode in a Hollow Channel Plasma

Plasma wakefield acceleration in the blowout regime is particularly promising for high-energy acceleration of electron beams because of its potential to simultaneously provide large acceleration gradients and high energy transfer efficiency while maintaining excellent beam quality. However, no equivalent regime for positron acceleration in plasma wakes has been discovered to date. We show that after a short propagation distance, an asymmetric electron beam drives a stable wakefield in a hollow plasma channel that can be both accelerating and focusing for a positron beam. A high charge positron bunch placed at a suitable distance behind the drive bunch can beam-load or flatten the longitudinal wakefield and enhance the transverse focusing force, leading to high efficiency and narrow energy spread acceleration of the positrons. Three-dimensional quasistatic particle-in-cell simulations show that an over 30% energy extraction efficiency from the wake to the positrons and a 1% level energy spread can be simultaneously obtained. Further optimization is feasible.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Simulations of Positron Capture at Ce+BAF

We present a capture concept for the continuous wave (CW) polarized positron injector for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab (Ce+BAF). This two-step concept is based on (1) the generation of bremsstrahlung radiation by a longitudinally polarized electron beam 1 mA, 120 MeV, 90% polarization), passing through a tungsten target, and (2) the production of e+e--pairs by these bremsstrahlung photons in the same target. To provide highly-polarized positron beams (>60% polarization) or high-current positron beams (>1 µA) with low polarization for nuclear physics experiments, the positron source requires a flexible capture system with an adjustable energy selection band. The results of beam dynamics simulations and calculations of the power deposited in the positron capture section are presented.

Ushakov, Andriy↗

DOE OSTI2023

Jefferson Lab Positron Program

The Jefferson Lab Polarized Electrons for Polarized Positrons (PEPPo) experiment demonstrated that it is possible to make polarized positrons with the polarized electron beam at CEBAF. Jefferson Lab is now looking to develop a dedicated positron source that will be able to feed the CEBAF accelerator with polarized positrons and deliver up to 11 GeV positrons to the experimental halls. I will present the plans for this new source as well as present an overview of the scientific program that is planned with this new source.

Higinbotham, Douglas↗

DOE OSTI2024

Simulations of Positron Capture at Ce+BAF

Ushakov, Andriy↗

DOE OSTI2025

Polarized positrons at Ce$^+$BAF

A baseline concept for a continuous wave (CW) polarized positron injector was developed for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab [1]. This concept is based on positron beam generation by a high current polarized electron beam (1 mA, 120 MeV, >85% polarization) irradiating a 4 mm thick rotating water-cooled tungsten target or liquid metal target. The update on the development of the Ce+BAF injector concept including the polarized electron source, the development of high power targets, simulations of positron capture, the design of the transport line from the positron injector to the CEBAF North Linac and the planned experiment to measure the upper limits of transverse and longitudinal emittances accepted by the 12 GeV CEBAF optics are presented. [1] J. Grames et al., "Positron beams at Ce+BAF", in Proc. 14th Int. Particle Accelerator Conf. (IPAC’23), Venice, Italy, MOPL152, pp. 896–899 (2023). doi:10.18429/JACoW-IPAC2023-MOPL152

Ushakov, Andriy↗

NASA NTRS1975

A search for solar flare positrons

The detection of solar gamma-ray line emission and observations of the isotopes H2, H-3, and He-3 in solar cosmic rays provide direct evidence for the occurrence of high energy nuclear reactions in solar flare events. Appreciable numbers of other reaction products, including positrons with energies near about 1 MeV, should also be produced in such events. We have searched for positrons in the 0.16-1.6 MeV energy interval during 5 H-3 rich solar particle events. Based on calculations of positron and He-3 production at the sun, and using a simplified model of interplanetary propagation, we might expect comparable fluences of positrons and He-3 to be observed. Summing over these 5 events, we find the 0.16 to 1.6 MeV positron fluence to be a maximum of about 10% of the He-3 fluence with more tnan 1 MeV/nuc. This suggests that other processes, such as preferential trapping by the solar magnetic field, may be important.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Positron annihilation studies of moisture in graphite-reinforced composites

The positron lifetime technique of monitoring absorbed moisture is applied to several composites, including graphite/polymides which are candidates for high-temperature (over 260 C) applications. The experimental setup is a conventional fast-slow coincidence system wherein the positron lifetime is measured with respect to a reference time determined by the detection of a nuclear gamma ray emitted simultaneously with the positron. From the experiments, a rate of change of positron mean lifetime per unit mass of water can be determined for each type of specimen. Positron lifetime spectra are presented for a graphite/polyimide composite and for a pure polyimide.

