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At least 19 records

Delayed particles in EAS at Akeno

Using two 2.25 square meter fast scintillation detectors, delayed particles in cosmic ray showers (CRS) have been observed at Akeno Observatory. These are set under 1 m concrete and 2.5 cm lead plates respectively. About 2500 CRS are analyzed. The lateral distribution of delayed particles for the CRS size 10 to the 7th power is flatter than that for to the 7th power. The lateral density of delayed particles is almost constant for the size range 2.2 X 10 to the 5th power approx. 10 to the 7th power and increases rapidly above 10 to the 7th power. These facts may suggest change of nuclear interaction at 10 to the 7th power and substantially the existence of heavy particles with long life.

Sakuyama, H.↗

Association between interplanetary shock waves and delayed solar particle events.

In studying the propagation of energetic charged particles from a large solar flare, we can no longer regard the interplanetary medium as remaining in a steady state; disturbances in the flow of solar wind from these flares may have great effects on the observed fluxes of charged particles. Delayed particle events, also known as 'energetic storm particle' events, may exhibit an increase by an order of magnitude or greater in the flux of protons above 10 MeV over a period of the order of 6 hours. These events are seen in association with the passage of an interplanetary shock past the earth. It is proposed that the particles are accelerated locally at the time of the passage of the interplanetary blast wave.

Datlowe, D.↗

Extension of the Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment decay model to multichance fission

The Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment decay model, HF 3 D, which calculates the statistical decay of fission fragments, has been expanded to include multichance fission, up to neutron incident energies of 20 MeV. The deterministic decay takes as input prescission quantities—fission probabilities and the average energy causing fission—and postscission quantities—yields in mass, charge, total kinetic energy, spin, and parity. From these fission fragment initial conditions, the full decay is followed through both prompt and delayed particle emissions, allowing for the calculation of prompt neutron and γ properties, such as multiplicity and energy distributions, both independent and cumulative fission yields, and delayed neutron observables. Here, we describe the implementation of multichance fission in the HF 3 D model, and show an example of prompt and delayed quantities beyond first-chance fission, using the example of neutron-induced fission on 235 U. This expansion represents significant progress in consistently modeling the emission of prompt and delayed particles from fissile systems.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The Extension of the Hauser-Feshbach Fission Fragment Decay Model to Multi-chance Fission and its Application to 239 Pu

The Hauser-Feshbach fission fragment decay model, HF3D, calculates the statistical decay of fission fragments through both prompt and delayed neutron and γ-ray emissions in a deterministic manner. While previously limited to the calculation of only first-chance fission, the model has recently been extended to include multi-chance fission, up to neutron incident energies of 20 MeV. The deterministic decay takes as input prescission quantities–fission probabilities, pre-fission neutron energies, and the average energy causing fission– and post-scission quantities–yields in mass, charge, total kinetic energy, spin, and parity. From those fission fragment initial conditions, the full decay is followed through both prompt and delayed particle emissions. The evaporation of the prompt neutrons and γ rays is calculated through the Hauser-Feshbach statistical theory, taking into account the competition between neutron and γ-ray emission, conserving energy, spin, and parity. The delayed emission is taken into account using time-independent calculation using decay data. This whole formulation allows for the calculation of prompt neutron and γ-ray properties, such as multiplicities and energy distributions, both independent and cumulative fission yields, and delayed neutron observables, in a consistent framework. Here, we describe the implementation of multi-chance fission into the HF 3 D model, and show an example of prompt and delayed quantities beyond first-chance fission, using the example of neutron-induced fission on 239 Pu. This expansion represents significant progress in consistently modeling the emission of prompt and delayed particles from fissile systems.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The Upgrade of Horizon-T Detector

The Horizon-T experiment is located at the elevation of 3346 m above sea level near the city of Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. A thorough comparison of the spatial and temporal characteristics of charged components of Extended Air Showers (EAS) with delayed particles has been conducted between the simulated EAS using CORSIKA simulation package and the selection from the experimental data set of events with two pulses recorded by a detector at ~600 m distance from axis [1]. This comparison has shown that events with delayed particles cannot be described within existing simulation models. The significance of these results prompted the upgrade of the Horizon-T experiment. New detector points have been added at the ~600m to enhance data at that distance. Fast glass-based detector has been added to the scintillator-based detector at center point for accurate measurements of the pulse widths.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The delayed energetic particle event of June 6-10, 1979

Energetic particle observations carried out with the ISEE-3 Medium-Energy Cosmic Ray experiment during the flare event of June 6-10, 1979 are reported. An expanded time history of the He nuclei particle spectra is given, and particle trajectory angles are identified with respect to the earth-sun line. The backward flow of the particle stream following the shock was analyzed, and it is found that the shock continued to accelerate particles beyond 1 AU from the sun. Polar plots of the number of protons counted in each sector of observation are given with their corresponding magnetic field directions.

