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At least 19 records

Evaluation of the Fluence Conversion Factor for 32 P in Sulfur

When 32 S is exposed to neutrons it undergoes a 32 S(n,p) 32 P reaction with a neutron cross section as shown in Figure 1. This reaction may be used to characterize the neutron fluence for neutrons greater than 3 MeV.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Infrared Laser-Induced Isotope-Selective Dissociation of Molecular van der Waals (SF{sub 6}){sub m}Ar{sub n} Clusters

The results of studies on the isotope-selective dissociation of homogeneous and mixed van der Waals (SF{sub 6}){sub m}Ar{sub n} clusters induced by infrared laser radiation are presented. The method is based on the selective vibrational excitation of clusters by an infrared laser, which leads to their heating and dissociation. An experimental setup and procedure are described. The results of measurements of the efficiency and selectivity of cluster dissociation at different pressures and gas compositions above the nozzle, as well as various parameters of laser radiation, are presented. The dependences of the efficiency and selectivity of cluster dissociation on the frequency and power of the exciting laser radiation on the composition and pressure of gas above the nozzle, as well as on the distance of the irradiation zone of the particles on the nozzle exit are obtained. It is shown that the frequency of laser radiation and the composition and pressure of gas above the nozzle significantly affect the parameters of selective infrared dissociation of clusters. Experiments on isotope-selective dissociation of both homogeneous (SF{sub 6}){sub m} clusters and mixed (SF{sub 6}){sub m}Ar{sub n} clusters are performed. It was found that, with the dissociation of (SF{sub 6}){sub m}Ar{sub n} clusters, a rather high selectivity can be reached. Thus, in the case of an SF{sub 6}/Ar mixture at a pressure ratio of 1/200, for the selectivity of dissociation of ({sup 32}SF{sub 6}){sub 2} clusters with respect to {sup 34}SF{sub 6}{sup 32}SF{sub 6} clusters, the values ≥10–20 are obtained under conditions of irradiation by a beam on the 10P(32) laser line (at a frequency of 932.96 cm{sup –1}). Conditions are found when the values of efficiency and selectivity of dissociation of homogeneous (SF{sub 6}){sub m} clusters and mixed (SF{sub 6}){sub m}Ar{sub n} clusters are optimal.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Form factors for dark matter capture by the Sun in effective theories

In the effective theory of isoscalar and isovector dark matter-nucleon interactions mediated by a heavy spin-1 or spin-0 particle, 8 isotope-dependent nuclear response functions can be generated in the dark matter scattering by nuclei. We compute the 8 nuclear response functions for the 16 most abundant elements in the Sun, i.e. H, {sup 3}He, {sup 4}He, {sup 12}C, {sup 14}N, {sup 16}O, {sup 20}Ne, {sup 23}Na, {sup 24}Mg, {sup 27}Al, {sup 28}Si, {sup 32}S, {sup 40}Ar, {sup 40}Ca, {sup 56}Fe, and {sup 59}Ni, through numerical shell model calculations. We use our response functions to compute the rate of dark matter capture by the Sun for all isoscalar and isovector dark matter-nucleon effective interactions, including several operators previously considered for dark matter direct detection only. We study in detail the dependence of the capture rate on specific dark matter-nucleon interaction operators, and on the different elements in the Sun. We find that a so far neglected momentum dependent dark matter coupling to the nuclear vector charge gives a larger contribution to the capture rate than the constant spin-dependent interaction commonly included in dark matter searches at neutrino telescopes. Our investigation lays the foundations for model independent analyses of dark matter induced neutrino signals from the Sun. The nuclear response functions obtained in this study are listed in analytic form in an appendix, ready to be used in other projects.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

EXPLORING IO'S ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION WITH APEX: FIRST MEASUREMENT OF {sup 34}SO{sub 2} AND TENTATIVE DETECTION OF KCl