Singh, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Positron annihilation spectroscopy with magnetically analyzed beams

Lifetime measurements with magnetically analyzed positron beams were made in condensed media with uniform and non-uniform properties. As expected, the lifetime values with magnetically analyzed positron beams in uniform targets are similar to those obtained with conventional positron sources. The lifetime values with magnetically analyzed beams in targets which have non-uniform properties vary with positron energy and are different from the conventional positron source derived lifetime values in these targets.

Singh, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Possible detection of flare-generated positrons by Helios 1 on 3 Jun 1982

The production of neutrons and gamma-ray lines by solar particles in the photosphere has been studied. The principal positron emiters which lead to the 0.51 MeV gamma-line are C-11 0-14, 0-15, N-13, Ne-19. The energies of the positrons form radioactive nuclei are of the order of few hundred keV. Positrons resulting from the pi(+) decay have energies of approx 10-100 MeV and cannot be measured by the MPAe-detector. Most of the positrons annihilate in the photosphere. A fraction however should be able to escape into the interplanetary space. Proton, electron and , for the first time, positron measurements (E = 152-546 keV) obtained by the MPAe-particle detector on board of Helios 1 are presented.

Kirsch, E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Cosmic-ray positrons from 10 to 20 GeV - A balloon-borne measurement using the geomagnetic east-west asymmetry

Results are reported for cosmic-ray positrons obtained in a balloon flight of the University of Chicago electron telescope in Hawaii in April 1984. Making use of the east-west asymmetry in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity, cosmic-ray positrons and negatrons were separated over the range 10-20 GeV. The resulting positron to electron ratio is 12-22 percent, significantly higher than the ratio measured in the 1-10 Gev range by other experiments. This increase appears to suggest that either a primary component of positrons becomes significant above 10 GeV or that the spectrum of primary negatrons decreases above 10 GeV more sharply than that of secondary positrons.

Mueller, Dietrich↗

NASA NTRS1990

Positron scattering by atomic hydrogen using optical potentials and with positronium formation

The scattering is considered of positrons by H(ls) in a two-state model which incorporates optical potentials. The model explicitly describes elastic scattering, i.e., positron + H(ls) yields positron + H(ls) and Ps(ls) yields Ps(ls) + p. The inelastic processes positron + H(ls) yields positron + H* Ps(ls) + p yields Ps* + p where * stands for a state other than ls, are implicitly taken into account through the optical potentials, which also allow for polarization of H(ls) and Ps(ls).

Walters, H. R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Positron annihilation radiation from the Galactic center region

Observations show that there are two components of positron annihilation radiation from the region of the Galactic center: a variable component resulting from one or just a few compact sources at or near the Galactic center and a steady, diffuse component resulting from positron annihilation in the Galactic disk. The diffuse component is modeled using the observed longitude distributions of 70-150 MeV gamma rays, CO, and hot plasma revealed by Fe line emission. Recent results on positron annihilation in the interstellar medium are reviewed and the implications of the annihilation processes on the fraction of positrons annihilating via positronium and on the shape of the 511 keV annihilation line are discussed. The sources of diffuse Galactic positrons are also reviewed and the nature of the compact source of annihilation radiation near the Galactic center is discussed.

Ramaty, R.↗

DOE OSTI2013

Numerical simulation study of positron production by intense laser-accelerated electrons

Positron production by ultra-intense laser-accelerated electrons has been studied with two-dimensional particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations. The dependence of the positron yield on plasma density, plasma length, and converter thickness was investigated in detail with fixed parameters of a typical 100 TW laser system. The results show that with the optimal plasma and converter parameters a positron beam containing up to 1.9 × 10{sup 10} positrons can be generated, which has a small divergence angle (10°), a high temperature (67.2 MeV), and a short pulse duration (1.7 ps)

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2014

Positron annihilation characteristics in mesostructural silica films with various porosities

Porous silica films with various porosities were prepared via a sol-gel method using a nonionic amphiphilic triblock copolymer F127 as the structure-directing agent. Doppler broadening of positron annihilation radiation (DBAR) spectra were collected for the prepared films using a variable energy slow positron beam. Different linear relationships between positron annihilation line shape parameters S and W are found for the as-deposited films and calcined ones, indicative of the decomposition of the copolymer porogen in the as-deposited films upon calcination. This also reveals the variation of positron annihilation sites as a function of F127 loading or porosity. Strong correlations between positronium 3γ annihilation fraction, S parameter and porosity of the mesoporous silica films with isolated pores are obtained, which may provide a complementary method to determine closed porosities of mesoporous silica films by DBAR.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