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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Limits on assigning a shape to a nucleus

The interpretation of nuclear observables in the laboratory frame in terms of the intrinsic deformation parameters β and γ is a classical theme in nuclear structure. Here we use the quadrupole invariants, calculated within the framework of the configuration-interaction shell model, to clarify the meaning and limitations of nuclear shapes. In this work we introduce a novel method that enables us to calculate accurately higher-order invariants and, therefore, the fluctuations in both β and γ. We find that the shape parameter β often has a non-negligible degree of softness and that the angle γ is usually characterized by large fluctuations, rendering its effective value not meaningful. Contrary to common belief, we conclude that doubly magic nuclei are not spherical, because the notion of a well-defined shape does not apply to them.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1995

An algebraic cluster model based on the harmonic oscillator basis

We discuss the semimicroscopic algebraic cluster model introduced recently, in which the internal structure of the nuclear clusters is described by the harmonic oscillator shell model, while their relative motion is accounted for by the Vibron model. The algebraic formulation of the model makes extensive use of techniques associated with harmonic oscillators and their symmetry group, SU(3). The model is applied to some cluster systems and is found to reproduce important characteristics of nuclei in the sd-shell region. An approximate SU(3) dynamical symmetry is also found to hold for the C-12 + C-12 system.

Levai, Geza↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tunable-fidelity wave functions for the ab initio description of scattering and reactions

Here, the no-core shell model (NCSM) is an ab initio method that solves the nuclear many-body problem by expanding the many-particle wave function into a (typically) harmonic oscillator basis and minimizing the energy to obtain the expansion coefficients. Extensions of the NCSM, such as its coupling with microscopic-cluster basis states, further allow for an ab initio treatment of light-ion nuclear reactions of interest for both astrophysics and nuclear technology applications. A downside of the method is the exponential scaling of the basis size with increasing number of nucleons and excitation quanta, which limits its applicability to mass A ≲ 16 nuclei, except for variants where the basis is further down-selected via some truncation scheme. We consider a basis selection method for the NCSM that was first introduced in the context of the large-scale shell model and captures the essential degrees of freedom of the nuclear wave function leading to a favorable complexity scaling for calculations and enabling ab initio reaction calculations in sd-shell nuclei. The particle configurations within the NCSM basis are ordered based on their contribution to the first moment of the Hamiltonian matrix that results from the projection onto the many-body basis. The truncation scheme then consists in retaining only the lowest-first-moment configurations, which typically contain only few many-body basis states (Slater determinants). As the energy threshold above which configurations are disregarded is increased, the size of the basis becomes an almost-continuous variable, allowing for tunable fidelity in the obtained wave functions. The resulting wave functions can then be used directly in ab initio reaction calculations. We present calculations for 7 Li and n + 12 C scattering using nucleon-nucleon interactions derived from chiral effective field theory and softened using the similarity renormalization group method. The obtained energy levels invariably demonstrate exponential convergence with the size of the basis, and we find improved convergence in scattering calculations. To demonstrate the possibilities enabled by the approach, we also present a first calculation for the scattering of neutrons from 24 Mg. The method presented in this work appears promising for future studies of nuclei with mass A > 16, opening multiple future research directions impacting both nuclear astrophysics and nuclear technology applications.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cross-shell excited configurations in the structure of 34 Si

The cross-shell excited states of 34 Si have been investigated via β decays of the 4 − ground state and the 1 + isomeric state of 34 Al. Since the valence protons and valence neutrons occupy different major shells in the ground state as well as the intruder 1 + isomeric state of 34 Al, intruder levels of 34 Si are populated via allowed β decays. Spin assignments to such intruder levels of 34 Si were established through γ-γ angular correlation analysis for the negative-parity states. The configurations of such intruder states play crucial roles in our understanding of the N = 20 shell gap evolution. A configuration interaction model derived from the FSU Hamiltonian was utilized in order to interpret the intruder states in 34 Si. Furthermore, shell model interaction derived from a more fundamental theory with the valence space in medium similarity renormalization group method was also employed to interpret the structure of 34 Si.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reinvestigation of the level structures of the even-even nuclei 90 Zr and 92 Zr

