arXiv subjects

J. Surbrook

Publications and source records attributed to J. Surbrook.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Demonstration of 255-kV high-voltage generation with a Cavallo multiplier system

Many cryogenic precision measurements require large electric fields in environments where conventional high-voltage feedthroughs are impractical. To address this, we developed a Cavallo electrostatic multiplier designed for in situ high-voltage generation under such conditions. Here, we report a room-temperature demonstration of this device. Using a mechanically translated transfer electrode and a custom rotary field mill for noncontact voltage measurement, the system reached output voltages up to approximately $255~\mathrm{kV}$ from a $25~\mathrm{kV}$ DC-biased input voltage in approximately $600~\mathrm{Torr}$ of SF$_6$. The charging curves are quantitatively described by a capacitance-based model once realistic electrode misalignment is included. Voltage-hold measurements show picoampere-scale leakage currents on long time scales, whereas operation near the maximum voltage is limited by transient discharge processes associated with electrode surface condition and local field enhancement, rather than by the intrinsic dielectric strength of the gas. These results demonstrate the Cavallo multiplier as a viable low-current, in situ high-voltage source and indicate that electrode surface preparation, alignment tolerances, and insulation performance are the principal requirements for reliable operation in future cryogenic implementations.

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arXiv2025

High voltage and electrode system for a cryogenic experiment to search for the neutron electric dipole moment

The cryogenic approach to the search for the neutron electric dipole moment--performing the experiment in superfluid liquid helium--holds promise for a substantial increase in sensitivity, potentially enabling a sensitivity level of $10^{-28}$ e-cm. A crucial component in realizing such an experiment is the high voltage and electrode system capable of providing an electric field of 75 kV/cm. This, in turn, requires an electric potential of 635 kV to be applied to the high voltage electrode, while simultaneously satisfying other experimental constraints, such as those on heat load and magnetic noise requirements. This paper describes the outcome of a comprehensive development program addressing these challenges. It outlines the system requirements, discusses new insights into relevant physical phenomena, and details selected technical solutions with their corresponding experimental demonstrations and expected performance. The results collectively demonstrate the successful development of the necessary technology for the high-voltage and electrode system for this approach.

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arXiv2025

Object Detection with Deep Learning for Rare Event Search in the GADGET II TPC

In the pursuit of identifying rare two-particle events within the GADGET II Time Projection Chamber (TPC), this paper presents a comprehensive approach for leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and various data processing methods. To address the inherent complexities of 3D TPC track reconstructions, the data is expressed in 2D projections and 1D quantities. This approach capitalizes on the diverse data modalities of the TPC, allowing for the efficient representation of the distinct features of the 3D events, with no loss in topology uniqueness. Additionally, it leverages the computational efficiency of 2D CNNs and benefits from the extensive availability of pre-trained models. Given the scarcity of real training data for the rare events of interest, simulated events are used to train the models to detect real events. To account for potential distribution shifts when predominantly depending on simulations, significant perturbations are embedded within the simulations. This produces a broad parameter space that works to account for potential physics parameter and detector response variations and uncertainties. These parameter-varied simulations are used to train sensitive 2D CNN object detectors. When combined with 1D histogram peak detection algorithms, this multi-modal detection framework is highly adept at identifying rare, two-particle events in data taken during experiment 21072 at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), demonstrating a 100% recall for events of interest. We present the methods and outcomes of our investigation and discuss the potential future applications of these techniques.

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arXiv2023

Time Projection Chamber for GADGET II

Background: The established GADGET detection system, designed for measuring weak, low-energy $β$-delayed proton decays, features a gaseous Proton Detector with MICROMEGAS readout for calorimetric particle detection, surrounded by a Segmented Germanium Array for high-resolution prompt $γ$-ray detection. Purpose: To upgrade GADGET's Proton Detector to operate as a compact Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for the detection, 3D imaging and identification of low-energy $β$-delayed single- and multi-particle emissions mainly of interest to astrophysical studies. Method: A new high granularity MM board with 1024 pads has been designed, fabricated, installed and tested. A high-density data acquisition system based on Generic Electronics for TPCs has been installed and optimized to record and process the gas avalanche signals collected on the readout pads. The TPC's performance has been tested using a $^{220}$Rn $α$-particle source and cosmic-ray muons. In addition, decay events in the TPC have been simulated by adapting the ATTPCROOT data analysis framework. Further, a novel application of 2D convolutional neural networks for GADGET II event classification is introduced. Results: The GADGET II TPC is capable of detecting and identifying $α$-particles, as well as measuring their track direction, range, and energy. It has also been demonstrated that the GADGET II TPC is capable of tracking cosmic-ray muons. In addition to being one of the first generation of micro pattern gaseous detectors to utilize a resistive anode applied to low-energy nuclear physics, the GADGET II TPC will also be the first TPC surrounded by a high-efficiency array of high-purity germanium $γ$-ray detectors. \textbf{Conclusions:} The TPC of GADGET II has been designed, fabricated, tested, and is ready for operation at the FRIB for radioactive beam-line experiments.

