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I. Mardor

Publications and source records attributed to I. Mardor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nuclear density dependence of polarization transfer in quasi-elastic ${\rm A}(\vec{e},e' \vec{p})$ reactions

The ratio of the transverse and longitudinal component of polarization transfer to protons in the quasi-elastic $(\vec{e}, e^{\prime} \vec{p}\,)$ reaction, $P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z$, is sensitive to the proton's electromagnetic form factor ratio, $G_E/G_M$. To explore density-dependent in-medium modifications, a comparison of polarization transfer ratios involving protons from distinct nuclear shells, each with different local nuclear densities, has been proposed. In this study, we present such comparisons between four shells, $1s_{1/2}$, $1p_{3/2}$ in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $1d_{3/2}$, $2s_{1/2}$ in $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$. In an effort to account for other many-body effects that may differ between shells, we use a state-of-the-art relativistic distorted-wave impulse-approximation (RDWIA) calculation and present the double ratios, $(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm Data}/(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm RDWIA}$ as well as the super ratios, $\left[(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm A}/(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm B}\right]_{\rm Data}/\left[(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm A}/(P^{\prime}_x/P^{\prime}_z)_{\rm B}\right]_{\rm RDWIA}$, for chosen shells A and B, as a function of effective local nuclear densities. We find that double ratios for individual shells show a dependence on the probed effective nuclear densities. Studying the ratios, we observed a systematic variation between pairs of higher- and lower-density shells.

nucl-ex

First investigation on the isomeric ratio in multinucleon transfer reactions: Entrance channel effects on the spin distribution

The multinucleon transfer (MNT) reaction approach was successfully employed for the first time to measure the isomeric ratios (IRs) of $^{211}$Po (25/2$^+$) isomer and its (9/2$^+$) ground state at the IGISOL facility using a 945 MeV $^{136}$Xe beam impinged on $^{209}$Bi and $^{\rm nat}$Pb targets. The dominant production of isomers compared to the corresponding ground states was consistently revealed in the $α$-decay spectra. Deduced IR of $^{211}$Po populated through the $^{136}$Xe+$^{\rm nat}$Pb reaction was found to enhance $\approx$1.8-times than observed for $^{136}$Xe+$^{209}$Bi. State-of-the-art Langevin-type model calculations have been utilized to estimate the spin distribution of an MNT residue. The computations qualitatively corroborate with the considerable increase in IRs of $^{211}$Po produced from $^{136}$Xe+$^{\rm nat}$Pb compared to $^{136}$Xe+$^{209}$Bi. Theoretical investigations indicate a weak influence of target spin on IRs. The enhancement of the $^{211}$Po isomer in the $^{136}$Xe+$^{\rm nat}$Pb over $^{136}$Xe+$^{209}$Bi can be attributed to the different proton ($p$)-transfer production routes. Estimations demonstrate an increment in the angular momentum transfer, favorable for isomer production, with increasing projectile energy. Comparative analysis indicates the two entrance channel parameters, projectile mass and $p$-transfer channels, strongly influencing the population of the high-spin isomer of $^{211}$Po (25/2$^+$). This is the first experimental and theoretical investigation on the IRs of nuclei produced via different channels of MNT reactions, with the latter quantitatively underestimating the former by a factor of two.

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Increasing the rate capability for the cryogenic stopping cell of the FRS Ion Catcher

At the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS-IC), projectile and fission fragments are produced at relativistic energies, separated in-flight, energy-bunched, slowed down, and thermalized in the ultra-pure helium gas-filled cryogenic stopping cell (CSC). Thermalized nuclei are extracted from the CSC using a combination of DC and RF electric fields and gas flow. This CSC also serves as the prototype CSC for the Super-FRS, where exotic nuclei will be produced at unprecedented rates making it possible to go towards the extremes of the nuclear chart. Therefore, it is essential to efficiently extract thermalized exotic nuclei from the CSC under high beam rate conditions, in order to use the rare exotic nuclei which come as cocktail beams. The extraction efficiency dependence on the intensity of the impinging beam into the CSC was studied with a primary beam of 238U and its fragments. Tests were done with two different versions of the DC electrode structure inside the cryogenic chamber, the standard 1 m long and a short 0.5 m long DC electrode. In contrast to the rate capability of 10^4 ions/s with the long DC electrode, results show no extraction efficiency loss up to the rate of 2x10^5 ions/s with the new short DC electrode. This order of magnitude increase of the rate capability paves the way for new experiments at the FRS-IC, including exotic nuclei studies with in-cell multi-nucleon transfer reactions. The results further validate the design concept of the CSC for the Super-FRS, which was developed to effectively manage beams of even higher intensities.

