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At least 19 records

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=39☆

Experimental nuclear structure data from various reactions and decays have been evaluated for all known nuclides of mass 39 (Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca, Sc, Ti). Detailed evaluated nuclear structure information is presented for each reaction and decay and the best values combining all available data are recommended for level energies, half-lives, γ-ray energies and intensities, decay properties (energies, intensities and placement of radiations), and other spectroscopic data. The {sup 39}K, {sup 39}Ca and {sup 39}Ar are the most extensively studied nuclides; no excited states are known in {sup 39}Mg and {sup 39}Ti. This work supersedes the earlier full evaluation of A=39 by B. Singh and J. Cameron (2006Si02).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The ReA electron-beam ion trap charge breeder for reacceleration of rare isotopes

ReA is a post-accelerator at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. ReA is designed to reaccelerate rare isotopes to energies of a few MeV/u following production by projectile fragmentation and thermalization in a gas cell. The facility consists of four main components: an electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) charge breeder, an achromatic charge-over-mass (Q/A) separator, a radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator, and a superconducting radio-frequency linear accelerator. The EBIT charge breeder was specifically designed to efficiently capture continuous beams of singly charged ions injected at low energy (<60 keV), charge breed in less than 50 ms, and extract highly charged ions to the Q/A separator for charge-state selection and reacceleration through the accelerator structures. The use of highly charged ions to reach high beam energies is a key aspect that makes ReA a compact and cost-efficient post-accelerator. The EBIT is characterized by a high-current electron gun, a long multi-electrode trap structure and a dual magnet to provide both the high electron-beam current density necessary for fast charge breeding of short-lived isotopes as well as the high capture probability of injected beams. This paper presents an overview and the status of the ReA EBIT, which has extracted for reacceleration tests stable {sup 20}Ne{sup 8+} ion beams produced from injected gas and more recently {sup 39}K{sup 16+} beams by injecting stable {sup 39,41}K{sup +} ions from an external ion source.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Fourier-transform spectroscopy of (4){sup 1}Σ{sup +} → A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} − b {sup 3}Π, A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} − b {sup 3}Π → X{sup 1}Σ{sup +}, and (1){sup 3} Δ{sub 1} → b{sup 3}Π{sub 0±} transitions in KCs and deperturbation treatment of A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} and b {sup 3}Π states

High resolution Fourier-transform spectroscopy data of term values in the spin-orbit (SO) coupled first excited A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} and b{sup 3}Π{sub 0±} states in KCs were obtained from (4){sup 1}Σ{sup +} → A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} − b {sup 3}Π, A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} − b {sup 3}Π → X{sup 1}Σ{sup +}, and (1){sup 3}Δ{sub 1} → b{sup 3}Π{sub 0±} spectra of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). About 3000 new rovibronic term values of the A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} and b {sup 3}Π{sub Ω} states were obtained with an uncertainty about 0.01 cm{sup −1} and added to the previously obtained 3439 term values in Kruzins et al. [Phys. Rev. A 81, 042509 (2010)] and 30 term values of the b {sup 3}Π{sub 0{sup +}} state levels below the A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} state in Tamanis et al. [Phys. Rev. A 82, 032506 (2010)]. The data field was extended considerably, going down to vibrational level v{sub b} = 0 and up in energy to 13 814 cm{sup −1}, as compared to previously achieved v{sub b} = 14 and E = 13 250 cm{sup −1}. Overall 6431 e-symmetry term values of {sup 39}K{sup 133}Cs were included in 4 × 4 coupled-channel deperturbation analysis. The analytical Morse-Long-Range (MLR) function yielded empirical diabatic potentials for the A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} and b {sup 3}Π{sub 0{sup +}} states while the morphing of the SO ab initio points [J. T. Kim et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 256, 57 (2009)] provided the empirical diagonal and off-diagonal SO functions. Overall 98.5% of the fitted term values were reproduced with a rms (root mean square) uncertainty of 0.004 cm{sup −1}. The reliability of the model is proved by a good agreement of predicted and measured term values of the {sup 41}K{sup 133}Cs isotopologue, as well as of measured and calculated intensities of (4){sup 1}Σ{sup +} → A {sup 1}Σ{sup +} − b {sup 3}Π LIF progressions. Direct-potential-fit of low-lying v{sub b} levels of the b {sup 3}Π{sub 0{sup −}} component yielded the MLR potential which represents the 204 f-symmetry experimental term values with a rms uncertainty of 0.002 cm{sup −1}. The Ω-doubling of the b {sup 3}Π{sub 0} sub-state demonstrates a pronounced v{sub b}-dependent increase.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

