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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

KamNet: An integrated spatiotemporal deep neural network for rare event searches in KamLAND-Zen

Rare event searches allow us to search for new physics at energy scales inaccessible with other means by leveraging specialized large-mass detectors. Machine learning provides a new tool to maximize the information provided by these detectors. The information is sparse, which forces these algorithms to start from the lowest level data and exploit all symmetries in the detector to produce results. In this work we present KamNet, which harnesses breakthroughs in geometric deep learning and spatiotemporal data analysis to maximize the physics reach of KamLAND-Zen, a kiloton scale spherical liquid scintillator detector searching for 0⁢νβ⁢β. Using a simplified background model for KamLAND, we show that KamNet outperforms a conventional convolutional neural network (CNN) on benchmarking Monte Carlo simulations with an increasing level of robustness. Using simulated data, we then demonstrate KamNet's ability to increase KamLAND-Zen's sensitivity to 0ν⁢ββ and 2⁢ν⁢β⁢β decay to excited states. A key component of this work is the addition of an attention mechanism to elucidate the underlying physics KamNet is using for the background rejection.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of the cross section of the Q=4.4398 MeV 12 C (n, n'γ) reaction from threshold to 16.5 MeV using γ and correlated n–γ detection

The Q=4.4398 MeV 12 C (n, n'γ) cross section was measured using a white incident neutron source through the detection of γ rays only and n–γ coincidences using a segmented liquid scintillator detector array. While the n–γ technique utilized here is more generally applicable to a wide variety of neutron scattering measurements, the γ-only technique was successfully applied to this reaction to exploit the precise time resolution and high efficiency of this detection system to yield results with unprecedented statistical precision and total uncertainties < 2 % from reaction threshold up to 16 MeV incident neutron energy, clearly resolving many features in this reaction that were previously not well known. The γ-only and n–γ results are consistent with each other for the majority of the incident energy range covered in this paper, thereby lending validation to the n–γ technique for future measurements, though significant disagreements are observed between both results and with the ENDF/B-VIII.0 nuclear data evaluation. These differences are particularly noticeable in the recently evaluated energy range below 6.5 MeV, and also near 14 MeV where a “sawtooth”-like feature is observed similar to that in other 12 C+n reaction channels. Finally, both γ-only and n–γ results are presented here with thorough covariance derivations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of the prompt fission neutron spectrum from 800 keV to 10 MeV for 240 Pu(sf) and for the 240 Pu($n,f$) reaction induced by neutrons of energy from 1–20 MeV

Here, the presence of 240 Pu in nuclear fuels for reactors has resulted in high uncertainties in the results of reactor and nuclear transmutation calculations because of deficiencies in 240 Pu-related nuclear data. Specifically for the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) of 240 Pu, there is only one neutron-induced, (n,f), measurement at 0.85 MeV incident neutron energy and only one complete spontaneous fission, (sf), measurement. This limited availability of data does not sufficiently guide nuclear data evaluations of these quantities. Here we report on a measurement of both the 240 Pu(sf) and the 240 Pu(n,f) PFNS, both over the emitted neutron energy range of 0.79–10.0 MeV, and from incident neutron energies of 1.0–20.0 MeV for the (n,f) reaction. Measurements were made with a hemispherical array of liquid scintillators at the high-energy Los Alamos Neutron Science Center white neutron source at the Weapons Neutron Research facility as part of the joint LANL-LLNL Chi-Nu experimental campaign to measure actinide fission neutron spectra. These measurements are the first of their kind, and provide clear experimental evidence for second-chance fission, third chance fission, and pre-equilibrium neutron emission processes in neutron-induced fission of 240 Pu, and are the first ever measurements above 1 MeV incident neutron energy.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Search for slow magnetic monopoles with the NOvA detector on the surface

We report a search for a magnetic monopole component of the cosmic-ray flux in a 95-day exposure of the NOvA experiment’s Far Detector, a 14 kt segmented liquid scintillator detector designed primarily to observe GeV-scale electron neutrinos. No events consistent with monopoles were observed, setting an upper limit on the flux of 2 × 10 -14 cm -2 s -1 sr -1 at 90% C.L. for monopole speed 6 × 10 -4 < β < 5 × 10 -3 and mass greater than 5 × 10 8 GeV. Because of NOvA’s small overburden of 3 meters-water equivalent, this constraint covers a previously unexplored low-mass region.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Searching for axions with kaon decay at rest