Von Rosenvinge, T. T.↗

First Observation of the β3αp Decay of 13 O via β-Delayed Charged-Particle Spectroscopy

The β-delayed proton decay of 13 O has previously been studied, but the direct observation of β-delayed 3⁢α⁢p decay has not been reported. Rare 3⁢α⁢p events from the decay of excited states in 13 N* provide a sensitive probe of cluster configurations in 13 N*. To measure the low-energy products following β-delayed 3⁢αp decay, the Texas Active Target (TexAT) time projection chamber was employed using the one-at-a-time β-delayed charged-particle spectroscopy technique at the Cyclotron Institute, Texas A&M University. A total of 1.9 × 10 5 13 O implantations were made inside the TexAT time projection chamber. Furthermore, a total of 149 3⁢αp events were observed, yielding a β-delayed 3⁢αp branching ratio of 0.078(6)%. Four previously unknown α-decaying excited states were observed in 13 N at 11.3, 12.4, 13.1, and 13.7 MeV decaying via the 3⁢α + p channel.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Solid Hydrogen Experiments for Atomic Propellants: Particle Formation, Imaging, Observations, and Analyses

This report presents particle formation observations and detailed analyses of the images from experiments that were conducted on the formation of solid hydrogen particles in liquid helium. Hydrogen was frozen into particles in liquid helium, and observed with a video camera. The solid hydrogen particle sizes and the total mass of hydrogen particles were estimated. These newly analyzed data are from the test series held on February 28, 2001. Particle sizes from previous testing in 1999 and the testing in 2001 were similar. Though the 2001 testing created similar particles sizes, many new particle formation phenomena were observed: microparticles and delayed particle formation. These experiment image analyses are some of the first steps toward visually characterizing these particles, and they allow designers to understand what issues must be addressed in atomic propellant feed system designs for future aerospace vehicles.

Palaszewski, Bryan↗

β -delayed charged-particle decay of Si 22 , 23

The β decay of 22,23 Si by emission of delayed charged particles was investigated in an experiment at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University by means of an optical-readout time-projection chamber. The previously-known decay of the two isotopes by β-delayed one- and two-proton emission was confirmed. Here for the first time, a new, rare, decay mode for 23 Si, β-delayed three-proton emission, was observed and β-delayed proton-α emission tentatively identified. Moreover, the β-decay pattern for the ground state of 23 Si was studied by means of multireference density-functional-rooted calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

An analysis of source structure effects in radio interferometry measurements

To begin a study of structure effects, this report presents a theoretical framework, proposes an effective position approach to structure corrections based on brightness distribution measurements, and analyzes examples of analytical and measured brightness distributions. Other topics include the effect of the frequency dependence of a brightness distribution on bandwidth synthesis (BWS) delay, the determination of the absolute location of a measured brightness distribution, and structure effects in dual frequency calibration of charged particle delays. For the 10 measured distributions analyzed, it was found that the structure effect in BWS delay at X-band (3.6 cm) can reach 30 cm, but typically falls in the range of 0 to 5 cm. A trial limit equation that is dependent on visibility was successfully tested against the 10 measured brightness distributions (seven sources). If the validity of this particular equation for an upper limit can be established for nearly all sources, the structure effect in BWS delay could be greatly reduced without supplementary measurements of brightness distributions.

Thomas, J. B.↗

Solar cosmic ray 'square wave' of August 1972

Three Rice University suprathermal ion detector experiments (sides) were deployed on the lunar surface during the Apollo 12, 14, and 15 missions. During the exceptional period of solar activity in August 1972, penetrating particles were observed by all side detectors on the night side of the moon. The penetrating particles are tentatively identified as solar protons with energies (approximately 25 MeV or greater) that were able to penetrate the shielding of all detectors. Of particular interest is the occurrence on August 5 of a 'square wave' flux enhancement of 2-hour duration. Data from a variety of ground-based and space experiments are examined in relation to the square wave. Based on the results of this investigation a model relating the square wave to the flare plasma propagation is proposed. This model hypothesizes transport of energetic particles along a 'corridor' formed by the tangential discontinuity produced by the driver gas of a flare-induced shock wave. This model could explain other frequently observed delayed particle events.

Medrano, R. A.↗

Intense formation of secondary ultrafine particles from Amazonian vegetation fires and their invigoration of deep clouds and precipitation

New particle formation (NPF) in fire smoke is thought to be unlikely due to large condensation and coagulation sinks that scavenge molecular clusters. We analyze aircraft measurements over the Amazon and find that fires significantly enhance NPF and ultrafine particle (UFP < 50 nm diameter) numbers compared to background conditions, contrary to previous understanding. We identify that the nucleation of dimethylamine with sulfuric acid, which is aided by the formation of extremely low volatility organics in biomass-burning smoke, can overcome the large condensation and coagulation sinks and explain aircraft observations. We show that freshly formed clusters rapidly grow to UFP sizes through biomass-burning secondary organic aerosol formation, leading to a 10-fold increase in UFP number concentrations. Here, we find a contrasting effect of UFPs on deep convective clouds compared to the larger particles from primary emissions for the case investigated here. UFPs intensify the deep convective clouds and precipitation due to increased condensational heating, while larger particles delay and reduce precipitation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Critical thermonuclear reactions in classical novae and type I X-ray bursts

