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Results for “ELECTRON CAPTURE”

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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Measurements of Gamow-Teller transitions from 59 Co via the 59 Co ⁢(𝑡, 3 He +𝛾) charge-exchange reaction and its application to the stellar electron-capture rates

Electron-capture reactions on iron-group nuclei play a crucial role in the late stages of massive star evolution. Since stellar evolution simulations depend on accurate electron-capture rates—which are highly sensitive to the detailed Gamow-Teller (GT) strength distributions—reliable theoretical models are essential. However, experimental data on GT strength distributions are scarce. High-resolution measurements are therefore vital for benchmarking and improving these theoretical calculations. To provide high-resolution data on Gamow-Teller strength distributions of iron-group nuclei and to compare these results with theoretical calculations within this mass region. Differential cross sections for the 59 Co ⁢(𝑡, 3 He)⁢ 59 Fe charge-exchange reaction at 115 MeV/u were measured using the S800 spectrometer. Furthermore, to resolve individual levels that are not distinguishable in the S800 particle singles data, coincident 𝛾 rays from the 59 Fe residual nucleus were detected by using the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array 𝛾-ray tracking array. Here, the Gamow-Teller transition strength distribution from the ground state of 59 Co to 59 Fe was extracted up to an excitation energy of 10 MeV. Additionally, transition strengths for several low-lying states were determined from coincident 𝛾-ray measurements. Electron-capture rates calculated using the present data indicate that these low-lying states contribute significantly to the overall rates in relevant stellar environments. The experimental results show reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions based on both shell-model and projected shell-model calculations. High-resolution data on Gamow-Teller strength distributions—particularly for individual low-lying states—are essential for accurately determining electron-capture rates in iron-group nuclei. Coincident 𝛾-ray measurements provide a powerful tool for obtaining such detailed information. While the present work demonstrates that shell-model calculations successfully reproduce the experimental results, such comparisons are scarce and more experimental data are desirable.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
NASA NTRS1987

On the collapse of 8-10 solar mass stars due to electron capture

The density at which electron capture can ignite oxygen burning in 8-10 solar mass stars is investigated within the uncertainties of the semiconvection theory. The Ledoux criterion for convection is adopted in order to take into account the maximum effect of heating due to electron capture. It is found that oxygen burning is not ignited by electron captures on Mg-24 and Na-24 at the central density of about 4 x 10 to the 9th g/cu cm, but by capture on Ne-20 at about 1 x 10 to the 10th g/cu cm. This ignition density is 2.5 times lower than in the case with the Schwarzschild criterion, but is still high enough to induce a collapse by electron capture rather than a total explosion of the core. When the oxygen-burning front arrives at M(r) of roughly 0.3 solar mass, the contraction reaches a quasi-dynamic collapse.

Miyaji, Shigeki↗
NASA NTRS1991

Absolute differential cross sections for electron capture and loss by kilo-electron-volt hydrogen atoms

This paper reports measurements of absolute differential cross sections for electron capture and loss for fast hydrogen atoms incident on H2, N2, O2, Ar, and He. Cross sections have been determined in the 2.0- to 5.0-keV energy range over the laboratory angular range 0.02-2 deg, with an angular, resolution of 0.02 deg. The high angular resolution allows observation of the structure at small angles in some of the cross sections. Comparison of the present results with those of other authors generally shows very good agreement.

Smith, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Orbital electron capture by the nucleus

The theory of nuclear electron capture is reviewed in the light of current understanding of weak interactions. Experimental methods and results regarding capture probabilities, capture ratios, and EC/Beta(+) ratios are summarized. Radiative electron capture is discussed, including both theory and experiment. Atomic wave function overlap and electron exchange effects are covered, as are atomic transitions that accompany nuclear electron capture. Tables are provided to assist the reader in determining quantities of interest for specific cases.

Bambynek, W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Electron capture in carbon dwarf supernovae

The rates of electron capture on heavier elements under the extreme conditions predicted for dwarf star supernovae have been computed, incorporating modifications that seem to be indicated by present experimental results. An estimate of the maximum possible value of such rates is also given. The distribution of nuclei in nuclear statistical equilibrium has been calculated for the range of expected supernovae conditions, including the effects of the temperature dependence of nuclear partition functions. These nuclide abundance distributions are then used to compute nuclear equilibrium thermodynamic properties. The effects of the electron capture on such equilibrium matter are discussed. In the context of the 'carbon detonation' supernova model, the dwarf central density required to ensure core collapse to a neutron star configuration is found to be slightly higher than that obtained by Bruenn (1972) with the electron capture rates of Hansen (1966).-

Mazurek, T. J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Self-consistent microscopic calculations for electron captures on nuclei in core-collapse supernovae