ORNL Resolved Resonance Covariance Generation for ENDF/B-VII.1

Resonance-parameter covariance matrix (RPCM) evaluations in the resolved resonance regionwere done at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the chromium isotopes, titanium isotopes, {sup 19}F, {sup 58}Ni, {sup 60}Ni, {sup 35}Cl, {sup 37}Cl, {sup 39}K, {sup 41}K, {sup 55}Mn, {sup 233}U, {sup 235}U, {sup 238}U, and {sup 239}Pu using the computer code SAMMY. The retroactive approach of the code SAMMY was used to generate the RPCMs for {sup 233}U. For {sup 235}U, the approach used for covariance generation was similar to the retroactive approach with the distinction that real experimental data were used as opposed to data generated from the resonance parameters. RPCMs for {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu were generated together with the resonance parameter evaluations. The RPCMs were then converted in the ENDF format using the FILE32 representation. Alternatively, for computer storage reasons, the FILE32 was converted in the FILE33 cross section covariance matrix (CSCM). Both representations were processed using the computer code PUFF-IV. This paper describes the procedures used to generate the RPCM and CSCM in the resonance region for ENDF/B-VII.1. The impact of data uncertainty in nuclear reactor benchmark calculations is also presented.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Multinuclear PFGSTE NMR description of 39 K, 23 Na, 7 Li, and 1 H specific activation energies governing diffusion in alkali nitrite solutions

While pulsed field gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance (PFGSTE NMR) spectroscopy has found widespread use in the quantification of self-diffusivity for many NMR-active nuclei, extending this technique to uncommon nuclei with unfavorable NMR properties remains an active area of research. Potassium-39 ( 39 K) is an archetypical NMR nucleus exhibiting an unfavorable gyromagnetic ratio combined with a very low Larmor frequency. Despite these unfavorable properties, this work demonstrates that 39 K PFGSTE NMR experiments are possible in aqueous solutions of concentrated potassium nitrite. Further, analysis of the results indicates that 39 K NMR diffusometry is feasible when the nuclei exhibit spin–lattice and spin–spin relaxation coefficients on the order of 60–100 ms and 50–100 ms, respectively. The diffusivity of 39 K followed Arrhenius behavior, and comparative 23 Na, 7 Li, and 1 H PFGSTE NMR studies of equimolal sodium nitrite and lithium nitrite solutions led to correlations between the enthalpy of hydration with the activation energy governing self-diffusion of the cations and also of water. Realizing the feasibility of 39 K PFGSTE NMR spectroscopy has a widespread impact across energy sciences because potassium is a common alkali element in energy storage materials and other applications.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Sensitivity to Thermonuclear Reaction Rates in Modeling the Abundance Anomalies of NGC 2419

Abundance anomalies in globular clusters provide strong evidence for multiple stellar populations within each cluster. These populations are usually interpreted as distinct generations, with the currently observed second-generation stars having formed in part from the ejecta of massive, first-generation “polluter” stars, giving rise to the anomalous abundance patterns. The precise nature of the polluters and their enrichment mechanism are still unclear. Even so, the chemical abundances measured in second-generation stars within the globular cluster NGC 2419 provide insight into this puzzling process. Previous work used Monte Carlo nuclear reaction network calculations to constrain the temperature–density conditions that could reproduce the observed abundances, thereby placing robust limits on the origins of the polluter material. The effect of individual reaction rates on these conditions has not been studied, however. Thus, we perform an exhaustive sensitivity study on the nuclear physics input to determine which reactions have the greatest impact on these predictions. We find that the {sup 30}Si(p,γ){sup 31}P, {sup 37}Ar(p,γ){sup 38}K, {sup 38}Ar(p,γ){sup 39}K, and {sup 39}K(p,γ){sup 40}Ca reactions are all critical in determining the temperature–density conditions, and ultimately, the origins of the polluter material. We conclude with recommendations for future experiments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Spectroscopy and applications of the 3 {sup 3}Σ{sup +} electronic state of {sup 39}K{sup 85}Rb

We report new results on the spectroscopy of the 3 {sup 3}Σ{sup +} electronic state of {sup 39}K{sup 85}Rb. The observations are based on resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization of ultracold KRb molecules starting in vibrational levels v′′ = 18–23 of the a {sup 3}Σ{sup +} state and ionized via the intermediate 3 {sup 3}Σ{sup +} state. The a-state ultracold molecules are formed by photoassociation of ultracold {sup 39}K and {sup 85}Rb atoms to the 3(0{sup +}) state of KRb followed by spontaneous emission. We discuss the potential applications of this state to future experiments, as a pathway for populating the lowest vibrational levels of the a state as well as the X state.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dipole polarizability of alkali-metal (Na, K, Rb)–alkaline-earth-metal (Ca, Sr) polar molecules: Prospects for alignment