Excited states of 90 Zr and 92 Zr were investigated using the fusion reactions 6 Li + 89 Y and 14 N + 82 Se , respectively. Based on the experimental data, 5 and 18 new 𝛾 rays have been added to the level schemes of 90 Zr and 92 Zr , respectively. The level structures of 90 Zr and 92 Zr have been interpreted with shell-model calculations using the GWBXG and SNET effective interactions. The neutron core-breaking and the importance of the 1⁢𝑔 7/2 and 1⁢ℎ 11/2 orbits for high-spin states of 92 Zr were discussed. Finally, the excitation energy of the neutron core-breaking of nuclei in the 𝐴=90 region was compared.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Measurement of the EMC effect in the deuteron

We have determined the structure function ratio $R^d_{\rm EMC}=F_2^d/(F_2^n+F_2^p)$ from recently published $F_2^n/F_2^d$ data taken by the BONuS experiment using CLAS at Jefferson Lab. This ratio deviates from unity, with a slope $dR_{\rm EMC}^{d}/dx= -0.10\pm 0.05$ in the range of Bjorken $x$ from 0.35 to 0.7, for invariant mass $W>1.4$ GeV and $Q^2>1$ GeV$^2$. The observed EMC effect for these kinematics is consistent with conventional nuclear physics models that include off-shell corrections, as well as with empirical analyses that find the EMC effect proportional to the probability of short-range nucleon-nucleon correlations.

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 OSTI2016

High-spin structure of Xe 134

Detailed spectroscopic information on the N~82 nuclei is necessary to benchmark shell-model calculations in the region. The nuclear structure above long-lived isomers in 134 Xe is investigated after multinucleon transfer (MNT) and actinide fission. Xenon-134 was populated as (i) a transfer product in 136 Xe+ 238 U and 136 Xe+ 208 Pb MNT reactions and (ii) as a fission product in the 136 Xe+ 238 U reaction employing the high-resolution Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA). Trajectory reconstruction has been applied for the complete identification of beamlike transfer products with the magnetic spectrometer PRISMA. The 136 Xe+ 198 Pt MNT reaction was studied with the γ-ray spectrometer GAMMASPHERE in combination with the gas detector array Compact Heavy Ion Counter (CHICO). Several high-spin states in 134 Xe on top of the two long-lived isomers are discovered based on γγ-coincidence relationships and information on the γ-ray angular distributions as well as excitation energies from the total kinetic energy loss and fission fragments. The revised level scheme of 134 Xe is extended up to an excitation energy of 5.832 MeV with tentative spin-parity assignments up to 16 + . Previous assignments of states above the 7 - isomer are revised. Latest shell-model calculations employing two different effective interactions reproduce the experimental findings and support the new spin and parity assignments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurements and computational analysis of the natural decay of 176 Lu

Background: Mainly because of its long half-life and despite its scientific relevance, spectroscopic measurements of 176 Lu forbidden β decays are very limited and lack formulation of shape factors. A direct precise measurement of its Q value is also presently unreported. In addition, the description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. The comparison of precise experimental results with theoretical calculations for these decays can help to test underlying models and can aid the interpretation of data from other experiments. Purpose: Perform the first precision measurements of 176 Lu β-decay spectra and attempt the observation of its electron capture decays, as well as perform the first precision direct measurement of the 176 Lu β-decay Q value. Compare the shape of the precisely determined experimental β spectra to theoretical calculations, and compare the end point energy to that obtained from an independent Q value measurement. Method: Here, the 176 Lu β-decay spectra measurements and the search for electron capture decays were performed with an experimental setup that employed lutetium-containing scintillator crystals and a NaI(Tl) spectrometer for coincidence counting. The β decay Q value was determined via high-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry (PTMS) with the LEBIT facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The β-spectrum calculations were performed within the Fermi theory formalism with nuclear structure effects calculated using a shell model approach. Results: Both β transitions of 176 Lu were experimentally observed and corresponding shape factors formulated in their entire energy ranges. The search for electron capture decay branches led to an experimental upper limit of 6.3×10 –6 relative to its β decays. The 176 Lu β-decay and electron capture Q values were measured using PTMS to be 1193.0(6) and 108.9(8) keV, respectively. This enabled precise β end point energies of 596.2(6) and 195.3(6) keV to be determined for the primary and secondary β decays, respectively. The conserved vector current hypothesis was applied to calculate the relativistic vector matrix elements. The β-spectrum shape was shown to significantly depend on the Coulomb displacement energy and on the value of the axial vector coupling constant gA, which was extracted according to different assumptions. Conclusion: The implemented self-scintillation method has provided unmatched observations of 176 Lu, independently validated by the first direct measurements of its β-decay Q value by Penning trap mass spectrometry. Theoretical study of the main β transition led to the extraction of very different effective gA and log10f values, showing that a high-precision description of this transition would require a realistic nuclear structure with nucleus deformation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Low-spin structure of the N = 82 nucleus Cs 137