We describe a novel search strategy for axions (or hadronically coupled axionlike particles) in the mass range of m a ≲350 MeV. The search relies on kaon decay at rest, which produces a monoenergetic signal in a large volume detector (e.g., a tank of liquid scintillator) from axion decays a → γγ or a → e + ⁢e – . The decay modes K + → π + ⁢a and a → γγ are induced by the axion’s coupling to gluons, which is generic to any model which addresses the strong CP problem. We recast a recent search from MicroBooNE for e +⁢ e – pairs and study prospects at JSNS 2 and other near-term facilities. We find that JSNS 2 will have world-leading sensitivity to hadronically coupled axions in the mass range of 40 MeV ≲ m a ≲ 350 MeV.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

First Measurement of Missing Energy due to Nuclear Effects in Monoenergetic Neutrino Charged-Current Interactions

We present the first measurement of the missing energy due to nuclear effects in monoenergetic, muon neutrino charged-current interactions on carbon, originating from 𝐾 + → 𝜇 + ⁢𝜈 𝜇 decay at rest (𝐸 𝜈 𝜇 = 235.5 MeV), performed with the J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at the J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source liquid scintillator based experiment. Toward characterizing the neutrino interaction, ostensibly 𝜈 𝜇 ⁢𝑛 → 𝜇 − ⁢𝑝 or 𝜈 𝜇 ⁢ 12 C → 𝜇 − ⁢ 12 N, we define the missing energy as the energy transferred to the nucleus (𝜔) minus the kinetic energy of the outgoing proton(s), 𝐸 𝑚 ≡ 𝜔−∑ 𝑇 𝑝 , and relate this to visible energy in the detector, 𝐸 𝑚 = 𝐸 𝜈 𝜇 ⁡(235.5 MeV) − 𝑚 𝜇⁡ (105.7 MeV) + [𝑚 𝑛 − 𝑚 𝑝⁡ (1.3 MeV)] − 𝐸 vis . The missing energy, which is naively expected to be zero in the absence of nuclear effects (e.g., nucleon separation energy, Fermi momenta, and final-state interactions), is uniquely sensitive to many aspects of the interaction, and has previously been inaccessible with neutrinos. The shape-only, differential cross section measurement reported, based on a (77 ± 3)% pure double-coincidence kaon decay-at-rest signal (621 total events), provides detailed insight into neutrino-nucleus interactions, allowing even the nuclear orbital shell of the struck nucleon to be inferred. The measurement provides an important benchmark for models and event generators at hundreds of MeV neutrino energies, characterized by the difficult-to-model transition region between neutrino-nucleus and neutrino-nucleon scattering, and relevant for applications in nuclear physics, neutrino oscillation measurements, and Type-II supernova studies.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Low-energy measurement of the 25 Mg ⁢(𝛼,𝑛)⁢ 28 Si reaction via neutron spectroscopy

During core helium and carbon burning in massive stars, neutrons are produced mainly by the 22 Ne⁢ (𝛼,𝑛) ⁢25 Mg reaction. Some of these released neutrons are captured by heavy seed nuclei from previous nucleosynthesis events, resulting in the slow production of many of the elements between masses 60 ≤ 𝐴 ≤ 90 via the weak 𝑠 process. Determining the overall neutron flux available in this environment is one of the main challenges in modeling its contributions to heavy element production. Not only must the reaction rate be well defined for the primary neutron source, but the rates of neutron poison and recycling reactions must also be well determined. One critical reaction in the simulation network is 25 Mg ⁢(𝛼,𝑛) ⁢ 28 Si. This reaction, together with 25 Mg ⁢(𝑛,𝛾)⁢ 26 Mg and 25 Mg⁢ (𝛼,𝛾) ⁢ 29 Si, determine how 25 Mg nuclei affect the available neutron flux. Past attempts to measure the 25 Mg ⁢(𝛼,𝑛)⁢ 28 Si cross section using neutron moderator counters have been greatly hindered by lower-𝑍 background reactions. Here, in the present work, neutron spectroscopy with deuterated liquid scintillator detectors has been used. The experimental spectra have been analyzed by applying spectrum unfolding techniques to achieve improved background discrimination for the 25 Mg⁢ (𝛼,𝑛)⁢ 28 Si reaction at low energies, down to 𝐸 𝛼 = 1.75 MeV. The separation of the different background contributions gives further insight into the results of previous moderator counter measurements and the measurements lead to a revised and more reliable determination of the reaction rate.