physics.ins-det

Unperturbed inverse kinematics nucleon knockout measurements with a 48 GeV/c carbon beam

From superconductors to atomic nuclei, strongly-interacting many-body systems are ubiquitous in nature. Measuring the microscopic structure of such systems is a formidable challenge, often met by particle knockout scattering experiments. While such measurements are fundamental for mapping the structure of atomic nuclei, their interpretation is often challenged by quantum mechanical initial- and final-state interactions (ISI/FSI) of the incoming and scattered particles. Here we overcome this fundamental limitation by measuring the quasi-free scattering of 48 GeV/c 12C ions from hydrogen. The distribution of single protons is studied by detecting two protons at large angles in coincidence with an intact 11B nucleus. The 11B detection is shown to select the transparent part of the reaction and exclude the otherwise large ISI/FSI that would break the 11B apart. By further detecting residual 10B and 10Be nuclei, we also identified short-range correlated (SRC) nucleon-nucleon pairs, and provide direct experimental evidence for the separation of the pair wave-function from that of the residual many-body nuclear system. All measured reactions are well described by theoretical calculations that do not contain ISI/FSI distortions. Our results thus showcase a new ability to study the short-distance structure of short-lived radioactive atomic nuclei at the forthcoming FAIR and FRIB facilities. These studies will be pivotal for developing a ground-breaking microscopic understanding of the structure and properties of nuclei far from stability and the formation of visible matter in the universe.

nucl-ex

Mass measurements of As, Se and Br nuclei and their implication on the proton-neutron interaction strength towards the N=Z line

Mass measurements of the $^{69}$As, $^{70,71}$Se and $^{71}$Br isotopes, produced via fragmentation of a $^{124}$Xe primary beam at the FRS at GSI, have been performed with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS) of the FRS Ion Catcher with an unprecedented mass resolving power of almost 1,000,000. For the $^{69}$As isotope, this is the first direct mass measurement. A mass uncertainty of 22 keV was achieved with only 10 events. For the $^{70}$Se isotope, a mass uncertainty of 2.6 keV was obtained, corresponding to a relative accuracy of $δ$m/m = 4.0$\times 10^{-8}$, with less than 500 events. The masses of the $^{71}$Se and $^{71}$Br isotopes were measured with an uncertainty of 23 and 16 keV, respectively. Our results for the $^{70,71}$Se and $^{71}$Br isotopes agree with the 2016 Atomic Mass Evaluation, and our result for the $^{69}$As isotope resolves the discrepancy between previous indirect measurements. We measured also the mass of $^{14}$N$^{15}$N$^{40}$Ar (A=69) with a relative accuracy of $δ$m/m = 1.7$\times 10^{-8}$, the highest yet achieved with a MR-TOF-MS. Our results show that the measured restrengthening of the proton-neutron interaction ($δ$V$_{pn}$) for odd-odd nuclei at the N=Z line above Z=29 (recently extended to Z=37) is hardly evident at N-Z=2, and not evident at N-Z=4. Nevertheless, detailed structure of $δ$V$_{pn}$ along the N-Z=2 and N-Z=4 lines, confirmed by our mass measurements, may provide a hint regarding the ongoing $\approx$500 keV discrepancy in the mass value of the $^{70}$Br isotope, which prevents including it in the world average of ${Ft}$-value for superallowed 0$^+\rightarrow$ 0$^+$ $β$ decays. The reported work sets the stage for mass measurements with the FRS Ion Catcher of nuclei at and beyond the N=Z line in the same region of the nuclear chart, including the $^{70}$Br isotope.

nucl-ex

Comparison of recoil polarization in the $^{12}{\rm C}(\vec{e},{e}'\vec{p})$ process for protons extracted from $s$ and $p$ shell