The composition of Io's tenuous atmosphere is poorly constrained. Only the major species SO{sub 2} and a handful of minor species have been positively identified, but a variety of other molecular species should be present, based on thermochemical equilibrium models of volcanic gas chemistry and the composition of Io's environment. This paper focuses on the spectral search for expected yet undetected molecular species (KCl, SiO, S{sub 2}O) and isotopes ({sup 34}SO{sub 2}). We analyze a disk-averaged spectrum of a potentially line-rich spectral window around 345 GHz, obtained in 2010 at the APEX 12 m antenna. Using different models assuming either extended atmospheric distributions or a purely volcanically sustained atmosphere, we tentatively measure the KCl relative abundance with respect to SO{sub 2} and derive a range of 4 × 10{sup –4}-8 × 10{sup –3}. We do not detect SiO or S{sub 2}O and present new upper limits on their abundances. We also present the first measurement of the {sup 34}S/{sup 32}S isotopic ratio in gas phase on Io, which appears to be twice as high as the Earth and interstellar medium reference values. Strong lines of SO{sub 2} and SO are also analyzed to check for longitudinal variations of column density and relative abundance. Our models show that, based on their predicted relative abundance with respect to SO{sub 2} in volcanic plumes, both the tentative KCl detection and SiO upper limit are compatible with a purely volcanic origin for these species.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Herschel observations of extra-ordinary sources: H{sub 2}S as a probe of dense gas and possibly hidden luminosity toward the Orion KL hot core

We present Herschel/HIFI observations of the light hydride H{sub 2}S obtained from the full spectral scan of the Orion Kleinmann-Low nebula (Orion KL) taken as part of the Herschel Observations of EXtra-Ordinary Sources GT (guaranteed time) key program. In total, we observe 52, 24, and 8 unblended or slightly blended features from H{sub 2} {sup 32}S, H{sub 2} {sup 34}S, and H{sub 2} {sup 33}S, respectively. We only analyze emission from the so-called hot core, but emission from the plateau, extended ridge, and/or compact ridge are also detected. Rotation diagrams for ortho and para H{sub 2}S follow straight lines given the uncertainties and yield T {sub rot} = 141 ± 12 K. This indicates H{sub 2}S is in local thermodynamic equilibrium and is well characterized by a single kinetic temperature or an intense far-IR radiation field is redistributing the population to produce the observed trend. We argue the latter scenario is more probable and find that the most highly excited states (E {sub up} ≳ 1000 K) are likely populated primarily by radiation pumping. We derive a column density, N {sub tot}(H{sub 2} {sup 32}S) = 9.5 ± 1.9 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup –2}, gas kinetic temperature, T {sub kin} = 120±{sub 10}{sup 13} K, and constrain the H{sub 2} volume density, n{sub H{sub 2}} ≳ 9 × 10 {sup 7} cm{sup –3}, for the H{sub 2}S emitting gas. These results point to an H{sub 2}S origin in markedly dense, heavily embedded gas, possibly in close proximity to a hidden self-luminous source (or sources), which are conceivably responsible for Orion KL's high luminosity. We also derive an H{sub 2}S ortho/para ratio of 1.7 ± 0.8 and set an upper limit for HDS/H{sub 2}S of <4.9 × 10 {sup –3}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

STELLAR ORIGINS OF EXTREMELY {sup 13}C- AND {sup 15}N-ENRICHED PRESOLAR SIC GRAINS: NOVAE OR SUPERNOVAE?

Extreme excesses of {sup 13}C ({sup 12}C/{sup 13}C < 10) and {sup 15}N ({sup 14}N/{sup 15}N < 20) in rare presolar SiC grains have been considered diagnostic of an origin in classical novae, though an origin in core collapse supernovae (CCSNe) has also been proposed. We report C, N, and Si isotope data for 14 submicron- to micron-sized {sup 13}C- and {sup 15}N-enriched presolar SiC grains ({sup 12}C/{sup 13}C < 16 and {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N < ∼100) from Murchison, and their correlated Mg–Al, S, and Ca–Ti isotope data when available. These grains are enriched in {sup 13}C and {sup 15}N, but with quite diverse Si isotopic signatures. Four grains with {sup 29,30}Si excesses similar to those of type C SiC grains likely came from CCSNe, which experienced explosive H burning occurred during explosions. The independent coexistence of proton- and neutron-capture isotopic signatures in these grains strongly supports heterogeneous H ingestion into the He shell in pre-supernovae. Two of the seven putative nova grains with {sup 30}Si excesses and {sup 29}Si depletions show lower-than-solar {sup 34}S/{sup 32}S ratios that cannot be explained by classical nova nucleosynthetic models. We discuss these signatures within the CCSN scenario. For the remaining five putative nova grains, both nova and supernova origins are viable because explosive H burning in the two stellar sites could result in quite similar proton-capture isotopic signatures. Three of the grains are sub-type AB grains that are also {sup 13}C enriched, but have a range of higher {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N. We found that {sup 15}N-enriched AB grains (∼50 < {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N < ∼100) have distinctive isotopic signatures compared to putative nova grains, such as higher {sup 14}N/{sup 15}N, lower {sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al, and lack of {sup 30}Si excess, indicating weaker proton-capture nucleosynthetic environments.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A New Multi-Method Assessment of Stratospheric Sulfur Load From the Okmok II Caldera-Forming Eruption of 43 BCE