hydrostatic stellar nucleosynthesis↗
DOE OSTI2026

Forward modeling approach to nuclear reaction cross sections: Applications in neutron inelastic scattering

The development of nuclear reaction models for the production of evaluated nuclear data has traditionally been performed by comparing measured cross sections with predictions from reaction model codes whose physical input parameters are adjusted to obtain the best agreement between measured and modeled results. To more directly probe reaction model inputs, this work introduces a forward modeling approach to experimental reaction cross-section determination, where the most important physical input parameters to reaction model calculations are obtained via 𝜒 2 minimization between measured and calculated observables. This was demonstrated using data collected by the Gamma Energy Neutron Energy Spectrometer for Inelastic Scattering (GENESIS) at the 88-inch cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a detection array consisting of organic liquid scintillators and high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. Using a broad-spectrum neutron beam and a 99.98%-enriched 56 Fe target, GENESIS was used to perform a simultaneous measurement of 56 Fe 𝛾-ray production cross sections and secondary neutron energy and angle distributions. The results of the forward modeling approach to the determination of energy-differential 𝛾-ray production cross sections for the yrast 4 + → 2 + and 6 + → 4 + transitions, as well as eight other off-yrast transitions, were compared against those obtained using conventional techniques, and the results are in good agreement. In addition to discrete 𝛾-ray yield total scattered neutron energy-angular distributions as a function of incident neutron energy were also obtained using forward modeling and found to agree with evaluated data, with the exception of elastic scattering at small angles. The fitted reaction model parameters obtained through forward modeling were also used to calculate the cross section for the unobserved (𝑛, 2⁢𝑛) reaction; excellent agreement with the current evaluation was obtained, providing a validation of the predictive capabilities of the forward model approach. This work bridges the gap between nuclear data experiment and evaluation by providing a new means for extracting inelastic neutron-scattering cross sections and neutron-induced 𝛾-ray production data while directly probing reaction model physics.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Neutron Yield of Thermo Scientific P385 D-T Neutron Generator vs . Current and Voltage

The Thermo Scientific P385 Neutron Generator is a compact neutron source, producing 14 MeV neutrons through the deuterium-tritium (DT) fusion reaction. It is important to measure and understand the dependence of the neutron production rate on the accelerator current and voltage. In this study we evaluated neutron production with an absolutely calibrated liquid scintillator neutron spectrometer (BTI N-Probe), an absolutely calibrated He-3 detector surrounded by HDPE shells (Detec Nested Neutron Spectrometer, NNS), and two uncalibrated ZnS fast neutron scintillators (EJ-410), for both A3082 and A3083 sealed tubes. Here we also modeled the neutron yield using the TRIM code, which calculates the trajectory and the energy loss of deuterons and tritons within the target. Experimental results showed an essentially linear dependence on beam current, as expected. A 3.59 ±0.08 power law dependence on the operating voltage was measured, in effective agreement with the modeled value of 3.5. A series of absolute NNS and N-Probe measurements, matched against MCNP calculations, showed that the A3083 and A3082 tubes provide a maximum neutron yield of 8.2 × 10 8 n/s and 4.7 × 10 8 n/s respectively, with estimated uncertainty of ±10%.We showed, through modeling, that tritium decay is not a significant consideration for tubes, such as these, with lifetimes of less than 10 years.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Geo- and reactor antineutrino sensitivity at THEIA

