arXiv subjects

J. D. Parker

Publications and source records attributed to J. D. Parker.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

High sensitivity of a future search for P-odd/T-odd interactions on the 0.75 eV $p$-wave resonance in $\vec{n}+^{139}\vec{\rm La}$ forward transmission determined using pulsed neutron beam

Neutron transmission experiments can offer a new type of highly sensitive search for time-reversal invariance violating (TRIV) effects in nucleon-nucleon interactions via the same enhancement mechanism observed for large parity violating (PV) effects in neutron-induced compound nuclear processes. In these compound processes, the TRIV cross-section is given as the product of the PV cross-section, a spin-factor $κ$, and a ratio of TRIV and PV matrix elements. We determined $κ$ to be $0.59\pm0.05$ for $^{139}$La+$n$ using both $(n, γ)$ spectroscopy and ($\vec{n}+^{139}\vec{\rm La}$) transmission. This result quantifies for the first time the high sensitivity of the $^{139}$La 0.75~eV $p$-wave resonance in a future search for P-odd/T-odd interactions in ($\vec{n}+^{139}\vec{\rm La}$) forward transmission.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Phase and contrast moiré signatures in two-dimensional cone beam interferometry

Neutron interferometry has played a distinctive role in fundamental science and characterization of materials. Moiré neutron interferometers are candidate next-generation instruments: they offer microscopy-like magnification of the signal, enabling direct camera recording of interference patterns across the full neutron wavelength spectrum. Here we demonstrate the extension of phase-grating moiré interferometry to two-dimensional geometries. Our fork-dislocation phase gratings reveal phase singularities in the moiré pattern, and we explore orthogonal moiré patterns with two-dimensional phase-gratings. Our measurements of phase topologies and gravitationally induced phase shifts are in good agreement with theory. These techniques can be implemented in existing neutron instruments to advance interferometric analyses of emerging materials and precision measurements of fundamental constants.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2023

Spin dependence in the $p$-wave resonance of ${^{139}\vec{\rm{La}}+\vec{n}}$

We measured the spin dependence in a neutron-induced $p$-wave resonance by using a polarized epithermal neutron beam and a polarized nuclear target. Our study focuses on the 0.75~eV $p$-wave resonance state of $^{139}$La+$n$, where largely enhanced parity violation has been observed. We determined the partial neutron width of the $p$-wave resonance by measuring the spin dependence of the neutron absorption cross section between polarized $^{139}\rm{La}$ and polarized neutrons. Our findings serve as a foundation for the quantitative study of the enhancement effect of the discrete symmetry violations caused by mixing between partial amplitudes in the compound nuclei.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Cone beam neutron interferometry: from modeling to applications

Phase-grating moire interferometers (PGMIs) have emerged as promising candidates for the next generation of neutron interferometry, enabling the use of a polychromatic beam and manifesting interference patterns that can be directly imaged by existing neutron cameras. However, the modeling of the various PGMI configurations is limited to cumbersome numerical calculations and backward propagation models which often do not enable one to explore the setup parameters. Here we generalize the Fresnel scaling theorem to introduce a k-space model for PGMI setups illuminated by a cone beam, thus enabling an intuitive forward propagation model for a wide range of parameters. The interference manifested by a PGMI is shown to be a special case of the Talbot effect, and the optimal fringe visibility is shown to occur at the moire location of the Talbot distances. We derive analytical expressions for the contrast and the propagating intensity profiles in various conditions, and analyze the behaviour of the dark-field imaging signal when considering sample characterization. The model's predictions are compared to experimental measurements and good agreement is found between them. Lastly, we propose and experimentally verify a method to recover contrast at typically inaccessible PGMI autocorrelation lengths. The presented work provides a toolbox for analyzing and understanding existing PGMI setups and their future applications, for example extensions to two-dimensional PGMIs and characterization of samples with non-trivial structures.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Differential cross section and photon-beam asymmetry for the gamma p -> pi- Delta++(1232) reaction at forward pi- angles for Egamma=1.5-2.95 GeV

Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the gamma p -> pi- Delta++(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7<cos(theta)<1 and Egamma=1.5-2.95 GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The first-ever high statistics cross section data are obtained in this kinematical region, and the asymmetry data for 1.5<Egamma(GeV)<2.8 are obtained for the first time. This reaction has a unique feature for studying the production mechanisms of a pure $u\bar{u}$ quark pair in the final state from the proton. Although there is no distinct peak structure in the cross sections, a non-negligible excess over the theoretical predictions is observed at Egamma=1.5-1.8 GeV. The asymmetries are found to be negative in most of the present kinematical regions, suggesting the dominance of pi-exchange in the t-channel. The negative asymmetries at forward meson production angles are different from the asymmetries previously measured for the photoproduction reactions which produce a $d\bar{d}$ or an $s\bar{s}$ quark pair in the final state. Advanced theoretical models introducing nucleon resonances and additional unnatural parity exchanges are needed to reproduce the present data.