The 43 BCE eruption of Okmok Volcano has been proposed to have had a significant climate cooling impact in the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, we quantify the climate cooling potential of the Okmok II eruption by measuring sulfur concentration in melt inclusions (up to 1,606 ppm) and matrix glasses and estimate a total of 62 ± 16 Tg S released. The proportion reaching the stratosphere (2.5%–25%, i.e., 1.5–15.5 Tg S) was constrained by physical modeling of the caldera-collapse eruption. Using the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies E2.2 climate model we found a linear response between cooling and stratospheric sulfur load (0.05–0.08°C/Tg S). Thus, the 1–2°C of cooling derived from proxy records would require 16–32 Tg sulfur injection. This study underscores the importance of combining approaches to estimate stratospheric S load. For Okmok II, we find all methods are consistent with a range of 15–16 Tg S.

volcano-climate interaction↗

Identifying Sources of Sulfate Preserved in High Elevation Lava Tubes From Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Volcanic sulfates record a history of their formation pathways in their triple oxygen isotope compositions, making them a powerful target for understanding atmospheric chemistry. To understand how these isotopic signals may be preserved in sulfate minerals, we investigate multiple O and S isotopes of thenardite, mirabilite, and gypsum from in a Mars analog environment: a pair of lava tubes near the summit of Mauna Loa, Hawaii. Based on 16 O-, 17 O- 18 O compositions, the primary oxygen sources for sulfates in the lava tube are atmospheric oxygen (O 2 ), peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ). We suggest the isotopic signature of O 2 originates from combustion of reduced sulfur gases and/or elemental sulfur at the eruptive source or within the lava tube soon after skylight collapse. Sulfate with isotopic signatures of peroxide and ozone are typically expected from aqueous reactions in cloud droplets. Chemical modeling indicates the observed proportion of ozone sourced sulfate requires pH greater than ~5.4, higher than measured cloud water pH, instead suggesting the observed O 3 signature could not have formed in cloud water droplets. We interpret that sulfate possessing an ozone signature in the lava tube sulfates formed on wetted surfaces of the lava tubes with alkalinity from alteration of basaltic glass. Furthermore, the oxygen and sulfur isotopes of the sulfate are uncorrelated. Multiple sulfur isotopes ( 32 S- 33 S- 34 S- 36 S) from the Mauna Loa sulfates are consistent with ocean island basalt from Pitcairn, suggesting the sulfate-sulfur has not been modified compared to its volcanic source. The findings of this study indicate that oxidation by ozone plays a key role in the formation of sulfate within lava tubes. We also find that combustion is a significant pathway toward sulfuric acid formation in volcanic environments. Similar signatures should be expected on other planets if volcanism is a significant sulfate source, as has been suggested for Mars. If true, sulfates in returned samples from Mars may hold key information on pO 2 , pCO 2 and planetary scale oxygen fluxes at the time of sulfate formation.