Excited states in 137 Cs have been studied by using the near-barrier, single-proton transfer reaction 10 B( 136 Xe, 9 Beγ) 137 Cs in inverse kinematics and performing particle-γ and particle-γγ coincidence measurements. The low-spin level scheme of 137 Cs has been augmented: (i) The expected set of single-proton, seniority ν = 1 states has been delineated in its entirety; (ii) Another member of the v = 3 proton 0g 7/2 multiplet, a low-lying 9/2 + level, has been identified and this set of states now approaches completion; (iii) A second 9/2 + and a candidate 13/2 + level have been observed. Furthermore, the results are discussed in the framework of shell-model calculations in the proton 2s1 d 0 g 0 h shell.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reinvestigation of the level structures of the N=49 isotones 89 Zr and 91 Mo

Here, excited states of 89 Zr and 91 Mo have been investigated using the fusion reaction 6 Li+ 89 Y at beam energy of 34 MeV. Based on new experimental data, about 16 (13) new transitions have been added to the level scheme of 89 Zr ( 91 Mo). The level structures are investigated in the framework of the spherical-basis shell model using the effective interactions JUN45 and GWBXG. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the experimental results and the calculations. The calculated results indicate the newly proposed states are characterized by proton excitations from the 1f 5/2 , 2p 3/2 , 2p 1/2 orbits to the high-j 1g 9/2 orbit. The systematic features of low lying states in the N = 49 isotones are discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Onset of band structure in 70 Ga

Excited states in the odd-odd nucleus 70 Ga were studied using the 62 Ni( 14 C, αpn) fusion-evaporation reaction at the John D. Fox Superconducting Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University with a 50 MeV beam. Depopulating γ rays were measured in coincidence with a Compton-suppressed Ge array consisting of three Clover detectors and seven single-crystal detectors. Analysis of γ–γ coincidences led to the addition of 16 new transitions to the 70 Ga level scheme, including transitions associated with the onset of a new positive-parity band structure likely based on the πg 9/2 ⊗ νg 9/2 configuration. Spins and parities were assigned using directional correlation of oriented nuclei (DCO) ratios and linear polarization measurements. Shell-model calculations with the JUN45 effective interaction reproduce the excitation energies of the positive-parity states reasonably well but predict negative-parity states that are typically 400–500 keV lower than observed. Furthermore, total Routhian surface calculations for the lowest positive-parity configuration with signature α = 0 indicate significant triaxiality (γ ≈ −20°) and the development of competing non-collective excitations at J = 8, corresponding to the experimentally observed onset of the positive-parity band. Similar features are found in the calculated surfaces for the lowest negative-parity states with α = 0.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
DOE OSTI2019

Structure of Cl 38 and the quest for a comprehensive shell model interaction

The higher-spin structure of 38 Cl ($N=21$) was investigated following the 26 Mg( 14 C, $pn$) reaction at 30 and 37 MeV beam energies. The outgoing protons were detected in an $E-ΔE$ Si telescope placed at 0° close to the target with a Ta beam stopper between the target and telescope. Multiple $γ$ rays were detected in time coincidence with the protons using an enhanced version of the FSU $γ$-detection array. The level scheme was extended up to 8420 keV with a likely spin of 10 $ℏ$. A new multishell interaction was developed guided by the experimental information. This FSU interaction was built by fitting to the energies of 270 experimental states from 13 C to 51 Ti. Calculations using the FSU interaction reproduce observed properties of 38 Cl rather well, including the spectroscopic factors. The interaction has been successfully used to interpret the 1p1h and 2p2h configurations in some nearby nuclei as well.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Deep learning: Extrapolation tool for ab initio nuclear theory

Ab initio approaches in nuclear theory, such as the no-core shell model (NCSM), have been developed for approximately solving finite nuclei with realistic strong interactions. The NCSM and other approaches require an extrapolation of the results obtained in a finite basis space to the infinite basis space limit and assessment of the uncertainty of those extrapolations. Each observable requires a separate extrapolation and many observables have no proven extrapolation method. Herein, we propose a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) method as an extrapolation tool to obtain the ground-state energy and the ground-state point-proton root-mean-square (rms) radius along with their extrapolation uncertainties. The designed ANNs are sufficient to produce results for these two very different observables in 6 Li from the ab initio NCSM results in small basis spaces that satisfy the following theoretical physics condition: independence of basis space parameters in the limit of extremely large matrices. Comparisons of the ANN findings with other extrapolation methods are also provided.