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arXiv2018

Photoproduction of $Λ$ and $Σ^{0}$ hyperons off protons with linearly polarized photons at $E_γ = 1.5-3.0$ GeV

We report the measurement of the $γp \rightarrow K^{+}Λ$ and $γp \rightarrow K^{+}Σ^{0}$ reactions at SPring-8. The differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries are measured at forward $K^{+}$ production angles using linearly polarized tagged-photon beams in the range of $E_γ=1.5$--3.0 GeV. With increasing photon energy, the cross sections for both $γp \rightarrow K^{+}Λ$ and $γp \rightarrow K^{+}Σ^{0}$ reactions decrease slowly. Distinct narrow structures in the production cross section have not been found at $E_γ=1.5$--3.0 GeV. The forward peaking in the angular distributions of cross sections, a characteristic feature of $t$-channel exchange, is observed for the production of $Λ$ in the whole observed energy range. A lack of similar feature for $Σ^{0}$ production reflects a less dominant role of $t$-channel contribution in this channel. The photon-beam asymmetries remain positive for both reactions, suggesting the dominance of $K^{*}$ exchange in the $t$ channel. These asymmetries increase gradually with the photon energy, and have a maximum value of +0.6 for both reactions. Comparison with theoretical predictions based on the Regge trajectory in the $t$ channel and the contributions of nucleon resonances indicates the major role of $t$-channel contributions as well as non-negligible effects of nucleon resonances in accounting for the reaction mechanism of hyperon photoproduction in this photon energy regime.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2018

Differential cross section and photon beam asymmetry for the gamma p -> pi+ n reaction at forward pi+ angles at Egamma=1.5-2.95 GeV

Differential cross sections and photon beam asymmetries for the gamma p -> pi+ n reaction have been measured for 0.6<cos(theta)<1 and Egamma=1.5-2.95 GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The cross sections monotonically decrease as the photon beam energy increases for 0.6<cos(theta)<0.9. However, the energy dependence of the cross sections for 0.9<cos(theta)<1 and Egamma=1.5-2.2 GeV (W=1.9-2.2 GeV) is different, which may be due to a nucleon or Delta resonance. The present cross sections agree well with the previous cross sections measured by other groups and show forward peaking, suggesting significant t-channel contributions in this kinematical region. The asymmetries are found to be positive, which can be explained by rho-exchange in the t-channel. Large positive asymmetries in the small |t| region, where the rho-exchange contribution becomes small, could be explained by introducing pi-exchange interference with the s-channel.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2017

$ϕ$ photoproduction on the proton at $E_γ$ = 1.5 - 2.9 GeV

Differential cross sections at $t=t_{\text{min}}$ and decay asymmetries for the $γp\rightarrowϕp$ reaction have been measured using linearly polarized photons in the range 1.5 to 2.9 GeV. These cross sections were used to determine the Pomeron strength factor. The cross sections and decay asymmetries are consistently described by the $t$-channel Pomeron and pseudoscalar exchange model in the $E_γ$ region above 2.37 GeV. In the lower energy region, an excess over the model prediction is observed in the energy dependence of the differential cross sections at $t=t_{\text{min}}$. This observation suggests that additional processes or interference effects between Pomeron exchange and other processes appear near the threshold region.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Readout technologies for directional WIMP Dark Matter detection

The measurement of the direction of WIMP-induced nuclear recoils is a compelling but technologically challenging strategy to provide an unambiguous signature of the detection of Galactic dark matter. Most directional detectors aim to reconstruct the dark-matter-induced nuclear recoil tracks, either in gas or solid targets. The main challenge with directional detection is the need for high spatial resolution over large volumes, which puts strong requirements on the readout technologies. In this paper we review the various detector readout technologies used by directional detectors. In particular, we summarize the challenges, advantages and drawbacks of each approach, and discuss future prospects for these technologies.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Interference effect between $ϕ$ and $Λ(1520)$ production channels in the $γp \rightarrow K^+K^-p$ reaction near threshold

The $ϕ$-$Λ(1520)$ interference effect in the $γp\to K^+K^-p$ reaction has been measured for the first time in the energy range from 1.673 to 2.173 GeV. The relative phases between $ϕ$ and $Λ(1520)$ production amplitudes were obtained in the kinematic region where the two resonances overlap. The measurement results support strong constructive interference when $K^+K^-$ pairs are observed at forward angles, but destructive interference for proton emission at forward angles. Furthermore, the observed interference effect does not account for the $\sqrt{s}=2.1$ GeV bump structure in forward differential cross sections for $ϕ$ photoproduction. This fact suggests possible exotic structures such as a hidden-strangeness pentaquark state, a new Pomeron exchange and rescattering processes via other hyperon states.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