Justin Hayles↗

Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 54

The 2005 evaluation for A=54 (2006Hu08) has been updated. Detailed experimental nuclear structure data and decay data for all nuclei with mass chain A=54 are presented in this current evaluation. The new data and information are given in following datasets: {sup 54}Ca: {sup 9}Be({sup 76}Ge, X) and Be({sup 55}Sc, p), ({sup 56}Ti, 2p) {sup 54}Sc: {sup 54}Ca β{sup −} decay and {sup 54}Sc IT decay {sup 54}Ti: {sup 54}Sc β{sup −} decay {sup 54}Cr: {sup 54}Mn ε decay, {sup 56}Fe(μ, nupng), and {sup 238}U({sup 64}Ni, Xγ) {sup 54}Mn: {sup 51}V({sup 20}Ne, Xγ), {sup 55}Mn(p, pn), and {sup 56}Fe(μ, nu2ng) {sup 54}Fe: {sup 58}Ni α decay, {sup 9}Be({sup 55}Co, Xγ), {sup 54}Fe(e, e'), {sup 54}Fe(p, p'), and Coulomb Excitation {sup 54}Co: {sup 54}Ni ε decay, {sup 55}Cu εp decay, {sup 28}Si({sup 32}S, αpnγ), {sup 54}Fe(p,n), and {sup 54}Fe({sup 3}He, t) {sup 54}Ni: {sup 54}Ni IT decay, {sup 55}Zn εp decay, {sup 9}Be({sup 55}Ni, Xγ), and {sup 24}Mg({sup 32}S, Xγ) {sup 54}Zn: Ni({sup 58}Ni, X)

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

On silicon group elements ejected by supernovae type IA

There is evidence that the peak brightness of a Type Ia supernova is affected by the electron fraction Y {sub e} at the time of the explosion. The electron fraction is set by the aboriginal composition of the white dwarf and the reactions that occur during the pre-explosive convective burning. To date, determining the makeup of the white dwarf progenitor has relied on indirect proxies, such as the average metallicity of the host stellar population. In this paper, we present analytical calculations supporting the idea that the electron fraction of the progenitor systematically influences the nucleosynthesis of silicon group ejecta in Type Ia supernovae. In particular, we suggest the abundances generated in quasi-nuclear statistical equilibrium are preserved during the subsequent freeze-out. This allows potential recovery of Y {sub e} at explosion from the abundances recovered from an observed spectra. We show that measurement of {sup 28}Si, {sup 32}S, {sup 40}Ca, and {sup 54}Fe abundances can be used to construct Y {sub e} in the silicon-rich regions of the supernovae. If these four abundances are determined exactly, they are sufficient to recover Y {sub e} to 6%. This is because these isotopes dominate the composition of silicon-rich material and iron-rich material in quasi-nuclear statistical equilibrium. Analytical analysis shows the {sup 28}Si abundance is insensitive to Y {sub e}, the {sup 32}S abundance has a nearly linear trend with Y {sub e}, and the {sup 40}Ca abundance has a nearly quadratic trend with Y {sub e}. We verify these trends with post-processing of one-dimensional models and show that these trends are reflected in the model's synthetic spectra.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Metallic beam developments for the SPIRAL 2 project

The SPIRAL 2 facility, currently under construction, will provide either stable or radioactive beams at high intensity. In addition to the high intensity of stable beams, high charge states must be produced by the ion source to fulfill the RFQ LINAC injection requirements: Q/A = 1/3 at 60 kV ion source extraction voltage. Excepting deuterons and hydrogen, most of the stable beam requests concern metallic elements. The existing 18 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) Phoenix V2 designed at LPSC Grenoble has been used for the tests and will be the source for the SPIRAL 2 commissioning. The tests performed at LPSC for calcium ({sup 40}Ca{sup 14+} and {sup 40}Ca{sup 16+}), nickel ({sup 58}Ni{sup 19+}), and sulfur ({sup 32}S{sup 11+}) are described and discussed. Due to the very high charge states required, the oven method has been chosen. An intensity of 1 pμA has been reached for those elements. The performance and the beam stability have been studied using different buffer gases, and some ionization efficiency preliminary results are given.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Human serum albumin hydropersulfide is a potent reactive oxygen species scavenger in oxidative stress conditions such as chronic kidney disease

