arXiv subjects

L. T. Baby

Publications and source records attributed to L. T. Baby.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Experimental study of the $^{17}$F+ $^{12}$C fusion reaction and its implications for fusion of proton-halo systems

The halo nature of the low-lying $1/2$+ first excited state of the exotic weakly-bound proton drip-line nucleus $^{17}$F has long been hypothesized. The structure of such a halo nucleus would imply special nuclear properties including, possibly, an enhancement in its fusion cross section above the barrier. The total fusion cross section of $^{17}$F + $^{12}$C near the Coulomb barrier was studied using the newly developed "Encore" active-target detector at Florida State University. Total fusion cross sections for the stable counterpart systems $^{16}$O + $^{12}$C and $^{19}$F + $^{12}$C were also measured to enable a systematic comparison. No influence of the halo nature of the $^{17}$F $1/2$+ first excited state on its fusion excitation function was observed when compared with the stable counterpart systems.

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arXiv2020

Observation of T=3/2 Isobaric Analog States in 9Be using p+8Li resonance scattering

Background: Resonance scattering has been extensively used to study the structure of exotic, neutron-deficient nuclei. Extension of the resonance scattering technique to neutron-rich nuclei was suggested more than 20 years ago. This development is based on the isospin conservation law. In spite of broad field of the application, it has never gained a wide-spread acceptance. Purpose: To benchmark the experimental approach to study the structure of exotic neutron-rich nuclei through resonance scattering on a proton target. Method: The excitation function for p+8Li resonance scattering is measured using a thick target by recording coincidence between light and heavy recoils, populating T=3/2 isobaric analog states (IAS) in 9Be. Results: A good fit of the 8Li(p,p)8Li resonance elastic scattering excitation function was obtained using previously tentatively known 5/2- T=3/2 state at 18.65 MeV in 9Be and a new broad T=3/2 s-wave state - the 5/2+ at 18.5 MeV. These results fit the expected iso-mirror properties for the T=3/2 A=9 iso-quartet. Conclusions: Our analysis confirmed isospin as a good quantum number for the investigated highly excited T=3/2 states and demonstrated that studying the structure of neutron-rich exotic nuclei through IAS is a promising approach.

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arXiv2019

Structure of $^{38}$Cl and the quest for a comprehensive shell model interaction

The higher-spin structure of $^{38}$Cl ($N = 21$) was investigated following the $^{26}$Mg($^{14}$C, $pn$) reaction at 30 and 37 MeV beam energies. The outgoing protons were detected in an $E- ΔE$ Si telescope placed at 0$^\circ$ close to the target with a Ta beam stopper between the target and telescope. Multiple $γ$ rays were detected in time coincidence with the protons using an enhanced version of the FSU $γ$ detection array. The level scheme was extended up to 8420 keV with a likely spin of 10 $\hbar$. A new multishell interaction was developed guided by the experimental information. This FSU interaction was built by fitting to the energies of 270 experimental states from $^{13}$C to $^{51}$Ti. Calculations using the FSU interaction reproduce observed properties of $^{38}$Cl rather well, including the spectroscopic factors. The interaction has been successfully used to interpret the $1p1h$ and $2p2h$ configurations in some nearby nuclei as well.

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arXiv2018

Measurement of $d + ^7$Be cross sections for Big-Bang nucleosynthesis

The cross sections of nuclear reactions between the radioisotope $^7$Be and deuterium, a possible mechanism of reducing the production of mass-7 nuclides in Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, were measured at center-of-mass energies between 0.2 MeV and 1.5 MeV. The measured cross sections are dominated by the $(d,α)$ reaction channel, towards which prior experiments were mostly insensitive. A new resonance at 0.36(5)~MeV with a strength of $ωγ$ = 1.7(5)~keV was observed inside the relevant Gamow window. Calculations of nucleosynthesis outcomes based on the experimental cross section show that the resonance reduces the predicted abundance of primordial $^7$Li, but not sufficiently to solve the primordial lithium problem.