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arXiv2023

Measurements and computational analysis on the natural decay of $^{176}$Lu

Mainly because of its long half-life and despite its scientific relevance, spectroscopic measurements of $^{176}$Lu forbidden $β$-decays are very limited and lack formulation of shape factors. A direct precise measurement of its $Q$ value is also presently unreported. In addition, the description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. The comparison of precise experimental results with theoretical calculations for these decays can help to test underlying models and can aid the interpretation of data from other experiments.

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arXiv2023

Nuclear $β$ decay as a probe for physics beyond the Standard Model

This white paper was submitted to the 2022 Fundamental Symmetries, Neutrons, and Neutrinos (FSNN) Town Hall Meeting in preparation for the next NSAC Long Range Plan. We advocate to support current and future theoretical and experimental searches for physics beyond the Standard Model using nuclear $β$ decay.

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arXiv2022

First application of Markov Chain Monte Carlo-based Bayesian data analysis to the Doppler-Shift Attenuation Method

Motivated primarily by the large uncertainties in the thermonuclear rate of the $^{30}$P$(p,γ)^{31}$S reaction that limit our understanding of classical novae, we carried out lifetime measurements of $^{31}$S excited states using the Doppler Shift Lifetimes (DSL) facility at the TRIUMF Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC-II) facility. The $^{31}$S excited states were populated by the $^{3}$He$(^{32}$S$,α)^{31}$S reaction. The deexcitation $γ$ rays were detected by a clover-type high-purity germanium detector in coincidence with the $α$ particles detected by a silicon detector telescope. We have applied modern Markov chain Monte Carlo-based Bayesian methods to perform lineshape analyses of Doppler-shift attenuation method $γ$-ray data for the first time. We have determined the lifetimes of the two lowest-lying $^{31}$S excited states. First experimental upper limits on the lifetimes of four higher-lying states have been obtained. The experimental results were compared to shell-model calculations using five universal $sd$-shell Hamiltonians. Evidence for $γ$ rays originating from the astrophysically important $J^π=3/2^+$, 260-keV $^{30}$P$(p,γ)^{31}$S resonance has also been observed, although strong constraints on the lifetime will require better statistics.

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arXiv2022

$β^{+}$ Gamow-Teller strengths from unstable $^{14}$O via the $(d,{}^2\text{He})$ reaction in inverse kinematics

For the first time, the $(d,{}^2\text{He})$ reaction was successfully used in inverse kinematics to extract the Gamow-Teller transition strength in the $β^{+}$ direction from an unstable nucleus. The nucleus studied was $^{14}$O, and the Gamow-Teller transition strength to $^{14}$N was extracted up to an excitation energy of 22 MeV. The measurement of the $(d,{}^2\text{He})$ reaction in inverse kinematics was made possible by the combination of an active target time projection chamber and a magnetic spectrometer. The data were used to test shell-model and state-of-the-art coupled cluster calculations. Shell-model calculations reproduce the measured Gamow-Teller strength distribution up to about 15 MeV reasonably well, after the application of a phenomenological quenching factor. Coupled-cluster calculation reproduces the full strength distribution well without such quenching, owing to the large model space, the inclusion of strong correlations, and the coupling of the weak interaction to two nucleons through two-body currents. This indicates that such calculations provide a very promising path for answering long-standing questions about the observed quenching of Gamow-Teller strengths in nuclei.

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arXiv2022

High-precision mass measurement of $^{24}$Si and a refined determination of the $rp$ process at the $A=22$ waiting point

We report a high precision mass measurement of $^{24}{\rm Si}$, performed with the LEBIT facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The atomic mass excess, $10\;753.8$(37) keV, is a factor of 5 more precise than previous results. This substantially reduces the uncertainty of the $^{23}{\rm Al}(p,γ)^{24}{\rm Si}$ reaction rate, which is a key part of the rapid proton capture ($rp$) process powering Type I X-ray bursts. The updated rate constrains the onset temperature of the $(α,p)$ process at the $^{22}{\rm Mg}$ waiting-point to a precision of 9%.