We present the sensitivity of the THEIA experiment to low-energy geo- and reactor antineutrinos. For this study, we consider one of the possible proposed designs, a 17.8-ktonne fiducial volume THEIA-25 detector filled with water-based liquid scintillator placed at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). We demonstrate THEIA’s sensitivity to measure the geo- and reactor antineutrinos via inverse-beta decay interactions after one year of data taking with $11.9 × 10^{32}$ free target protons. Considering all uncertainties on input throughout the whole analysis chain, the expected number of geo- and reactor antineutrinos is $220^{+30}_{–24}$ (stats+syst) and $168^{+26}_{–24}$ (stat+sys), respectively, after one year of data taking. The corresponding expected fit precision of a sole experiment is evaluated at 8.7% and 10.1%, respectively. We also demonstrate the sensitivity towards fitting individual Th and U contributions, with best fit values of $N_{\text{Th}} = 40^{+26}_{–22}$ (stat+sys) and $N_\text{U}=180^{+30}_{–24}$ (stat+sys). Finally, from the fit results of individual Th and U contributions, we evaluate the mantle signal to be $S_{\text{mantle}} = 9.3±[5.2,5.4]$ NIU (stat+sys). This was obtained assuming a full-range positive correlation $(ρ_c ϵ[0,1])$ between Th and U, and the projected uncertainties on the crust contributions of 8.3% (Th) and 7.0% (U).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pulse shape discrimination technique for diffuse supernova neutrino background search with JUNO

Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) is widely used in particle and nuclear physics. Specifically in liquid scintillator detectors, PSD facilitates the classification of different particle types based on their energy deposition patterns. This technique is particularly valuable for studies of the diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB), nucleon decay, and dark matter searches. This paper presents a detailed investigation of the PSD technique, applied in the DSNB search performed with the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). Instead of using conventional cut-and-count methods, we employ methods based on boosted decision trees and neural networks and compare their capability to distinguish the DSNB signals from the atmospheric neutrino neutral-current background events. The two methods demonstrate comparable performance, resulting in a 50–80% improvement in signal efficiency compared to a previous study performed for JUNO (An et al. [JUNO] in J Phys G 43(3):030401, 2016). Moreover, we study the dependence of the PSD performance on the visible energy and final state composition of the events and find a significant dependence on the presence/absence of 11 C. Finally, we evaluate the impact of the detector effects (photon propagation, PMT dark noise, and waveform reconstruction) on the PSD performance.

FOS: Physical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2024

Generative models for simulation of KamLAND-Zen

Abstract The next generation of searches for neutrinoless double beta decay ($$0 \nu \beta \beta $$ 0 ν β β ) are poised to answer deep questions on the nature of neutrinos and the source of the Universe’s matter–antimatter asymmetry. They will be looking for event rates of less than one event per ton of instrumented isotope per year. To claim discovery, accurate and efficient simulations of detector events that mimic$$0 \nu \beta \beta $$ 0 ν β β is critical. Traditional Monte Carlo (MC) simulations can be supplemented by machine-learning-based generative models. This work describes the performance of generative models that we designed for monolithic liquid scintillator detectors like KamLAND to produce accurate simulation data without a predefined physics model. We present their current ability to recover low-level features and perform interpolation. In the future, the results of these generative models can be used to improve event classification and background rejection by providing high-quality abundant generated data.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

IsoDAR@Yemilab: Preliminary design report—volume I (cyclotron driver)

This Preliminary Design Report (PDR) describes the IsoDAR electron-antineutrino source in two volumes which are mostly site-independent and describe the cyclotron driver providing a 10 mA/60 MeV proton beam (this Volume); and the medium energy beam transport line (MEBT) and target (Volume II). The IsoDAR driver and target will produce about 1.15 x 10 23 electron-antineutrinos over 5 years while operating with the anticipated 10 mA/60 MeV beam at an estimated 80% duty factor. Paired with a kton-scale liquid scintillator detector, it will enable a broad particle physics program including searches for new symmetries, new interactions and new particles. Here in Volume I, we describe the driver, which includes the ion source, low energy beam transport, and cyclotron. The latter features Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) direct axial injection and represents the first accelerator purpose-built to make use of so-called vortex motion.