6Li↗
DOE OSTI2025

Connecting relativistic density functional theory to microscopic calculations

The development of systematic effective field theories (EFTs) for nuclear forces and advances in solving the nuclear many-body problem have greatly improved our understanding of dense nuclear matter and the structure of finite nuclei. For global nuclear calculations, density functional theories (DFTs) have been developed to reduce the complexity and computational cost required in describing nuclear systems. However, DFT often makes approximations and assumptions about terms included in the functional, which may introduce systematic uncertainties compared to microscopic calculations using EFTs. In this work, we investigate possible avenues of improving nuclear DFT using nonlinear relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory. We explore the impact of RMF model extensions by fitting the nonlinear RMF model to predictions of nuclear matter and selected closed-shell nuclei using four successful chiral EFT Hamiltonians. We find that these model extensions are impactful and important in capturing the physics present within chiral Hamiltonians, particularly for charge radii and neutron skins of closed-shell nuclei. However, there are additional effects that are not captured within the RMF model, particularly within the isoscalar sector of RMF theory. Additional model extensions and the reliability of the nonlinear RMF model are discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

First β -delayed neutron spectroscopy of 24 O

The β decay of 24 O was investigated at NSCL/MSU using a combination of neutron and γ-ray spectroscopy. For the first time, the β-delayed neutron energy spectrum of 24 O was measured, revealing three intensely populated, isolated neutron-unbound states in 24 F. This allowed for the extraction of the decay strength in 24 F up to 6.2 MeV. A comprehensive comparison of the experimental results with various nuclear theories, ranging from the empirical shell model to the most advanced ab initio calculations, was conducted. While most theoretical predictions align with the experimental data for low-lying states, discrepancies arise at higher excitation energies. Finally, in the transition from 24 O to 24 F, shell model calculations using the empirical USDB interaction predicted the structure of both nuclei without invoking the need for a stronger proton-neutron tensor force, which was postulated for the neighboring isotone 25 F.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Puzzling 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2;0 + → 2 + ) strength in the proton dripline nucleus 36 Ca

Recent measurements of the 𝐸⁢2 transition rate from the ground state to the first 2 + excited state of the proton dripline nucleus 36 Ca show an unusual pattern when compared to its isotopic neighbor 38 Ca: despite having a higher 𝐸 𝑥 ⁡(2$^{+}_{1}$) excitation energy, the 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2;0$^{+}_{1}$ → 2$^{+}_{1}$) rate in 36 Ca is larger. The question that naturally arises is to what extent this observation can be attributed to the unbound character of the 2$^{+}_{1}$ state. To understand the influence of the continuum space on the low-energy properties of 36 Ca, we carried out Gamow shell model calculations that can account for the continuum coupling effects associated with the occupation of unbound 𝑓⁡𝑝 shells. We found that in the threshold 2 + state, 36 Ca is spatially diffused, which impacts the observed 𝐵⁡(𝐸⁢2) trend.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2026

New level scheme and lifetime measurement of the 13/2 + state in 209 Po

The level structure of 209 Po has been studied by in-beam 𝛾-ray spectroscopy with the 209 Bi ⁢( 6 Li ,𝛼⁢2⁢𝑛) 209 Po reaction at beam energies of 28, 30, 34 MeV. The level scheme of 209 Po is expanded by the 𝛾−𝛾 coincidence measurement, where 27 new transitions and 23 new levels are observed. The lifetimes of 13/2 − , 17/2 − , and 23/2 + states are obtained and are consistent with the previous work, while the one of the 13/2 + state is measured for the first time. A configuration-interaction-shell-model calculation is performed, and its results are compared with the experimental results for 209 Po , with an emphasis on the coupling between the single valence neutron hole and the even-even core of 210 Po . A systematic comparison of the 13/2 + state in N = 125 chain is also studied in the current work.

190 ≤ A ≤ 219↗