Recently, hydropersulfide (RSSH) was found to exist in mammalian tissues and fluids. Cysteine hydropersulfide can be found in free cysteine residues as well as in proteins, and it has potent antioxidative activity. Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in mammalian serum. HSA possesses a free thiol group in Cys-34 that could be a site for hydropersulfide formation. HSA hydropersulfide of high purity as a positive control was prepared by treatment of HSA with Na{sub 2}S. The presence of HSA hydropersulfide was confirmed by spectroscopy and ESI-TOFMS analysis where molecular weights of HSA hydropersulfide by increments of approximately 32 Da (Sulfur atom) were detected. The fluorescent probe results showed that Alexa Fluor 680 conjugated maleimide (Red-Mal) was a suitable assay and bromotrimethylammoniumbimane bromide appeared to be a selective reagent for hydropersulfide. The effect of oxidative stress related disease on the existence of albumin hydropersulfides was examined in rat 5/6 nephrectomy model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Interestingly, the level of hydropersulfides in rat 5/6 nephrectomy model serum was decreased by a uremic toxin that increases oxidative stress in rat 5/6 nephrectomy model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the levels of HSA hydropersulfide in human subjects were reduced in CKD but restored by hemodialysis using Red-Mal assay. We conclude that HSA hydropersulfide could potentially play an important role in biological anti-oxidative defense, and it is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic marker of oxidative diseases. - Highlights: • Hydropersulfide can behave as potent antioxidants. • We firstly detected human serum albumin hydropersulfide in healthy subjects. • Human serum albumin hydropersulfide in human subjects were reduced in chronic kidney disease but restored by hemodialysis.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Theoretical estimates of equilibrium sulfur isotope effects in aqueous sulfur systems: Highlighting the role of isomers in the sulfite and sulfoxylate systems

We present theoretical calculations for all three isotope ratios of sulfur ( 33 S/ 32 S, 34 S/ 32 S, 36 S/ 32 S) at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory for aqueous sulfur compounds modeled in 30–40H 2 O clusters spanning the range of sulfur oxidation state (S n , n = -2 to +6) for estimating equilibrium fractionation factors in aqueous systems. Computed 34 β values based on major isotope ( 34 S/ 32 S) reduced partition function ratios (RPFRs) scale to a first order with sulfur oxidation state and coordination, where 34 β generally increase with higher oxidation state and increasing coordination of the sulfur atom. Exponents defining mass dependent relationships based on β values ( x/34 κ = ln( x β)/ln( 34 β), x = 33 or 36) conform to tight ranges over a wide range of temperature for all aqueous compounds ( 33/34 κ ≈ 0.5148–0.5159, 36/34 κ ≈ 1.89–1.90 from T &sccue; 0 °C). The exponents converge near a singular value for all compounds at the high temperature limit ( 33/34 κT→∞= 0.51587 ± 0.00003 and 36/34 κT→∞= 1.8905 ± 0.0002; 1 s.d. of all computed compounds), and typically follow trends based on oxidation state and coordination similar to those seen in 34 β values at lower temperatures. Theoretical equilibrium fractionation factors computed from these β-values are compared to experimental constraints for HSO 3 - T(aq)/SO 2(g, aq) , SO 2(aq) /SO 2(g) , H 2 S (aq) /H 2 S (g) , H 2 S (aq) /HS - (aq) , SO 4 2- (aq) /H 2 S T(aq) , S 2 O 3 2- (aq) (intramolecular), and S 2 O 3 2- (aq) /H 2 S T(aq) , and generally agree within a reasonable estimation of uncertainties. We make predictions of fractionation factors where other constraints are unavailable. Isotope partitioning of the isomers of protonated compounds in the sulfite and sulfoxylate systems depend strongly on whether protons are bound to either sulfur or oxygen atoms. The magnitude of the HSO 3 - T /SO 3 2- major isotope ( 34 S/ 32 S) fractionation factor is predicted to increase with temperature from 0 to 70 °C due to the combined effects of the large magnitude (HS)O 3 - /SO 3 2- fractionation factor (1000ln 34 α (HS)bisulfite-sulfite = 19.9‰, 25 °C) relative to the (HO)SO 2 - /SO 3 2- fractionation factor (1000ln 34 α (HO)bisulfite–sulfite = -2.2‰, 25 °C), and the increased stability of the (HS)O 3 - isomer with increasing temperature. Finally, we argue that isomerization phenomenon should be considered in models of the sulfur cycle, including models that describe the overall sulfur isotope fractionations associated with microbial metabolism (e.g., microbial sulfate reduction).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Arctic Permafrost Thawing Enhances Sulfide Oxidation