An Electron-Tracking Compton Telescope for a Survey of the Deep Universe by MeV gamma-rays

Photon imaging for MeV gammas has serious difficulties due to huge backgrounds and unclearness in images, which are originated from incompleteness in determining the physical parameters of Compton scattering in detection, e.g., lack of the directional information of the recoil electrons. The recent major mission/instrument in the MeV band, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory/COMPTEL, which was Compton Camera (CC), detected mere $\sim30$ persistent sources. It is in stark contrast with $\sim$2000 sources in the GeV band. Here we report the performance of an Electron-Tracking Compton Camera (ETCC), and prove that it has a good potential to break through this stagnation in MeV gamma-ray astronomy. The ETCC provides all the parameters of Compton-scattering by measuring 3-D recoil electron tracks; then the Scatter Plane Deviation (SPD) lost in CCs is recovered. The energy loss rate (dE/dx), which CCs cannot measure, is also obtained, and is found to be indeed helpful to reduce the background under conditions similar to space. Accordingly the significance in gamma detection is improved severalfold. On the other hand, SPD is essential to determine the point-spread function (PSF) quantitatively. The SPD resolution is improved close to the theoretical limit for multiple scattering of recoil electrons. With such a well-determined PSF, we demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to provide reliable sensitivity in Compton imaging without utilizing an optimization algorithm. As such, this study highlights the fundamental weak-points of CCs. In contrast we demonstrate the possibility of ETCC reaching the sensitivity below $1\times10^{-12}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ at 1 MeV.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2015

Performance of a new electron-tracking Compton camera under intense radiations from a water target irradiated with a proton beam

We have developed an electron-tracking Compton camera (ETCC) for use in next-generation MeV gamma ray telescopes. An ETCC consists of a gaseous time projection chamber (TPC) and pixel scintillator arrays (PSAs). Since the TPC measures the three dimensional tracks of Compton-recoil electrons, the ETCC can completely reconstruct the incident gamma rays. Moreover, the ETCC demonstrates efficient background rejection power in Compton-kinematics tests, identifies particle from the energy deposit rate (dE/dX) registered in the TPC, and provides high quality imaging by completely reconstructing the Compton scattering process. We are planning the "Sub-MeV gamma ray Imaging Loaded-on-balloon Experiment" (SMILE) for our proposed all-sky survey satellite. Performance tests of a mid-sized 30 cm-cubic ETCC, constructed for observing the Crab nebula, are ongoing. However, observations at balloon altitudes or satellite orbits are obstructed by radiation background from the atmosphere and the detector itself. The background rejection power was checked using proton accelerator experiments conducted at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University. To create the intense radiation fields encountered in space, which comprise gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other energetic entities, we irradiated a water target with a 140 MeV proton beam and placed a SMILE-II ETCC near the target. In this situation, the counting rate was five times than that expected at the balloon altitude. Nonetheless, the ETCC stably operated and identified particles sufficiently to obtain a clear gamma ray image of the checking source. Here, we report the performance of our detector and demonstrate its effective background rejection based in electron tracking experiments.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2014

Development of a 30 cm-cube Electron-Tracking Compton Camera for the SMILE-II Experiment

To explore the sub-MeV/MeV gamma-ray window for astronomy, we have developed the Electron-Tracking Compton Camera (ETCC), and carried out the first performance test at room condition using several gamma-ray sources in the sub-MeV energy band. Using a simple track analysis for a quick first test of the performance, the gamma-ray imaging capability was demonstrated by clear images and 5.3 degrees of angular resolution measure (ARM) measured at 662 keV. As the greatest impact of this work, a gamma-ray detection efficiency on the order of $10^{-4}$ was achieved at the sub-MeV gamma-ray band, which is one order of magnitude higher than our previous experiment. This angular resolution and detection efficiency enables us to detect the Crab Nebula at the 5 sigma level with several hours observation at balloon altitude in middle latitude. Furthermore, good consistency of efficiencies between this performance test and simulation including only physical processes has a large importance; it means we achieve nearly 100% detection of Compton recoil electrons. Thus, our estimation of enhancements by upgrades of the detector is more dependable. We are planning to confirm the imaging capability of the ETCC by observation of celestial objects in the SMILE-II (Sub-MeV gamma ray Imaging Loaded-on-balloon Experiment II). The SMILE-II and following SMILE-III project will be an important key of sub-MeV/MeV gamma-ray astronomy.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2013

Search for $K^-pp$ bound state via $γd \rightarrow K^+ π^-X$ reaction at $E_γ=1.5-2.4$ GeV