We present first measurements of the double ratio of the polarization transfer components $(P^{\prime}_{\!x} \!/ P^{\prime}_{\!z} )_p/ (P^{\prime}_{\!x} \!/ P^{\prime}_{\!z} )_s$ for knock-out protons from $s$ and $p$ shells in $^{12}{\rm C}$ measured by the $^{12}{\rm C}(\vec{e},{e}'\vec{p}\,)$ reaction in quasi-elastic kinematics. The data are compared to theoretical predictions in relativistic distorted-wave impulse approximation. Our results show that differences between $s$- and $p$-shell protons, observed when compared at the same initial momentum (missing momentum) largely disappear when the comparison is done at the same proton virtuality. We observe no density-dependent medium modifications for protons from $s$ and $p$ shells with the same virtuality in spite of the large differences in the respective nuclear densities.

nucl-ex

The influence of Fermi motion on the comparison of the polarization transfer to a proton in elastic $\vec ep$ and quasi-elastic $\vec eA$ scattering

A comparison between polarization-transfer to a bound proton in quasi-free kinematics by the A$(\vec{e},e'\vec p)$ knockout reaction and that in elastic scattering off a free proton can provide information on the characteristics of the bound proton. In the past the reported measurements have been compared to those of a free proton with zero initial momentum. We introduce, for the first time, expressions for the polarization-transfer components when the proton is initially in motion and compare them to the $^2$H data measured at the Mainz Microtron (MAMI). We show the ratios of the transverse ($P_x$) and longitudinal ($P_z$) components of the polarization transfer in $^2\textrm{H}(\vec{e},e'\vec p)\textrm{n}$, to those of elastic scattering off a "moving proton", assuming the proton's initial (Fermi) momentum equals the negative missing momentum in the measured reaction. We found that the correction due to the proton motion is up to 20\% at high missing momentum. However the effect on the double ratio $\frac{(P_x/P_z)^A}{(P_x/P_z)^{^1\!\textrm{H}}}$ is largely canceled out, as shown for both $^2$H and $^{12}$C data. This implies that the kinematics is not the primary cause for the deviations between quasi-elastic and elastic scattering reported previously.

nucl-ex

High-resolution, accurate MR-TOF-MS for short-lived, exotic nuclei of few events in their ground and low-lying isomeric states

Mass measurements of fission and projectile fragments, produced via $^{238}$U and $^{124}$Xe primary beams, have been performed with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS) of the FRS Ion Catcher with a mass resolving powers (FWHM) up to 410,000 and an uncertainty of $6\cdot 10^{-8}$. The nuclides were produced and separated in-flight with the fragment separator FRS at 300 to 1000 MeV/u and thermalized in a cryogenic stopping cell. The data-analysis procedure was developed to determine with highest accuracy the mass values and the corresponding uncertainties for the most challenging conditions: down to a few events in a spectrum and overlapping distributions, characterized only by a broader common peak shape. With this procedure, the resolution of low-lying isomers is increased by a factor of up to three compared to standard data analysis. The ground-state masses of 31 short-lived nuclides of 15 different elements with half-lives down to 17.9~ms and count rates as low as 11 events per nuclide were determined. This is the first direct mass measurement for seven nuclides. The excitation energies and the isomer-to-ground state ratios of six isomeric states with excitation energies down to about 280~keV were measured. For nuclides with known mass values, the average relative deviation from the literature values is $(2.9 \pm 6.2) \cdot 10^{-8}$. The measured two-neutron separation energies and their slopes near and at the N=126 and Z=82 shell closures indicate a strong element-dependent binding energy of the first neutron above the closed proton shell Z=82. The experimental results deviate strongly from the theoretical predictions, especially for N=126 and N=127.

nucl-ex

Polar polarization: a new method for polarimetry analysis

We present a novel analysis method for measurements of polarization transferred in $A(\vec{e},e'\vec{N})$ experiments, which can be applied to other kinds of polarization measurements as well. In this method the polarization transfer components are presented in spherical coordinates using an efficient likelihood numerical maximization based on an analytic derivation. We also propose a formalism that accounts for multi-parameter models, and which yields a smooth and continuous representation of the data (rather than using standard binning). Applying this method on simulated data generates results with reduced statistical and systematic uncertainties and enables revealing physical information that is lost in standard binning of the data. The obtained results can be compared easily to theoretical models and other measurements. Furthermore, CPU time is significantly reduced using this method.