Winklehner, Daniel (ORCID:0000000207156310)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of the Reactor Antineutrino Anomaly with CeLAND (Final Technical Report)

The goal of this project has been to investigate reactor antineutrino anomaly by searching for the oscillation signature of the hypothesized 4th neutrino flavor. The 4th neutrino flavor is often referred to as sterile, not interacting with matter and can be only observed via disappearance of standard model neutrino flavors. It is also anticipated to be heavy and therefore disappearance due to sterile neutrino oscillations is expected to happen within few meters from the neutrino source. As such, the effect can be investigated with either reactor antineutrinos few meters from the reactor core or with the dedicated strong antineutrino source close to a large liquid scintillator detector to detect antineutrinos coming from the source.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Strategic Survey of Antineutrino-based Nonproliferation Technologies

Antineutrinos carry approximately 3% of the total energy released in fission processes. As a consequence, nuclear energy production provides by far the brightest antineutrino sources on Earth. Antineutrino interactions with ordinary matter are weak and these particles cannot be shielded, making them an ideal signature of fissioning systems. However, the same property makes antineutrinos difficult to detect. Antineutrino detection technologies have matured in recent years, and emerging detection approaches warrant further investment. For near-field applications, the major enabling technological advancement, reported in 2018, is the conclusive detection of the antineutrino spectrum in segmented detectors operating at the surface with minimal shielding. For far-field applications, the highlights are the routine detection of reactor antineutrinos at hundreds of kilometer standoff in the kiloton-scale KamLAND and Borexino liquid scintillator detectors, and in particular the observation of the residual South Korean reactor antineutrino flux in KamLAND following the Fukushima disaster that led to shutdown of reactors in Japan

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Steps toward FNCL Cell Replacement (FY2021 Mid-Year Annual Report)

Evaluate compact replacement cells for the Fast Neutron Collar (FNCL). The current cells are 4x4x4 in 3 of EJ-309 instrumented with 8” tall PMTs, and the replacements are 4x4x3 in 3 cells instrumented with 1” tall SiPM arrays. The replacement cell materials are stilbene (organic crystal), EJ-309 (liquid scintillator), and EJ-299-33M (PSD-capable plastic).

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

LLE Diagnostic Resource Team for Innovative Fusion Concepts (Final Report)

The LLE Diagnostic Resource Team for Innovative Fusion Concepts provided travelling neutron diagnostics, consultancy on neutron diagnostics, and consultancy on tritium handling to fusion companies. An existing neutron detector was recalibrated for low yields and two detectors were built based on designs proven on the Omega Laser Facility. The three detectors allow measurements over a wide range of yields (from 10 to 1E7 incident neutrons). The detectors were calibrated for DD neutrons on a dedicated OMEGA shot day. Neutron detectors from the company MIFTI were also calibrated on OMEGA. MIFTI is currently using their detectors and two of our detectors on staged Z-pinch experiments at UCSD. The Team acted as consultants for the development of a liquid scintillator array to detect neutrons from muon induced fusion by NK Labs. Segments of NK Labs’ detector were tested at the LLE using radioactive sources and a DD neutron generator. The Team also acted as consultants for the design of a tritium handling system for NK Labs. A new type of neutron spectrometer was designed and built, and has completed preliminary testing.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Operation of the Fast Neutron Coincidence Collar (FNCL) with a DD-Neutron Generator

For more than 30 years, the quantitative assay of the 235 U content of light water reactor fresh fuel assemblies relied on measuring coincidence neutrons from fissions induced by an Am(Li) neutron source using 3 He based detectors. The Fast Neutron Collar (FNCL) developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), replaces traditional 3 He proportional counters with an array of liquid scintillator detectors arranged about the fuel assembly to provide improved measurement precision and reduced sensitivity to gadolinium poison rods. The FNCL relies on Am(Li) neutron sources that are no longer commercially available. This work examines the replacement of Am(Li) sources with a commercial off the-shelf deuterium–deuterium (DD) neutron generator. In addition to mitigating supply concerns, the neutron generator offers advantages in measurement precision and potential automation of sequential passive/active neutron measurements. This report presents the initial performance results for both the integrated DD/FNCL and Am(Li)/FNCL assays of compact depleted uranium, low-enriched uranium, and highly enriched uranium standards along with an estimate of the expected performance for fresh fuel assemblies. A discussion of the design and operation of the “FNCL Analysis and Simulation Software” is also provided.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