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arXiv2022

Evidence of a near-threshold resonance in $^{11}$B relevant to the $β$-delayed proton emission of $^{11}$Be

A narrow near-threshold proton-emitting resonance (Ex = 11.4 MeV, J$^π$ = 1/2$^{+}$ and $Γ_{p}$ = 4.4 keV) was directly observed in $^{11}$B via proton resonance scattering. This resonance was previously inferred in the $β$-delayed proton emission of the neutron halo nucleus $^{11}$Be. The good agreement between both experimental results serves as a ground to confirm the existence of such exotic decay and the particular behavior of weakly bound nuclei coupled to the continuum. $R$-matrix analysis shows a sizable partial decay width for both, proton and $α$ emission channels.

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arXiv2022

Constraining the $^{30}$P($p,γ)^{31}$S reaction rate in ONe novae via the weak, low-energy, $β$-delayed proton decay of $^{31}$Cl

The $^{30}$P$(p,γ)^{31}$S reaction plays an important role in understanding nucleosynthesis of $A\geq 30$ nuclides in oxygen-neon novae. The Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging was used to measure $^{31}$Cl $β$-delayed proton decay through the key $J^π=3/2^{+}$, 260-keV resonance. The intensity $I^{260}_{βp} = 8.3^{+1.2}_{-0.9} \times 10^{-6}$ represents the weakest $β$-delayed, charged-particle emission ever measured below 400 keV, resulting in a proton branching ratio of $Γ_p / Γ= 2.5^{+0.4}_{-0.3} \times 10^{-4}$. By combining this measurement with shell-model calculations for $Γ_γ$ and past work on other resonances, the total $^{30}$P$(p,γ)^{31}$S rate has been determined with reduced uncertainty. The new rate has been used in hydrodynamic simulations to model the composition of nova ejecta, leading to a concrete prediction of $^{30}$Si/$^{28}$Si excesses in presolar nova grains and the calibration of nuclear thermometers.

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arXiv2021

$^{25}$Si $β^+$-decay spectroscopy

$β$-decay spectroscopy provides valuable information on exotic nuclei and a stringent test for nuclear theories beyond the stability line. To search for new $β$-delayed protons and $γ$ rays of $^{25}$Si to investigate the properties of $^{25}$Al excited states. $^{25}$Si $β$ decays were measured by using the Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging system at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The protons and $γ$ rays emitted in the decay were detected simultaneously. A Monte Carlo method was used to model the Doppler broadening of $^{24}$Mg $γ$-ray lines caused by nuclear recoil from proton emission. Shell-model calculations using two newly developed universal \textit{sd}-shell Hamiltonians, USDC and USDI, were performed. The most precise $^{25}$Si half-life to date has been determined. A new proton branch at 724(4)~keV and new proton-$γ$-ray coincidences have been identified. Three $^{24}$Mg $γ$-ray lines and eight $^{25}$Al $γ$-ray lines are observed for the first time in $^{25}$Si decay. The first measurement of the $^{25}$Si $β$-delayed $γ$ ray intensities through the $^{25}$Al unbound states is reported. All the bound states of $^{25}$Al are observed to be populated in the $β$ decay of $^{25}$Si. Several inconsistencies between the previous measurements have been resolved, and new information on the $^{25}$Al level scheme is provided. An enhanced decay scheme has been constructed and compared to the mirror decay of $^{25}$Na and the shell-model calculations. The measured excitation energies, $γ$-ray and proton branchings, log~$ft$ values, and Gamow-Teller transition strengths for the states of $^{25}$Al populated in the $β$ decay of $^{25}$Si are in good agreement with the shell-model calculations, offering gratifyingly consistent insights into the fine nuclear structure of $^{25}$Al.

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arXiv2020

First Penning trap mass measurement of $^{36}$Ca

Isobaric quintets provide the best test of the isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) and can uniquely identify higher order corrections suggestive of isospin symmetry breaking effects in the nuclear Hamiltonian. The Generalized IMME (GIMME) is a novel microscopic interaction theory that predicts an extension to the quadratic form of the IMME. Only the $A=20, 32$ $T=2$ quintets have the exotic $T_z = -2$ member ground state mass determined to high-precision by Penning trap mass spectrometry. In this work, we establish $A=36$ as the third high-precision $T=2$ isobaric quintet with the $T_z = -2$ member ground state mass measured by Penning trap mass spectrometry and provide the first test of the predictive power of the GIMME. A radioactive beam of neutron-deficient $^{36}$Ca was produced by projectile fragmentation at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The beam was thermalized and the mass of $^{36}$Ca$^+$ and $^{36}$Ca$^{2+}$ measured by the Time of Flight - Ion Cyclotron Resonance method in the LEBIT 9.4 T Penning trap. We measure the mass excess of $^{36}$Ca to be ME$ = -6483.6(56)$ keV, an improvement in precision by a factor of 6 over the literature value. The new datum is considered together with evaluated nuclear data on the $A=36$, $T=2$ quintet. We find agreement with the quadratic form of the IMME given by isospin symmetry, but only coarse qualitative agreement with predictions of the GIMME. A total of three isobaric quintets have their most exotic members measured by Penning trap mass spectrometry. The GIMME predictions in the $T = 2$ quintet appear to break down for $A = 32$ and greater.

