arXiv subjects

Limin Duan

Publications and source records attributed to Limin Duan.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Hyperon-Nucleon Spectrometer

Chirality lies at the heart of low-energy QCD, governing the symmetry structure that shapes hadron masses and strong interaction dynamics. Among the most compelling open questions tied to chiral dynamics and spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking is the longstanding $\Lambda$ polarization puzzle, in which $\Lambda$ hyperons produced in unpolarized hadronic collisions exhibit a surprisingly large transverse polarization that remains theoretically unexplained. This whitepaper presents the proposal for the Hyperon-Nucleon Spectrometer (H-NS) at the High-Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF). Leveraging the high energy and high intensity of HIAF's proton and heavy-ion beams, the H-NS experiment will perform systematic studies of hyperon polarization phenomena and their underlying mechanisms in proton-proton ($pp$), proton-nucleus ($pA$), and nucleus-nucleus ($AA$) collisions in the fixed target mode. A wide-range beam energy scan, including proton beams from 3 GeV up to 9.3 GeV (HIAF) and up to 32 GeV (upgraded HIAF), will be conducted to examine the dependence of polarization on collision energy. The spectrometer is designed with specialized detectors capable of high-precision reconstruction of final-state baryon polarizations. Among its many interesting and important measurements, H-NS will simultaneously measure hyperon and proton spin observables to explore the polarization mechanism in hadronic interactions and the spin structure of baryons. Furthermore, the use of $pA$ and $AA$ collisions will enable detailed investigations of cold and hot nuclear matter effects on spin polarization. Its physics program and detector development will significantly benefit the future Electron-ion Collider in China.

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arXiv2025

Experimental Study of Bremsstrahlung Gamma Ray Emission and Short-Range Correlations in $^{124}$Sn+$^{124}$Sn Collisions at 25 MeV/u

Short-range correlation (SRC) in nuclei refers to nucleons forming temporally correlated pairs in close proximity, giving rise to the high momentum of the nucleons beyond the Fermi surface. It has been reported that bremsstrahlung $\gamma$ production from neutron-proton process in heavy-ion reactions provides a potential probe to the SRC abundance in nuclei. In this paper, we present in detail the precision measurement of bremsstrahlung $\gamma$-rays in $\rm ^{124}Sn$+$\rm ^{124}Sn$ reactions at 25 MeV/u using the Compact Spectrometer for Heavy IoN Experiment (CSHINE). A comprehensive experimental and analysis framework is established to ensure the reliability and robustness of the extracted results. Background contributions are evaluated and subtracted using independent methods, and the consistency of the analysis is systematically validated. By comparing the experimental $\gamma$ spectrum with the Isospin-dependent Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck simulations, the high momentum tail (HMT) fraction of $R_{\rm HMT}=(20 \pm 3)\%$ is derived in $^{124}$Sn nuclei. This work provides a detailed and validated experimental framework for extracting SRC information from bremsstrahlung $\gamma$-ray emission and demonstrates the feasibility of studying nucleon SRCs with high precision in low-energy heavy-ion collisions.

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arXiv2025

Precise Measurement of Short-Range Correlations in Nuclei from Bremsstrahlung Gamma Ray Emission in Low-Energy Heavy-Ion Collisions

Atomic nuclei and dense nucleonic matter in neutron stars exhibit short-range correlations (SRCs), where nucleons form temporally correlated pairs in proximity beyond mean-field approximation. It is essential to make precision measurement of the fraction of SRC since it carries the signature of underlying quark dynamics in nuclear medium. In this letter, we present the first high-precision measurement of neutron-proton bremsstrahlung $\gamma$-ray emission from the symmetric $\rm ^{124}Sn$+$\rm ^{124}Sn$ reactions at 25 MeV/u. From the observed spectral hardening, the precise SRC fraction in the $\rm ^{124}Sn$ nucleus is extracted to be $(20 \pm 3)\%$. This result provides a novel, direct and unambiguous evidence of SRCs, and demonstrates that low-energy heavy-ion collisions offers a new approach to studying nuclear structure in connection with quark-level dynamics.