Calculations for electron capture rates on nuclei with atomic numbers between 𝑍 = 20 and 𝑍 = 52 are performed in a self-consistent finite-temperature covariant energy density functional theory within the relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation. Electron captures on these nuclei contribute most to reducing the electron fraction during the collapse phase of core-collapse supernovae. The rates include contributions from allowed (Gamow-Teller) and first-forbidden (FF) transitions, and it is shown that the latter become dominant at high stellar densities and temperatures. Temperature-dependent effects such as Pauli unblocking and transitions from thermally excited states are also included. The new rates are implemented in a spherically symmetric one-dimensional simulation of the core-collapse phase. The results indicate that the increase in electron capture rates, due to inclusion of FF transitions, leads to reductions of the electron fraction at nuclear saturation density, the peak neutrino luminosity, and enclosed mass at core bounce. The new rates reaffirm that the most relevant nuclei for the deleptonization situate around the 𝑁 = 50 and 82 shell closures, but, compared to previous simulations, nuclei are less proton rich. Here, the new rates developed in this work are available, and will be of benefit to improve the accuracy of multidimensional supernova simulations.

Electron & muon capture↗
NASA NTRS1964

Electron capture in stellar interiors.

Dependence of electron capture lifetimes of nuclei in stars on local temperature and density discussed, with some astrophysical applications

ELECTRON CAPTURE↗
NASA NTRS1979

Scaling of cross sections for K-electron capture by high-energy protons and alpha-particles from the multielectron atoms

Electron capture by protons from H, He, and the K shell of Ar, and electron capture by alpha particles from He are considered. Using the experimental data, a function of the capture cross section is formed. It is shown that when this function is plotted versus the inverse of the collision energies, at high energies a straight line is obtained. At lower energies the line is concave up or down, depending on the charge of the projectile and/or the effective charge and the ionization potential of the electron that is being captured. The plot can be used to predict cross sections where experimental data are not available, and as a guide in future experiments. High-energy scaling formulas for K-electron capture by low-charge projectiles are given.

Omidvar, K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Atomic electron correlation in nuclear electron capture

The effect of electron-electron Coulomb correlation on orbital electron capture by the nucleus was treated by the multiconfigurational Hartree-Fock approach. The theoretical Be-7 L/K capture ratio was found to be 0.086, and the Ar-37 M/L ratio, 0.102. Both ratios were smaller than the independent particle predictions. Measurements exist for the Ar M/L ratio, and agreement between theory and experiment was excellent.

Chen, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Atomic electron correlation in nuclear electron capture

The effect of electron-electron Coulomb correlation on orbital-electron capture by the nucleus has been treated by the multiconfigurational Hartree-Fock approach. The theoretical Be-7 L/K capture ratio is found to be 0.086, and the Ar-37 M/L ratio, 0.102. Both ratios are smaller than the independent-particle predictions. Measurements exist for the Ar M/L ratio, and agreement between theory and experiment is excellent.

Chen, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Study of photon emission by electron capture during solar nuclei acceleration. 2: Delimitation of conditions for charge transfert establishment

The conditions for establishment of charge transfer during acceleration of nuclei up to Fe, for typical conditions of solar flare regions T = 5 x 10 to the 3rd power to 2.5 x 10 to the 8th power degrees K were explored. Results show that such conditions are widely assorted, depending on the acceleration mechanism, the kind of projections and their velocity, the target elements, the source temperature and consequently on the degree of ionization of matter and the local charge state of the accelerated ions. Nevertheless, in spite of that assorted behavior, there are some general tendencies that can be summarized as follows. In atomic H electron capture is systematically established from thermal energies up to high energies, whatever the element and for both acceleration process. For a given element and fixed temperature (T), the probability and energy domain of electron capture and loss with Fermi are higher than with Betatron acceleration. For a given acceleration process the heavier the ion the higher the probability and the wider the energy range for electron capture and loss. For given acceleration mechanism and fixed element the importance and energy domain of capture and loss increase with T: for those reasons, the energy range of charge equilibrium (illustrated with solid lines on the next figs.) is wider with Fermi and increases with temperature and atomic number of projectiles. For the same reasons, electron loss is smaller while the lighter the element, the lower the temperature and the Betatron process, such that there are conditions for which electron loss is not allowed at low energies, but only electron capture is established.

Perez-Peraza, J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Atomic electron excitation probabilities during orbital electron capture by the nucleus

Approximate probabilities of electron excitation (shakeup/shakeoff) from various atomic states during nuclear ns electron capture have been calculated in the sudden approximation, using Hartree-Fock wave functions. Total excitation probabilities are much lower than during inner-shell ionization by photons or electrons, and ns states are more likely to be excited than np states. This latter result is borne out by K-alpha X-ray satellite spectra.

Crasemann, B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Scaling of cross sections for K-electron capture by high-energy protons and alpha-particles from the multielectron atoms

Electron capture by protons from H, He, and the K-shell of Ar, and alpha particles from He are considered. It is shown that when a certain function of the experimental cross sections is plotted versus the inverse of the collision energy, at high energies the function falls on a straight line. At lower energies the function concaves up or down, depending on the charge of the projectile, the effective charge and the ionization potential of the electron that is being captured. The plot can be used to predict cross sections where experimental data are not available, and as a guide in future experiments. High energy scaling formulas for K-electron capture by low-charge projectiles are given.

Omidvar, K.↗