arXiv subjects

K. von Schoeler

Publications and source records attributed to K. von Schoeler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Reference Quadrupole Moments of Transition Elements from Lamb Shifts in Muonic Atoms

We present a novel method for accurately measuring the absolute electric quadrupole moments of light transition elements $(23 \leq Z \leq 30 )$. Our approach is based on performing precision muonic x-ray spectroscopy of the $2s-2p$ manifold, which is also referred to as the Lamb shift. These transitions are too weak to be detected with dispersive methods and too overlapping to be resolved by solid-state detectors. Here, we propose the use of cryogenic microcalorimeters, which possess high efficiency and excellent energy resolution in the relevant energy regime, coupled with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by performing extensive calculations and realistic simulations. In this way, we establish that the uncertainty in the absolute moment, which is transferred to the quadrupole moments of all isotopes in the chain, could be reduced by up to an order of magnitude within a day of measurement. These precise reference quadrupole moments serve as valuable inputs for nuclear structure studies and for benchmarking state-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations in open-shell elements.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Charge radii of Cl isotopes from x-ray spectroscopy of muonic atoms

Nuclear charge radii are vital for nuclear and atomic physics, the determination of fundamental constants, and searches for new physics. Muonic atoms, where a single negative muon orbits a nucleus, are sensitive tools for determining nuclear radii due to the large wavefunction overlap of the muon and nucleus. Here we report on a new measurement of the $2, 3, 4p\to1s$ x-ray energies in muonic $^{35,37}$Cl with uncertainties reaching 18 ppm. By employing a large-scale germanium detector array, it was possible to extract these energies from a high statistics dataset using highly enriched samples of only a few tens of milligrams. Combining these results with state-of-the-art atomic and nuclear theory input, the charge radii of the stable chlorine isotopes were determined to be $R(^{35}\text{Cl}) = 3.3333(23)~fm$ and $R(^{37}\text{Cl}) = 3.3444(23)~fm$. This is an order of magnitude more precise and significantly different from previously tabulated values. Our new values solve a discrepancy observed for the charge radius difference in mirror nuclei, agreeing with the overall global trend. The charge radius difference $δ\langle r^2 \rangle (^{37}\text{Cl} - {^{35}\text{Cl}}) = -0.0776(64)~fm^2$ we extract is 25 times more precise than the previous values. This precision is crucial for establishing reference values for future laser spectroscopy measurements of radioactive isotopes.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2025

Modern approach to muonic x-ray spectroscopy demonstrated through the measurement of stable Cl radii

Recent advances in muonic x-ray experiments have reinvigorated efforts in measurements of absolute nuclear charge radii. Here, a modern approach is presented, and demonstrated through determination of the charge radii of the two stable chlorine nuclides $^{35}$Cl and $^{37}$Cl. Knowledge of these radii has implications for fundamental studies in nuclear and atomic physics. For this purpose, a state-of-the-art experiment was performed at the $π$E1 beamline in the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland), using a large-scale HPGe detector array in order to extract precise energies of the muonic $^{35}$Cl and $^{37}$Cl $np1s$ transitions. The nuclear charge radius extraction relies on modern calculations for QED effects and nuclear polarization with rigorous uncertainty quantification, including effects that were not accounted for in older studies. Additionally, we established a new method for applying the nuclear shape correction directly from energy density functionals, which are amenable to isotopes for which no high-quality electron scattering experiments are available. The resulting charge radii are $3.3335(23) fm$ for $^{35}$Cl and $3.3445(23) fm$ for $^{37}$Cl, thus improving the uncertainty of the available electron scattering values by a factor of seven. The correlation of several observables was evaluated between the different isotopes in order to produce a more precise value of the differential mean square charge radius $δ\langle r^2 \rangle^{37, 35}=+0.0771(66) fm^{2}$. In this case, improvement of the uncertainty by more than one order of magnitude was achieved compared to the literature value. This precision is sufficient to use this differential as input for isotope shift factor determination.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Development of wide range photon detection system for muonic X-ray spectroscopy

We have developed a photon detection system for muonic X-ray spectroscopy. The detector system consists of high-purity germanium detectors with BGO Compton suppressors. The signals from the detectors are readout with a digital acquisition system. The absolute energy accuracy, energy and timing resolutions, photo-peak efficiency, the performance of the Compton suppressor, and high count rate durability are studied with standard $γ$-ray sources and in-beam experiment using $^{27}\mathrm{Al}(p, γ){}^{28}\mathrm{Si}$ resonance reaction. The detection system was demonstrated at Paul Scherrer Institute. A calibration method for a photon detector at a muon facility using muonic X-rays of $^{197}$Au and $^{209}$Bi is proposed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Muonic atom spectroscopy with microgram target material

Muonic atom spectroscopy -- the measurement of the x rays emitted during the formation process of a muonic atom -- has a long standing history in probing the shape and size of nuclei. In fact, almost all stable elements have been subject to muonic atom spectroscopy measurements and the absolute charge radii extracted from these measurements typically offer the highest accuracy available. However, so far only targets of at least a few hundred milligram could be used as it required to stop a muon beam directly in the target to form the muonic atom. We have developed a new method relying on repeated transfer reactions taking place inside a 100-bar hydrogen gas cell with an admixture of 0.25% deuterium that allows us to drastically reduce the amount of target material needed while still offering an adequate efficiency. Detailed simulations of the transfer reactions match the measured data, suggesting good understanding of the processes taking place inside the gas mixture. As a proof of principle we demonstrate the method with a measurement of the 2p-1s muonic x rays from a 5-μg gold target.

nucl-ex↗