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arXiv2016

Enhancement of fusion at near and sub-barrier energies for neutron-rich light nuclei

Measurement of the fusion cross-section for neutron-rich light nuclei is crucial in ascertaining if fusion of these nuclei occurs in the outer crust of a neutron star. We have therefore measured the fusion excitation function at near-barrier energies for the 19O + 12C system and compared the experimental results with the fusion excitation function of 18O + 12C and 16O + 12C. In the experiment a beam of 19O, produced via the 18O(d,p) reaction, was incident on a 12C target at energies near the Coulomb barrier. Evaporation residues produced in fusion of 18,19O ions with 12C target nuclei were detected with good geometric efficiency and identified by measuring their energy and time-of-flight. A significant enhancement in the fusion probability of 19O ions with a 12C target as compared to 18O ions is observed. The significantly larger cross-sections observed at near barrier energies are not predicted by a static model of fusion for 19O + 12C indicating that dynamics play an important role in the fusion of neutron-rich light nuclei.

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arXiv2016

Fusion Enhancement for Neutron-Rich Light Nuclei

Measurement of the fusion cross-section for neutron-rich light nuclei is crucial in ascertaining if fusion of these nuclei occurs in the outer crust of a neutron star. The fusion excitation function at near-barrier energies for the $^{19}$O + $^{12}$C system was measured and the experimental results are compared to the fusion excitation function of $^{18}$O + $^{12}$C and $^{16}$O + $^{12}$C. The experiment was performed by utilizing a beam of $^{19}$O, produced via the $^{18}$O(d,p) reaction, to bombard a $^{12}$C target at energies near the Coulomb barrier. Evaporation residues produced in fusion of $^{18,19}$O ions with $^{12}$C target nuclei were detected with good geometric efficiency and identified by measuring their energy and time-of-flight. A significant enhancement is observed in the fusion probability of $^{19}$O ions with a $^{12}$C target as compared to $^{18}$O ions. The larger cross-sections observed at near barrier energies is related to significant narrowing of the fusion barrier indicating a larger tunneling probability for the fusion process.

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arXiv2015

Does the alpha cluster structure in light nuclei persist through the fusion process?

[Background] Despite the importance of light-ion fusion in nucleosynthesis, a limited amount of data exists regarding the de-excitation following fusion for such systems. [Purpose] To explore the characteristics of alpha emission associated with the decay of light fused systems at low excitation energy. [Method] Alpha particles were detected in coincidence with evaporation residues (ER) formed by the fusion of 18O and 12C nuclei. Both alpha particles and ERs were identified on the basis of their energy and time-of-flight. ERs were characterized by their energy spectra and angular distributions while the alpha particles were characterized by their energy spectra, angular distributions, and cross-sections. [Results] While the energy spectra and angular distributions for the alpha particles are well reproduced by statistical model codes, the measured cross-section is substantially underpredicted by the models. Comparison with similar systems reveals that the fundamental quantity for the alpha cross-section is Ec.m. and not the excitation energy of the fused system. [Conclusion]The enhancement in the measured alpha cross-section as compared to the statistical model codes and its dependence with Ec.m. suggest that a coupling between pre-existing alpha cluster structure and the collision dynamics is responsible for the observed alpha cross-section.

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arXiv2015

New $α$ ANC measurement of the 1/2$^+$ state in $^{17}$O at 6.356 MeV, that dominates the $^{13}$C($α$,n)$^{16}$O reaction rate at temperatures relevant for the s-process

Background: Accurate knowledge of the $^{13}$C($α$,$n$)$^{16}$O reaction cross section is important for the understanding of the s-process in AGB stars, since it is considered to be the main source of neutrons. The sub-threshold 1/2$^+$ state at excitation energy of 6.356 MeV in $^{17}$O has a strong influence on the reaction cross section at energies relevant for astrophysics. Several experiments have been performed to determine the contribution of this state to the $^{13}$C($α,n)^{16}$O reaction rate. Nevertheless, significant discrepancies between different measurements remain. Purpose: The aim of this work is to investigate these discrepancies. Method: An 8 MeV $^{13}$C beam (below the Coulomb barrier) was used to study the $α$-transfer reaction $^6$Li($^{13}$C,$d$)$^{17}$O. Results: The squared Coulomb modified ANC of the 1/2$^+$ state in $^{17}$O measured in this work is $(\tilde C^{^{17}\text{O}(1/2+)}_{α-^{13}\text{C}})^2=3.6\pm0.7\hspace{0.2cm}\text{fm}^{-1}$. Conclusions: Discrepancy between the results of $α$-transfer experiments have been resolved. However, some discrepancy with the most recent measurement using the Trojan Horse method remains.