nucl-th

Measurement of polarization-transfer to bound protons in carbon and its virtuality dependence

We measured the ratio $P_{x}/P_{z}$ of the transverse to longitudinal components of polarization transferred from electrons to bound protons in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ by the $^{12}\mathrm{C}(\vec{e},e'\vec{p})$ process at the Mainz Microtron (MAMI). We observed consistent deviations from unity of this ratio normalized to the free-proton ratio, $(P_{x}/P_{z})_{^{12}\mathrm{C}}/(P_{x}/P_{z})_{^{1}\mathrm{H}}$, for both $s$- and $p$-shell knocked out protons, even though they are embedded in averaged local densities that differ by about a factor of two. The dependence of the double ratio on proton virtuality is similar to the one for knocked out protons from $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$, suggesting a universal behavior. It further implies no dependence on average local nuclear density.

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Components of polarization-transfer to a bound proton in a deuteron measured by quasi-elastic electron scattering

We report the first measurements of the transverse ($P_{x}$ and $P_{y}$) and longitudinal ($P_{z}$) components of the polarization transfer to a bound proton in the deuteron via the $^{2}\mathrm{H}(\vec{e},e'\vec{p})$ reaction, over a wide range of missing momentum. A precise determination of the electron beam polarization reduces the systematic uncertainties on the individual components, to a level that enables a detailed comparison to a state-of-the-art calculation of the deuteron that uses free-proton electromagnetic form factors. We observe very good agreement between the measured and the calculated $P_{x}/P_{z}$ ratios, but deviations of the individual components. Our results cannot be explained by medium modified electromagnetic form factors. They point to an incomplete description of the nuclear reaction mechanism in the calculation.

nucl-ex

Stellar 30-keV neutron capture in 94,96Zr and the 90Zr(gamma,n)89Zr photonuclear reaction with a high-power liquid-lithium target

A high-power Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT) was used for the first time for neutron production via the thick-target 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction and quantitative determination of neutron capture cross sections. Bombarded with a 1-2 mA proton beam at 1.92 MeV from the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF), the setup yields a 30-keV quasi-Maxwellian neutron spectrum with an intensity of 3-5e10 n/s, more than one order of magnitude larger than present near-threshold 7Li(p,n) neutron sources. The setup was used here to determine the 30-keV Maxwellian averaged cross section (MACS) of 94Zr and 96Zr as 28.0+-0.6 mb and 12.4+-0.5 mb respectively, based on activation measurements. The precision of the cross section determinations results both from the high neutron yield and from detailed simulations of the entire experimental setup. We plan to extend our experimental studies to low-abundance and radioactive targets. In addition, we show here that the setup yields intense high-energy (17.6 and 14.6 MeV) prompt capture gamma-rays from the 7Li(p,gamma)8Be reaction with yields of ~3e8 gammas/s/mA and ~4e8 gammas/s/mA, respectively, evidenced by the 90Zr(gamma,n)89Zr photonuclear reaction.

nucl-ex

Simulations of beta-decay of 6He in an Electrostatic Ion Trap

Trapped radioactive atoms present exciting opportunities for the study of fundamental interactions and symmetries. For example, detecting beta decay in a trap can probe the minute experimental signal that originates from possible tensor or scalar terms in the weak interaction. Such scalar or tensor terms affect, e.g., the angular correlation between a neutrino and an electron in the beta-decay process, thus probing new physics of beyond-the-standard-model nature. The present system focuses on a novel use of an innovative ion trapping device, the Electrostatic Ion Beam Trap. Such a trap has not been previously considered for Fundamental Interaction studies and exhibits potentially very significant advantages over other schemes. These advantages include improved injection efficiency of the radionuclide under study, an extended field-free region, ion-beam kinematics for better efficiency and ease-of operation and the potential for a much larger solid angle for the electron and recoiling atom counters. The beta-decay of trapped 6He is discussed and preliminary Monte-Carlo (MC) simulation and error-analysis considerations are presented.