A search for $K^-pp$ bound state (the lightest kaonic nucleus) has been performed using the $γd \rightarrow K^+ π^- \rm{X}$ reaction at E$_γ$=1.5-2.4 GeV at LEPS/SPring-8. The differential cross section of $K^+ π^-$ photo-production off deuterium has been measured for the first time in this energy region, and a bump structure was searched for in the inclusive missing mass spectrum. A statistically significant bump structure was not observed in the region from 2.22 to 2.36 GeV/$c^2$, and the upper limits of the differential cross section for the $K^-pp$ bound state production were determined to be 0.1$-$0.7 $μ$ b (95$%$ confidence level) for a set of assumed binding energy and width values.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2013

Backward-angle photoproduction of $ω$ and $η'$ mesons from protons at $E_γ=1.5-3.0$ GeV

We report the measurement of differential cross sections for $ω$ and $η'$ photoproduction from protons at backward angles ($-1.0<\cosΘ_{C.M}^{X}<-0.8$) using linearly polarized photons at $E_γ=$$1.5-3.0$ GeV. Differential cross sections for $ω$ mesons are larger than the predicted $u$-channel contribution in the energy range $2.0\leq\sqrt{s}\leq2.4$ GeV. The differential cross sections for $ω$ and $η'$ mesons become closer to the predicted $u$-channel contribution at $\sqrt{s}>2.4$ GeV. A bump structure in the $\sqrt{s}$ dependence of the differential cross sections for $η'$ mesons was observed at $\sqrt{s}\sim$2.35 GeV.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2012

Neutron imaging detector based on the muPIC micro-pixel chamber

We have developed a prototype time-resolved neutron imaging detector employing the micro-pixel chamber (muPIC), a micro-pattern gaseous detector, coupled with a field programmable gate array-based data acquisition system for applications in neutron radiography at high-intensity neutron sources. The prototype system, with an active area of 10cm x 10cm and operated at a gas pressure of 2 atm, measures both the energy deposition (via time-over-threshold) and 3-dimensional track of each neutron-induced event, allowing the reconstruction of the neutron interaction point with improved accuracy. Using a simple position reconstruction algorithm, a spatial resolution of 349 +/- 36 microns was achieved, with further improvement expected. The detailed tracking allows strong rejection of background gamma-rays, resulting in an effective gamma sensitivity of 10^-12 or less, coupled with stable, robust neutron identification. The detector also features a time resolution of 0.6 microseconds.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

Nonmesonic weak decay spectra of $^4_Λ$He

To comprehend the recent Brookhaven National Laboratory experiment E788 on $^4_Λ$He, we have outlined a simple theoretical framework, based on the independent-particle shell model, for the one-nucleon-induced nonmesonic weak decay spectra. Basically, the shapes of all the spectra are tailored by the kinematics of the corresponding phase space, depending very weakly on the dynamics, which is gauged here by the one-meson-exchange-potential. In spite of the straightforwardness of the approach a good agreement with data is acheived. This might be an indication that the final-state-interactions and the two-nucleon induced processes are not very important in the decay of this hypernucleus. We have also found that the $π+K$ exchange potential with soft vertex-form-factor cutoffs $(Λ_π\approx 0.7$ GeV, $Λ_K \approx 0.9$ GeV), is able to account simultaneously for the available experimental data related to $Γ_p$ and $Γ_n$ for $^4_Λ$H, $^4_Λ$He, and $^5_Λ$He.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2007

Weak decays of 4He-Lambda

We measured the lifetime and the mesonic and non-mesonic decay rates of the 4He-Lambda hypernucleus. The hypernuclei were created using a 750 MeV/c momentum K- beam on a liquid 4He target by the reaction 4He(K-,pi-)4He-Lambda. The 4He-Lambda lifetime was directly measured using protons from Lambda p -> n p non-mesonic decay (also referred to as proton-stimulated decay) and was found to have a value of tau = 245 +/- 24 ps. The mesonic decay rates were determined from the observed numbers of pi-'s and pi0's as Gamma_pi-/Gamma_tot = 0.270 +/- 0.024 and Gamma_pi0/Gamma_tot = 0.564 +/- 0.036, respectively, and the values of the proton- and neutron-stimulated decay rates were extracted as Gamma_p/Gamma_tot = 0.169 +/- 0.019 and Gamma_n/Gamma_tot <= 0.032 (95% CL), respectively. The effects of final-state interactions and possible 3-body Lambda N N decay contributions were studied in the context of a simple model of nucleon-stimulated decay. Nucleon-nucleon coincidence events were observed and were used in the determination of the non-mesonic branching fractions. The implications of the results of this analysis were considered for the empirical Delta I = 1/2 rule and the decay rates of the 4H-Lambda hypernucleus.

nucl-ex↗