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arXiv2020

High precision mass measurements of the isomeric and ground states of $^{44}$V: improving constraints on the IMME parameters of the A=44, $\text{0}^{\text{+}}$ quintet

The Isobaric Multiplet Mass Equation (IMME) has been successful at predicting the masses of isobaric analogue states in the same multiplet, while its coefficients are known to follow trends as functions of mass number. The Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 [Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] $^{44}$V mass value results in an negative $c$ coefficient for the IMME quadratic term. The $b$ and $c$ coefficients can provide constraints for construction of the isospin-nonconserving (INC) Hamiltonians for the $pf$ shell. The excitation energy of the $0^+, T=2$ level in $^{44}$V is currently unknown and can be used to constrain the $^{44}$Cr mass. The aim of the experiment was to perform high-precision mass measurements to resolve the difference between $^{44}$V isomeric and ground states, to test the IMME, and to provide ingredients for identifying the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V. High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was performed at LEBIT, to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of [$^{44g,m}$VO]$^+$ versus [$^{32}$SCO]$^+$, a reference mass, to extract both the isomeric and ground state masses of $^{44}$V. The mass excess of the ground and isomeric states in $^{44}$V were measured to be $-23\ 804.9(80)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$ and $-23\ 537.0(55)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$. This yielded a new proton separation energy of $S_p$ = 1\ 773(10) keV. The new mass values of $^{44}$V have been used to deduce the IMME $b$ and $c$ coefficients of the lowest $2^+$ and $6^+$ triplets in $A=44$. The $2^+$ $c$ coefficient is verified with the IMME trend and agrees with the shell-model predictions using charge-dependent Hamiltonians. The mirror energy differences were determined between $^{44}$V and $^{44}$Sc, in line with isospin-symmetry. The new value of the proton separation energy determined will be important for the determination of the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V and for prediction of the mass of $^{44}$Cr.

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arXiv2020

Low-energy $^{23}$Al $β$-delayed proton decay and $^{22}$Na destruction in novae

The radionuclide $^{22}$Na is a target of $γ$-ray astronomy searches, predicted to be produced during thermonuclear runaways driving classical novae. The $^{22}$Na(p,$γ$)$^{23}$Mg reaction is the main destruction channel of $^{22}$Na during a nova, hence, its rate is needed to accurately predict the $^{22}$Na yield. However, experimental determinations of the resonance strengths have led to inconsistent results. In this work, we report a measurement of the branching ratios of the $^{23}$Al $β$-delayed protons, as a probe of the key 204--keV (center-of-mass) $^{22}$Na(p,$γ$)$^{23}$Mg resonance strength. We report a factor of 5 lower branching ratio compared to the most recent literature value. The variation in $^{22}$Na yield due to nuclear data inconsistencies was assessed using a series of hydrodynamic nova outburst simulations and has increased to a factor of 3.8, corresponding to a factor of $\sim$2 uncertainty in the maximum detectability distance. This is the first reported scientific measurement using the Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging (GADGET) system.

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arXiv2017

High-precision mass measurement of $^{56}$Cu and the redirection of the rp-process flow

We report the mass measurement of $^{56}$Cu, using the LEBIT 9.4T Penning trap mass spectrometer at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The mass of $^{56}$Cu is critical for constraining the reaction rates of the $^{55}$Ni(p,$γ$)$^{56}$Cu(p,$γ$)$^{57}$Zn($β^+$)$^{57}$Cu bypass around the $^{56}$Ni waiting point. Previous recommended mass excess values have disagreed by several hundred keV. Our new value, ME=$-38 626.7(6.4)$ keV, is a factor of 30 more precise than the suggested value from the 2012 atomic mass evaluation [Chin. Phys. C {\bf{36}}, 1603 (2012)], and more than a factor of 12 more precise than values calculated using local mass extrapolations, while agreeing with the newest 2016 atomic mass evaluation value [Chin. Phys. C {\bf{41}}, 030003 (2017)]. The new experimental average was used to calculate the astrophysical $^{55}$Ni(p,$γ$) and $^{57}$Zn($γ$,p) reaction rates and perform reaction network calculations of the rp-process. These show that the rp-process flow redirects around the $^{56}$Ni waiting point through the $^{55}$Ni(p,$γ$) route, allowing it to proceed to higher masses more quickly and resulting in a reduction in ashes around this waiting point and an enhancement to higher-mass ashes.

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