Permafrost degradation is altering biogeochemical processes throughout the Arctic. Thaw-induced changes in organic matter transformations and mineral weathering reactions are impacting fluxes of inorganic carbon (IC) and alkalinity (ALK) in Arctic rivers. However, the net impact of these changing fluxes on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (pCO 2 ) is relatively unconstrained. Resolving this uncertainty is important as thaw-driven changes in the fluxes of IC and ALK could produce feedbacks in the global carbon cycle. Enhanced production of sulfuric acid through sulfide oxidation is particularly poorly quantified despite its potential to remove ALK from the ocean-atmosphere system and increase pCO 2 , producing a positive feedback leading to more warming and permafrost degradation. In this work, we quantified weathering in the Koyukuk River, a major tributary of the Yukon River draining discontinuous permafrost in central Alaska, based on water and sediment samples collected near the village of Huslia in summer 2018. Using measurements of major ion abundances and sulfate (SO 4 2- ) sulfur ( 34 S/ 32 S) and oxygen ( 18 O/ 16 O) isotope ratios, we employed the MEANDIR inversion model to quantify the relative importance of a suite of weathering processes and their net impact on pCO 2 . Calculations found that approximately 80% of SO 4 2- in mainstem samples derived from sulfide oxidation with the remainder from evaporite dissolution. Moreover, 34 S/ 32 S ratios, 13 C/ 12 C ratios of dissolved IC, and sulfur X-ray absorption spectra of mainstem, secondary channel, and floodplain pore fluid and sediment samples revealed modest degrees of microbial sulfate reduction within the floodplain. Weathering fluxes of ALK and IC result in lower values of pCO 2 over timescales shorter than carbonate compensation (~10 4 yr) and, for mainstem samples, higher values of pCO 2 over timescales longer than carbonate compensation but shorter than the residence time of marine (~10 7 yr). Furthermore, the absolute concentrations of and Mg 2+ in the Koyukuk River, as well as the ratios of SO 4 2- and Mg 2+ to other dissolved weathering products, have increased over the past 50 years. Through analogy to similar trends in the Yukon River, we interpret these changes as reflecting enhanced sulfide oxidation due to ongoing exposure of previously frozen sediment and changes in the contributions of shallow and deep flow paths to the active channel. Overall, these findings confirm that sulfide oxidation is a substantial outcome of permafrost degradation and that the sulfur cycle responds to permafrost thaw with a timescale-dependent feedback on warming.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Radiation Transport Simulation of the Sulfur Counting System in the Radiation Metrology Laboratory (RML)

At the request of staff members from the Radiation Metrology Laboratory (RML), a series of Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations were performed using two different models of the detector geometry of the RMLs sulfur counting system. The fraction of electrons from each β-decay of 32 P in the sulfur pellet that enter the window of the sulfur counting system was calculated with both MCNP and ITS. In addition, the differential energy distributions of the electrons entering the counting system window were computed. There was significant agreement between the integral and differential quantities calculated by the two transport codes. Summary tables are for the integral efficiency values are found in the body of the report.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

EVIDENCE FOR RADIOGENIC SULFUR-32 IN TYPE AB PRESOLAR SILICON CARBIDE GRAINS?

We report C, Si, and S isotope measurements on 34 presolar silicon carbide grains of Type AB, characterized by {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C < 10. Nitrogen, Mg-Al-, and Ca-Ti-isotopic compositions were measured on a subset of these grains. Three grains show large {sup 32}S excesses, a signature that has been previously observed for grains from supernovae (SNe). Enrichments in {sup 32}S may be due to contributions from the Si/S zone and the result of S molecule chemistry in still unmixed SN ejecta or due to incorporation of radioactive {sup 32}Si from C-rich explosive He shell ejecta. However, a SN origin remains unlikely for the three AB grains considered here, because of missing evidence for {sup 44}Ti, relatively low {sup 26}Al/{sup 27}Al ratios (a few times 10{sup –3}), and radiogenic {sup 32}S along with low {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C ratios. Instead, we show that born-again asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars that have undergone a very-late thermal pulse (VLTP), known to have low {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C ratios and enhanced abundances of the light s-process elements, can produce {sup 32}Si, which makes such stars attractive sources for AB grains with {sup 32}S excesses. This lends support to the proposal that at least some AB grains originate from born-again AGB stars, although uncertainties in the born-again AGB star models and possible variations of initial S-isotopic compositions in the parent stars of AB grains make it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