nucl-ex

High-power liquid-lithium jet target for neutron production

A compact Liquid-Lithium Target (LiLiT) was built and tested with a high-power electron gun at Soreq Nuclear Research Center. The lithium target, to be bombarded by the high-intensity proton beam of the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF), will constitute an intense source of neutrons produced by the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction for nuclear astrophysics research and as a pilot setup for accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). The liquid-lithium jet target acts both as neutron-producing target and beam dump by removing the beam thermal power (>5 kW, >1 MW/cm3) with fast transport. The target was designed based on a thermal model, accompanied by a detailed calculation of the 7Li(p,n) neutron yield, energy distribution and angular distribution. Liquid lithium is circulated through the target loop at ~200oC and generates a stable 1.5 mm-thick film flowing at a velocity up to 7 m/s onto a concave supporting wall. Electron beam irradiation demonstrated that the liquid-lithium target can dissipate electron power areal densities of > 4 kW/cm2 and volume power density of ~ 2 MW/cm3 at a lithium flow of ~4 m/s while maintaining stable temperature and vacuum conditions. The LiLiT setup is presently in online commissioning stage for high-intensity proton beam irradiation (1.91- 2.5 MeV, 1-2 mA) at SARAF.

physics.ins-det

Proof of principle of a high-spatial-resolution, resonant-response gamma-ray detector for Gamma Resonance Absorption in 14N

The development of a mm-spatial-resolution, resonant-response detector based on a micrometric glass capillary array filled with liquid scintillator is described. This detector was developed for Gamma Resonance Absorption (GRA) in 14N. GRA is an automatic-decision radiographic screening technique that combines high radiation penetration (the probe is a 9.17 MeV gamma ray) with very good sensitivity and specificity to nitrogenous explosives. Detailed simulation of the detector response to electrons and protons generated by the 9.17 MeV gamma-rays was followed by a proof-of-principle experiment, using a mixed gamma-ray and neutron source. Towards this, a prototype capillary detector was assembled, including the associated filling and readout systems. Simulations and experimental results indeed show that proton tracks are distinguishable from electron tracks at relevant energies, on the basis of a criterion that combines track length and light intensity per unit length.

physics.ins-det

A Novel Method for Fundamental Interaction Studies with Electrostatic Ion Beam Trap

Trapped radioactive atoms present exciting opportunities for the study of fundamental interactions and symmetries. For example, detecting beta decay in a trap can probe the minute experimental signal that originates from possible tensor or scalar terms in the weak interaction. Such scalar or tensor terms affect, e.g., the angular correlation between a neutrino and an electron in the beta-decay process, thus probing new physics of "beyond-the-standard-model" nature. In particular, this article focuses on a novel use of an innovative ion trapping device, the Electrostatic Ion Beam Trap (EIBT). Such a trap has not been previously considered for Fundamental Interaction studies and exhibits potentially very significant advantages over other schemes. These advantages include improved injection efficiency of the radionuclide under study, an extended field-free region, ion-beam kinematics for better efficiency and ease-of-operation and the potential for a much larger solid angle for the electron and recoiling atom counters.

nucl-ex

A Dual-Purpose Ion-Accelerator for Nuclear-Reaction-Based Explosives-and SNM-Detection in Massive Cargo

A dual-purpose ion-accelerator concept, capable of serving as radiation source in a versatile, nuclear-reaction-based cargo inspection system, is presented. The system will automatically and reliably detect small, operationally-relevant quantities of concealed explosives and special nuclear materials (SNM). It will be cost-effective, employing largely-common hardware, but different reactions/DAQ-modes. Typical expected throughput is 10-20 aviation containers/hr. PACS: 25.20.Dc; 25.40.Ny; 27.20.+n; 29.27.Fh; 79.77.+g; 89.20.Bb; 89.20.Dd Keywords: Cargo inspection; Nuclear-reaction-based methods; Explosives detection; SNM detection

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Time-resolved fast neutron imaging: simulation of detector performance

We have analyzed and compared the performance of two novel fast-neutron imaging methods with time-of-flight spectroscopy capability. Using MCNP and GEANT code simulations of neutron and charged-particle transport in the detectors, key parameters such as detection efficiency, the amount of energy deposited in the converter and the spatial resolution of both detector variants have been evaluated.

physics.ins-det