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arXiv2025

Extract neutron-neutron interaction strength and spatial-temporal dynamics of neutron emission from two-particle correlation function

The neutron-neutron ($nn$) correlation function has been measured in 25 MeV/u $^{124}$Sn+$^{124}$Sn reactions. Using the Lednick\'y-Lyuboshitz approach, the $nn$ scattering length and effective range ($f_{0}^{nn}$, $d_{0}^{nn}$), as well as the reduced space-time size $R^{(0)}$ of the neutron emission source are simultaneously extracted as ($18.9^{+1.3}_{-1.2}$ fm, $1.9^{+1.3}_{-1.0}$ fm) and $4.12 \pm 0.12$ fm, respectively. The measured $nn$ scattering length is consistent with the results obtained in the low-energy scattering $^{2}{\rm H}(\pi^{-},\gamma)2n$, indicating heavy-ion collisions can serve as an effective approach for measuring $nn$ interactions and further investigating the charge symmetry breaking of nuclear force. The space-time size extracted from momentum-gated correlation functions exhibits clear dependence on the pair momentum, with $R^{(0)}=2.8 \pm 0.1 $ fm and $4.9 \pm 0.2$ fm being determined for the high and low momentum neutrons, respectively.

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arXiv2024

The neutron array of the compact spectrometer for heavy ion experiments in Fermi energy region

The emission of neutrons from heavy ion reactions is an important observable for studying the asymmetric nuclear equation of state and the reaction dynamics. A 20-unit neutron array has been developed and mounted on the compact spectrometer for heavy ion experiments (CSHINE) to measure the neutron spectra, neutron-neutron and neutron-proton correlation functions. Each unit consists of a $\rm 15\times 15\times 15~cm^3$ plastic scintillator coupled to a $ \phi=52 ~\rm mm$ photomultiplier. The Geant4 simulation with optical process is performed to investigate the time resolution and the neutron detection efficiency. The inherent time resolution of 212 ps is obtained by cosmic ray coincidence test. The n-$\gamma$ discrimination and time-of-flight performance are given by $\rm ^{252}Cf$ radioactive source test and beam test. The neutron energy spectra have been obtained in the angle range $30^\circ \le \theta_{\rm lab} \le 51^\circ$ in the beam experiment of $^{124}$Sn+$^{124}$Sn at 25 MeV/u with CSHINE.

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arXiv2024

Beam test results of the prototype of the multi wire drift chamber for the CSR external-target experiment

The half-size prototype of the multi wire drift chamber (MWDC) for the cooling storage ring (CSR) external-target experiment (CEE) was assembled and tested in 350 MeV/u Kr+Fe reactions on the heavy ion research facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). The prototype consists of 6 sense layers, where the sense wires are stretched in three directions X, U and V, meeting $0^\circ$, $30^\circ$ and $-30^\circ$ with respect to the vertical axis, respectively. The sensitive area of the prototype is $76 {\rm cm} \times 76 {\rm cm}$. The amplified and shaped signals from the anode wires are digitized in a serial capacity array. Being operated with 1500 V high voltage on the anode wires, the efficiency for each layer is beyond 95\%. The tracking residual is about $301 \pm 2 \rm \mu m$. The performance meets the requirements of CEE.