Electronic open-shell ground-state properties of selected alkali-metal–alkaline-earth-metal polar molecules are investigated. We determine potential energy curves of the {sup 2}Σ{sup +} ground state at the coupled-cluster singles and doubles with partial triples (CCSD(T)) level of electron correlation. Calculated spectroscopic constants for the isotopes ({sup 23}Na, {sup 39}K, {sup 85}Rb)–({sup 40}Ca, {sup 88}Sr) are compared with available theoretical and experimental results. The variation of the permanent dipole moment (PDM), average dipole polarizability, and polarizability anisotropy with internuclear distance is determined using finite-field perturbation theory at the CCSD(T) level. Owing to moderate PDM (KCa: 1.67 D, RbCa: 1.75 D, KSr: 1.27 D, RbSr: 1.41 D) and large polarizability anisotropy (KCa: 566 a.u., RbCa: 604 a.u., KSr: 574 a.u., RbSr: 615 a.u.), KCa, RbCa, KSr, and RbSr are potential candidates for alignment and orientation in combined intense laser and external static electric fields.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Long-range interactions between polar bialkali ground-state molecules in arbitrary vibrational levels

We have calculated the isotropic C{sub 6} coefficients characterizing the long-range van der Waals interaction between two identical heteronuclear alkali-metal diatomic molecules in the same arbitrary vibrational level of their ground electronic state X{sup 1}Σ{sup +}. We consider the ten species made up of {sup 7}Li, {sup 23}Na, {sup 39}K, {sup 87}Rb, and {sup 133}Cs. Following our previous work [Lepers et al., Phys. Rev. A 88, 032709 (2013)], we use the sum-over-state formula inherent to the second-order perturbation theory, composed of the contributions from the transitions within the ground state levels, from the transition between ground-state and excited state levels, and from a crossed term. These calculations involve a combination of experimental and quantum-chemical data for potential energy curves and transition dipole moments. We also investigate the case where the two molecules are in different vibrational levels and we show that the Moelwyn-Hughes approximation is valid provided that it is applied for each of the three contributions to the sum-over-state formula. Our results are particularly relevant in the context of inelastic and reactive collisions between ultracold bialkali molecules in deeply bound or in Feshbach levels.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

On the microscopic fluctuations driving the NMR relaxation of quadrupolar ions in water

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation is sensitive to the local structure and dynamics around the probed nuclei. The Electric Field Gradient (EFG) is the key microscopic quantity to understand the NMR relaxation of quadrupolar ions, such as {sup 7}Li{sup +}, {sup 23}Na{sup +}, {sup 25}Mg{sup 2+}, {sup 35}Cl{sup −}, {sup 39}K{sup +}, or {sup 133}Cs{sup +}. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the statistical and dynamical properties of the EFG experienced by alkaline, alkaline Earth, and chloride ions at infinite dilution in water. Specifically, we analyze the effect of the ionic charge and size on the distribution of the EFG tensor and on the multi-step decay of its auto-correlation function. The main contribution to the NMR relaxation time arises from the slowest mode, with a characteristic time on the picosecond time scale. The first solvation shell of the ion plays a dominant role in the fluctuations of the EFG, all the more that the ion radius is small and its charge is large. We propose an analysis based on a simplified charge distribution around the ion, which demonstrates that the auto-correlation of the EFG, hence the NMR relaxation time, reflects primarily the collective translational motion of water molecules in the first solvation shell of the cations. Our findings provide a microscopic route to the quantitative interpretation of NMR relaxation measurements and open the way to the design of improved analytical theories for NMR relaxation for small ionic solutes, which should focus on water density fluctuations around the ion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Improved charge breeding efficiency of light ions with an electron cyclotron resonance ion source

The Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade is a new radioactive beam facility for the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS). The facility utilizes a {sup 252}Cf fission source coupled with an electron cyclotron resonance ion source to provide radioactive beam species for the ATLAS experimental program. The californium fission fragment distribution provides nuclei in the mid-mass range which are difficult to extract from production targets using the isotope separation on line technique and are not well populated by low-energy fission of uranium. To date the charge breeding program has focused on optimizing these mid-mass beams, achieving high charge breeding efficiencies of both gaseous and solid species including 14.7% for the radioactive species {sup 143}Ba{sup 27+}. In an effort to better understand the charge breeding mechanism, we have recently focused on the low-mass species sodium and potassium which up to present have been difficult to charge breed efficiently. Unprecedented charge breeding efficiencies of 10.1% for {sup 23}Na{sup 7+} and 17.9% for {sup 39}K{sup 10+} were obtained injecting stable Na{sup +} and K{sup +} beams from a surface ionization source.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Characterisation of magnesium potassium phosphate cements blended with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag

Magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs), blended with 50 wt.% fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) to reduce heat evolution, water demand and cost, were assessed using compressive strength, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy on {sup 25}Mg, {sup 27}Al, {sup 29}Si, {sup 31}P and {sup 39}K nuclei. We present the first definitive evidence that dissolution of the glassy aluminosilicate phases of both FA and GBFS occurred under the pH conditions of MKPC. In addition to the main binder phase, struvite-K, an amorphous orthophosphate phase was detected in FA/MKPC and GBFS/MKPC systems. It was postulated that an aluminium phosphate phase was formed, however, no significant Al–O–P interactions were identified. High-field NMR analysis of the GBFS/MKPC system indicated the potential formation of a potassium-aluminosilicate phase. This study demonstrates the need for further research on these binders, as both FA and GBFS are generally regarded as inert fillers within MKPC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Site selective substitution Pt for Ti in KTiOPO{sub 4}:Ga crystals revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance at low temperatures has been used to characterize potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO{sub 4}) single crystals grown by different techniques. Irradiation with 20 MeV electrons performed at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature caused an appearance of electrons and holes. Platinum impurities act as electron traps in KTiOPO{sub 4} creating Pt{sup 3+} centers. Two different Pt{sup 3+} centers were observed, Pt(A) and Pt(D). The Pt(A) centers are dominant in undoped samples, whereas Pt(D)—in Ga-doped KTP crystals. Superhyperfine structure registered for Pt(D) centers was attributed to interactions of platinum electrons with {sup 39}K and two {sup 31}P nuclei in their surroundings. In both Pt(A) and Pt(D) centers, Pt{sup 3+} ions substitute for Ti{sup 4+} ions, but with a preference to one of two electrically distinct crystallographic positions. The site selective substitution can be controlled by the Ga-doping.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Atom chip apparatus for experiments with ultracold rubidium and potassium gases

We present a dual chamber atom chip apparatus for generating ultracold {sup 87}Rb and {sup 39}K atomic gases. The apparatus produces quasi-pure Bose-Einstein condensates of 10{sup 4} {sup 87}Rb atoms in an atom chip trap that features a dimple and good optical access. We have also demonstrated production of ultracold {sup 39}K and subsequent loading into the chip trap. We describe the details of the dual chamber vacuum system, the cooling lasers, the magnetic trap, the multicoil magnetic transport system, the atom chip, and two optical dipole traps. Due in part to the use of light-induced atom desorption, the laser cooling chamber features a sufficiently good vacuum to also support optical dipole trap-based experiments. The apparatus is well suited for studies of atom-surface forces, quantum pumping and transport experiments, atom interferometry, novel chip-based traps, and studies of one-dimensional many-body systems.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Development of a Low-Level 39Ar Calibration Standard – Analysis by Absolute Gas Counting Measurements Augmented with Simulation

This paper describes the generation of 39Ar, via reactor irritation of potassium carbonate, followed by quantitative analysis (length-compensated proportional counting) to yield calibration standards that are approximately 50 and 3 times atmospheric background levels. Measurements were performed in Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s shallow underground counting laboratory studying the effect of gas density on beta-transport; these results are compared with simulation. The total expanded uncertainty of the specific activity for the ~50x 39Ar in P10 standard is 3.6% (k=2).

Absolute radiation measurement↗

A field programmable gate array-based time-resolved scaler for collinear laser spectroscopy with bunched radioactive potassium beams

A new data acquisition system including a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based time-resolved scaler was developed for laser-induced fluorescence and beam bunch coincidence measurements. The FPGA scaler was tested in a collinear laser-spectroscopy experiment on radioactive {sup 37}K at the BEam COoler and LAser spectroscopy (BECOLA) facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. A 1.29 μs bunch width from the buncher and a bunch repetition rate of 2.5 Hz led to a background suppression factor of 3.1 × 10{sup 5} in resonant photon detection measurements. The hyperfine structure of {sup 37}K and its isotope shift relative to the stable {sup 39}K were determined using 5 × 10{sup 4} s{sup −1} {sup 37}K ions injected into the BECOLA beam line. The obtained hyperfine coupling constants A({sup 2}S{sub 1/2}) = 120.3(1.4) MHz, A({sup 2}P{sub 1/2}) = 15.2(1.1) MHz, and A({sup 2}P{sub 3/2}) = 1.4(8) MHz, and the isotope shift δν{sup 39,} {sup 37} = −264(3) MHz are consistent with the previously determined values, where available.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