The goal of this project was to experimentally constrain the nuclear reaction rates whose uncertainties have the largest impact on models of classical novae and Type-I X-ray bursts. These astrophysical events occur when a white dwarf or neutron star, respectively, accretes hydrogen and helium from a companion star until a thermonuclear runaway ensues. The primary reactions of interest to this project for novae and X-ray bursts are 30 P(ρ,γ) 31 S and 15 O(α,γ) 19 Ne. The project methodology was to develop a new radiation detection system in two phases to measure the low-energy beta-delayed particle emissions of 31 Cl and 20 Mg at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) in order to constrain these two reaction rates. In particular, a gas-filled charged-particle detector was to be designed, constructed and operated, in concert with the SeGA array.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Radiative decays of massive relic particles and the submillimeter background

The interaction of the decay photons of an unstable relic particle species with the microwave background radiation is considered. The radiative decays of these particles delay recombination and serve as an energy source for the resultant plasma. Nonrelativistic Compton scattering by these electrons couples the decay photons to the microwave background, producing submillimeter distortions. If the decay products close the universe, they must decay with a radiative branching ratio larger than 2.5 x 10 to the -5th in order to produce recently observed excess submillimeter background radiation. To be consistent with measurements of the UV background, their mass m is much greater than 114 keV and their decay redshift z is much greater than 5200.

Field, George B.↗

Ionization and Deionization Processes in Low-Density Plasma Flows

Various plasma relaxation processes that are significant in laboratory plasma flows for aerospace physics studies are discussed on the basis of a survey of time decay studies of immobile plasmas. Some of the problems analyzed and discussed are: the relative importance of the various recombination mechanisms, catalytic deionization by electro- negative particles, delayed ionization produced by metastable action, and heating of the flow by deionization reactions.

Barger, Raymond L.↗

New quantum physics, solving puzzles of Wheeler’s delayed choice and a particle’s passing N slits simultaneously and quantum oscillator in experiments

Abstract This paper discovers new quantum physics, and gives solutions to puzzles of Wheeler’s delayed choice and a particle’s passing many slits simultaneously by exact quantum physics expressions. We further show new quantum control, new quantum oscillation, new quantum control experiments and new quantum oscillator being able to be installed in quantum communication network etc. We discover that the ability of a photon to hit electrons out in photoelectric effect is complementarily equivalent to the ability of wave of a photon to simultaneously pass through many slits in wave-particle duality. Objective criterion for distinguishing classical and quantum particles is found, and this paper gives applicable realm of quantum theories and new quantum physics expressions of wave-particle duality. All these studies above should be classified as classical and quantum particles, then classical particle and quantum particle wave cannot and can pass many slits, respectively. This paper discovers wave-particle duality’s origin of displaying both wave property from plane wave part of the general Fourier expansion and particle property from the general Fourier expansion coefficients with the particle’s global property and spins etc. We give the superposition state representation of wave-particle duality, further find the collapse of the duality superposition state to wave or particle state. The collapsed wave or particle state is related to the measure of wave or particle property. Then, we explain why sometimes it's a wave or a particle. Our achieved results are truly tested, and we discover new measured attractive state and quantum wave collapse velocity expression.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

High Free-Tropospheric Aitken-Mode Aerosol Concentrations Buffer Cloud Droplet Concentrations in Large-Eddy Simulations of Precipitating Stratocumulus

A new Aitken mode aerosol microphysics scheme is developed for a large eddy simulation model in order to better investigate cloud-aerosol interactions in the marine boundary layer and to study the Aitken buffering hypothesis of McCoy et al. (2021), https://doi.org/10.1029/2020jd033529. This scheme extends the single-mode two-moment prognostic aerosol scheme of Berner et al. (2013), https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12549-2013. Seven prognostic variables represent accumulation and Aitken log-normal aerosol modes in air and droplets as well as 3 gas species. Scavenging of interstitial and other unactivated aerosol by cloud and rain drops are treated using the scheme described in Berner et al. (2013), https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-12549-2013. The scheme includes coagulation of unactivated aerosol and a simple chemistry model with gas phase H 2 SO 4 , SO 2 , and DMS as prognostic variables to capture basic influences of sulfur chemistry on the model aerosols. Nucleation of H 2 SO 4 aerosol particles from gas-phase H 2 SO 4 is neglected. A deep, precipitating stratocumulus case (VAMOS Ocean Cloud Atmosphere Land Study RF06) is used to test the new scheme. The presence of the Aitken mode aerosol increases the cloud droplet concentration through activation of the larger Aitken particles and delays the creation of an ultraclean, strongly precipitating cumulus state. Scavenging of unactivated accumulation and Aitken particles by cloud and precipitation droplets accelerates the collapse. Increasing either the above-inversion Aitken concentration or the surface Aitken flux increases the Aitken population in the boundary layer and prevents the transition to an ultraclean state.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