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arXiv2023

Revisit to the yield ratio of triton and $^3$He as an indicator of neutron-rich neck emission

The neutron rich neck zone created in heavy ion reaction is experimentally probed by the production of the $A=3$ isobars. The energy spectra and angular distributions of triton and $^3$He are measured with the CSHINE detector in $^{86}$Kr +$^{208}$Pb reactions at 25 MeV/u. While the energy spectrum of $^{3}$He is harder than that of triton, known as "$^{3}$He-puzzle", the yield ratio $R({\rm t/^3He})$ presents a robust rising trend with the polar angle in laboratory. Using the fission fragments to reconstruct the fission plane, the enhancement of out-plane $R({\rm t/^3He})$ is confirmed in comparison to the in-plane ratios. Transport model simulations reproduce qualitatively the experimental trends, but the quantitative agreement is not achieved. The results demonstrate that a neutron rich neck zone is formed in the reactions. Further studies are called for to understand the clustering and the isospin dynamics related to neck formation.

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arXiv2023

Probing high-momentum component in nucleon momentum distribution by neutron-proton bremsstrahlung γ-rays in heavy ion reactions

The high momentum tail (HMT) of nucleons, as a signature of the short-range correlations in nuclei, has been investigated by the high-energy bremsstrahlung $γ$ rays produced in $^{86}$Kr + $^{124}$Sn at 25 MeV/u. The energetic photons are measured by a CsI(Tl) hodoscope mounted on the spectrometer CSHINE. The energy spectrum above 30 MeV can be reproduced by the IBUU model calculations incorporating the photon production channel from $np$ process in which the HMTs of nucleons is considered. A non-zero HMT ratio of about $15\%$ is favored by the data. The effect of the capture channel $np \to dγ$ is demonstrated.

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arXiv2023

Studies of nuclear equation of state with the HIRFL-CSR external-target experiment

The HIRFL-CSR external-target experiment (CEE) under construction is expected to provide novel opportunities to the studies of the thermodynamic properties, namely the equation of state of nuclear matter (nEOS) with heavy ion collisions at a few hundreds MeV/u beam energies. Based on Geant 4 packages, the fast simulations of the detector responses to the collision events generated using transport model are conducted. The overall performance of CEE, including spatial resolution of hits, momentum resolution of tracks and particle identification ability has been investigated. Various observables proposed to probe the nEOS, such as the production of light clusters, $\rm t/^3He$ yield ratio, the radial flow, $π^{-}/π^{+}$ yield ratio and the neutral kaon yields, have been reconstructed. The feasibility of studying nEOS beyond the saturation density via the aforementioned observables to be measured with CEE has been demonstrated.

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arXiv2022

A CsI hodoscope on CSHINE for Bremsstrahlung γ-rays in Heavy Ion Reactions

Bremsstrahlung $γ$ production in heavy ion reactions at Fermi energies carries important physical information including the nuclear symmetry energy at supra-saturation densities. In order to detect the high energy Bremsstrahlung $γ$ rays, a hodoscope consisting of 15 CsI(Tl) crystal read out by photo multiplier tubes has been built, tested and operated in experiment. The resolution, efficiency and linear response of the units to $γ$ rays have been studied using radioactive source and $({\rm p},γ)$ reactions. The inherent energy resolution of $1.6\%+2\%/E_γ^{1/2}$ is obtained. Reconstruction method has been established through Geant 4 simulations, reproducing the experimental results where comparison can be made. Using the reconstruction method developed, the whole efficiency of the hodoscope is about $2.6\times 10^{-4}$ against the $4π$ emissions at the target position, exhibiting insignificant dependence on the energy of incident $γ$ rays above 20 MeV. The hodoscope is operated in the experiment of $^{86}$Kr + $^{124}$Sn at 25 MeV/u, and a full $γ$ energy spectrum up to 80 MeV has been obtained.

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arXiv2022

Observing the Ping-pong Modality of Isospin Degree of Freedom in Cluster Emission from Heavy Ion Reactions

Two-body correlations of the isotope-resolved light and heavy clusters are measured in $^{86}$Kr+$^{\rm 208}$Pb reactions at 25 MeV/u. The yield and kinetic variables of the $A=3$ isobars, triton and $^3$He, are analyzed in coincidence with the heavy clusters of $7\le A \le 14$ emitted at the earlier chance. While the velocity spectra of both triton and $^3$He exhibit scaling behavior over the type of the heavy clusters, the yield ratios of ${\rm t/^3He}$ correlate reversely to the neutron-to-proton ratio $N/Z$ of the latter, showing the ping-pong modality of the $N/Z$ of emitted clusters. The commonality that the $N/Z$ of the residues keeps the initial system value is extended to the cluster emission in heavy ion reactions. The comparison of transport model calculations to the data is discussed.