SULFUR ISOTOPIC COMPOSITIONS OF SUBMICROMETER SiC GRAINS FROM THE MURCHISON METEORITE

We report C, Si, N, S, Mg-Al, and Ca-Ti isotopic compositions of presolar silicon carbide (SiC) grains from the SiC-rich KJE size fraction (0.5-0.8 μm) of the Murchison meteorite. One thousand one hundred thirteen SiC grains were identified based on their C and Si isotopic ratios. Mainstream, AB, C, X, Y, and Z subtypes of SiC, and X-type silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}) account for 81.4%, 5.7%, 0.1%, 1.5%, 5.8%, 4.9%, and 0.4%, respectively. Twenty-five grains with unusual Si isotopic ratios, including one C grain, 16 X grains, 1 Y grain, 5 Z grains, and 2 X-type Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} grains were selected for N, S, Mg-Al, and Ca-Ti isotopic analysis. The C grain is highly enriched in {sup 29}Si and {sup 30}Si (δ{sup 29}Si = 1345‰ ± 19‰, δ{sup 30}Si = 1272‰ ± 19‰). It has a huge {sup 32}S excess, larger than any seen before, and larger than that predicted for the Si/S supernova (SN) zone, providing evidence against the elemental fractionation model by Hoppe et al. Two SN models investigated here present a more satisfying explanation in terms of a radiogenic origin of {sup 32}S from the decay of short-lived {sup 32}Si (τ{sub 1/2} = 153 yr). Silicon-32 as well as {sup 29}Si and {sup 30}Si can be produced in SNe by short neutron bursts; evidence for initial {sup 44}Ti (τ{sub 1/2} = 60 yr) in the C grain is additional evidence for an SN origin. The X grains have marginal {sup 32}S excesses, much smaller than expected from their large {sup 28}Si excesses. Similarly, the Y and Z grains do not show the S-isotopic anomalies expected from their large Si isotopic anomalies. Low intrinsic S contents and contamination with isotopically normal S are the most likely explanations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Experimental study of Cl 35 excited states via S 32 ( α , p )

The presolar grains originating in oxygen-neon novae may be identified more easily than those of other stellar sources if their sulfur isotopic ratios ($^{33}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$ and $^{34}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$) are compared with the theoretical ones. The accuracy of such a comparison depends on reliable $^{33}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$ and $^{34}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ reaction rates at the nova temperature regime. The latter rate has recently been computed based on experimental input, and many new excited states in $^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ were discovered above the proton threshold. As a result, the experimental $^{34}\mathrm{S}(p,{\gamma})^{35}\mathrm{Cl}$ rate was found to be less uncertain and 2–5 times smaller than the theoretical one. Consequently, the simulated $^{34}\mathrm{S}/^{32}\mathrm{S}$ isotopic ratio for nova presolar grains was predicted to be smaller than that of type II supernova grains by a factor of 1.5 to 3.7. The present study was performed to confirm the existence of these new resonances, and to improve the remaining uncertainties in the S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 reaction rate. Energies and spin-parities of the Cl 35 excited levels were investigated via high-resolution charged-particle spectroscopy with an Enge split-pole spectrograph using the S 32 ( α , p ) Cl 35 reaction. Differential cross sections of the outgoing protons were measured at E α = 21 MeV. Distorted-wave Born approximation calculations were carried out to constrain the spin-parity assignments of observed levels, with special attention to those significant in determination of the S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 reaction rate over the nova temperature regime. The existence of these newly discovered states are largely confirmed, although a few states were not observed in this study. The spins and parities of a few Cl 35 states were assigned tentatively for the first time. The present S 34 ( p , γ ) Cl 35 experimental thermonuclear reaction rate at 0.1–0.4 GK is consistent within 1 σ with the previous evaluation. However, our rate uncertainty is larger than before due to a more realistic treatment of the uncertainties in the rate input. In comparison with the previous rate evaluation, where the high and low rates differed by less than a factor of 2 over the nova temperature regime, the ratio of the present limit rates is at most a factor of 3.5 at 0.12 GK. At temperatures above 0.2 GK, we recommend the future work to focus on determination of the unknown properties of four excited states of Cl 35 : 6643, 6761, 6780, and 6800 keV.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