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arXiv2014

Constraining the 6.05 MeV 0$^+$ and 6.13 MeV 3$^-$ cascade transitions in the $^{12}$C($α$,$γ$)$^{16}$O reaction using the Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients

Background. The $^{12}$C$(α,γ)^{16}$O reaction plays a fundamental role in astrophysics and needs to be known with accuracy better than 10%. Cascade $γ$ transitions through the excited states of $^{16}$O are contributing to the uncertainty. Purpose. To constrain the contribution of the 0$^+$ (6.05 MeV) and 3$^-$ (6.13 MeV) cascade transitions. Method. The $α$ Asymptotic Normalization Coefficient for these states were measured using the $α$-transfer reaction $^{12}$C$(^6$Li,$d)^{16}$O at sub-Coulomb energies. Results. The 0$^+$ and 3$^-$ cascade transitions contribution was found to be 1.96$\pm$0.3 keV b and 0.12$\pm$0.04 keV b for destructive interference of the direct and resonance capture and 4.36$\pm$0.45 keV b and 1.44$\pm$0.12 keV b for constructive interference respectively. Conclusions. The combined contribution of the 0$^+$ and 3$^-$ cascade transitions to the reaction at 300 keV does not exceed 4%. Significant uncertainties have been dramatically reduced.

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arXiv2014

Sub-barrier enhancement of fusion as compared to a microscopic method in 18O+12C

Measurement of the energy dependence of the fusion cross-sec on at sub-barrier energies provides an important test for theoretical models of fusion. To extend the measurement of fusion cross-sections in the sub-barrier domain for the 18O+12C system. Use the new experimental data to confront microscopic calculations of fusion. Evaporation residues produced in fusion of 18O ions with 12C target nuclei were detected with good geometric efficiency and identified by measuring their energy and time-of-flight. Theoretical calculations with a density constrained time dependent Hartree-Fock (DC-TDHF) theory include for the first time the effect of pairing on the fusion cross-section. Comparison of the measured fusion excitation function with the predictions of the DC-TDHF calculations reveal that the experimental data exhibits a smaller decrease in cross-section with decreasing energy than is theoretically predicted. The larger cross-sections observed at the lowest energies measured indicate a larger tunneling probability for the fusion process. This larger probability can be associated with a smaller, narrower fusion barrier than presently included in the theoretical calculations.

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arXiv2014

$α$-cluster ANCs for nuclear astrophysics

Background. Many important $α$-particle induced reactions for nuclear astrophysics may only be measured using indirect techniques due to small cross sections at the energy of interest. One of such indirect technique, is to determine the Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients (ANC) for near threshold resonances extracted from sub-Coulomb $α$-transfer reactions. This approach provides a very valuable tool for studies of astrophysically important reaction rates since the results are practically model independent. However, the validity of the method has not been directly verified. Purpose. The aim of this letter is to verify the technique using the $^{16}$O($^6$Li,$d$)$^{20}$Ne reaction as a benchmark. The $^{20}$Ne nucleus has a well known $1^-$ state at excitation energy of 5.79 MeV with a width of 28 eV. Reproducing the known value with this technique is an ideal opportunity to verify the method. Method. The 1$^-$ state at 5.79 MeV is studied using the $α$-transfer reaction $^{16}$O($^6$Li,$d$)$^{20}$Ne at sub-Coulomb energies. Results. The partial $α$ width for the $1^-$ state at excitation energy of 5.79 MeV is extracted and compared with the known value, allowing the accuracy of the method to be evaluated. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that extracting the Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients using sub-Coulomb $α$-transfer reactions is a powerful tool that can be used to determine the partial $α$ width of near threshold states that may dominate astrophysically important nuclear reaction rates. \end{description}

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arXiv2013

Structure of 8B from elastic and inelastic 7Be+p scattering

Motivation: Detailed experimental knowledge of the level structure of light weakly bound nuclei is necessary to guide the development of new theoretical approaches that combine nuclear structure with reaction dynamics. Purpose: The resonant structure of 8B is studied in this work. Method: Excitation functions for elastic and inelastic 7Be+p scattering were measured using a 7Be rare isotope beam. Excitation energies ranging between 1.6 and 3.4 MeV were investigated. An R-matrix analysis of the excitation functions was performed. Results: New low-lying resonances at 1.9, 2.5, and 3.3 MeV in 8B are reported with spin-parity assignment 0+, 2+, and 1+, respectively. Comparison to the Time Dependent Continuum Shell (TDCSM) model and ab initio no-core shell model/resonating-group method (NCSM/RGM) calculations is performed. This work is a more detailed analysis of the data first published as a Rapid Communication. [J.P. Mitchell, et al, Phys. Rev. C 82, 011601(R) (2010)] Conclusions: Identification of the 0+, 2+, 1+ states that were predicted by some models at relatively low energy but never observed experimentally is an important step toward understanding the structure of 8B. Their identification was aided by having both elastic and inelastic scattering data. Direct comparison of the cross sections and phase shifts predicted by the TDCSM and ab initio No Core Shell Model coupled with the resonating group method is of particular interest and provides a good test for these theoretical approaches.

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arXiv2010

Low-lying states in 8B

Excitation functions of elastic and inelastic 7Be+p scattering were measured in the energy range between 1.6 and 2.8 MeV in the c.m. An R-matrix analysis of the excitation functions provides strong evidence for new positive parity states in 8B. A new 2+ state at an excitation energy of 2.55 MeV was observed and a new 0+ state at 1.9 MeV is tentatively suggested. The R-matrix and Time Dependent Continuum Shell Model were used in the analysis of the excitation functions. The new results are compared to the calculations of contemporary theoretical models.

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arXiv2006

Shell structure at N=28 near the dripline: spectroscopy of $^{42}$Si, $^{43}$P and $^{44}$S

Measurements of the N=28 isotones 42Si, 43P and 44S using one- and two-proton knockout reactions from the radioactive beam nuclei 44S and 46Ar are reported. The knockout reaction cross sections for populating 42Si and 43P and a 184 keV gamma-ray observed in 43P establish that the d_{3/2} and s_{1/2} proton orbits are nearly degenerate in these nuclei and that there is a substantial Z=14 subshell closure separating these two orbits from the d_{5/2} orbit. The increase in the inclusive two-proton knockout cross section from 42Si to 44S demonstrates the importance of the availability of valence protons for determining the cross section. New calculations of the two-proton knockout reactions that include diffractive effects are presented. In addition, it is proposed that a search for the d_{5/2} proton strength in 43P via a higher statistics one-proton knockout experiment could help determine the size of the Z=14 closure.

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arXiv2006

Astrophysical factor for the neutron generator 13C(alpha,n)16O reaction in the AGB stars

The reaction 13C(alpha,n) is considered to be the main source of neutrons for the s-process in AGB stars. At low energies the cross section is dominated by the 1/2+ 6.356 MeV sub-threshold resonance in 17O whose contribution is determined with a very large uncertainty of ~1000% at stellar temperatures. In this work we performed the most precise determination of the low-energy astrophysical S factor using the indirect asymptotic normalization (ANC) technique. The alpha-particle ANC for the sub-threshold state has been measured using the sub-Coulomb alpha-transfer reaction (6Li,d). Using the determined ANC we calculated S(0), which turns out to be an order of magnitude smaller than in the NACRE compilation.

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arXiv2003

A New Measurement of the Proton Capture Rate on 7Be and the S17(0) Factor

The 7Be(p,gamma)8B reaction plays a central role in the evaluation of solar neutrino fluxes. We report on a new precision measurement of the cross section of this reaction, following our previous experiment with an implanted target, a raster scanned beam and the elimination of backscattering losses. The new measurement incorporates a higher activity 7Be target and a number of improvements in design and procedure. The cross section at Ec.m. = 850 keV was measured several times under varying expermental conditions, yielding a value of S17(Ec.m.=850 keV) = 24.0 +/- 0.5 eV b. Measurements were carried out at lower energies as well. We obtain from the entire set of measurements an extrapolated value of S17(0) = 21.2 +/- 0.7 eV b.

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arXiv2002

A New Precision Measurement of the 7Be(p,gamma)8B Cross section with an Implanted 7Be Target

The 7Be(p,gamma)8B reaction plays a central role in the evaluation of solar neutrino fluxes. We report on a new precision measurement of the cross section of this reaction, following our previous experiment with an implanted 7Be target, a raster scanned beam and the elimination of the backscattering loss. The new measurement incorporates a more abundant 7Be target and a number of improvements in design and procedure. The point at Elab=991 keV was measured several times under varying conditions, yielding a value of S17(Ec.m. =850 keV) = 24.0(5) eV b. Measurements were carried out at lower energies as well. Due to the precise knowledge of the implanted 7Be density profile it was possible to reconstitute both the off- and on resonance parts of the cross section and to obtain from the entire set of measurements an extrapolated value of S17(0)=21.2(7) eV b.

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