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arXiv2022

An FPGA-based Trigger System for CSHINE

A trigger system of general function is designed using the commercial module CAEN V2495 for heavy ion nuclear reaction experiment at Fermi energies. The system has been applied and verified on CSHINE (Compact Spectrometer for Heavy IoN Experiment). Based on the field programmable logic gate array (FPGA) technology of command register access and remote computer control operation, trigger functions can be flexibly configured according to the experimental physical goals. Using the trigger system on CSHINE, we carried out the beam experiment of 25 MeV/u $ ^{86}{\rm Kr}+ ^{124}{\rm Sn}$ on the Radioactive Ion Beam Line 1 in Lanzhou (RIBLL1), China. The online results demonstrate that the trigger system works normally and correctly. The system can be extended to other experiments.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Reconstruction of Fission Events in Heavy Ion Reactions with CSHINE

We report the reconstruction method of the fast fission events in 25 MeV/u $^{86}$Kr +$^{208}$Pb reactions at the Compact Spectrometer for Heavy IoN Experiment (CSHINE). The fission fragments are measured by three large-area parallel plate avalanche counters, which can deliver the position and the arrival timing information of the fragments. The start timing information is given by the radio frequency of the cyclotron. Using the velocities of the two fission fragments, the fission events are reconstructed. The broadening of both the velocity distribution and the azimuthal difference of the fission fragments decrease with the folding angle, in accordance with the picture that fast fission occurs. The anisotropic angular distribution of the fission axis also reveals consistently the dynamic feature the fission events.

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arXiv2021

The Emission Order of Hydrogen Isotopes via Correlation Functions in 30 MeV/u Ar+Au Reactions

The intensity interferometry is applied as a chronometer of the particle emission of hydrogen isotopes from the intermediate velocity source formed in $^{40}$Ar+$^{197}$Au reactions at 30 MeV/u. The dynamic emission order of $τ_{\rm p}>τ_{\rm d}>τ_{\rm t}$ is evidenced via the correlation functions of nonidentical particle pairs. Assuming the similar source size, the same emission order is inferred from the correlation functions of identical particle pairs, where $τ_{\rm p} \approx 100 {\rm ~fm/c}$ is extracted by the fit of Koonin-Pratt equation to p-p correlation function. Transport model simulations demonstrate that the dynamic emission order of light charged particles depends on the stiffness of the nuclear symmetry energy.

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arXiv2021

Properties of the fast fission and the coincident emissions of light charged particles in $^{40}$Ar + $^{197}$Au reactions at 30 MeV/u

The experiment of Ar+Au reactions at 30 MeV/u have been performed using the Compact Spectrometer for Heavy IoN Experiments (CSHINE) in phase I. The light-charged particles are measured by the silicon stripe telescopes in coincidence with the fission fragments recorded by the parallel plate avalanche counters. The distribution properties of the azimuth difference $Δϕ$ and the time-of-flight difference $ΔTOF$ of the fission fragments are presented varying the folding angles which represents the linear momentum transfer from the projectile to the reaction system. The relative abundance of the light charged particles in the fission events to the inclusive events is compared as a function of the laboratory angle $θ_{\rm lab}$ ranging from $18^\circ$ to $60^\circ$ in various folding angle windows. The angular evolution of the yield ratios of p/d and t/d in coincidence with fission fragments is investigated. In a relative comparison, tritons are more abundantly emitted at small angles, while protons are more abundant at large angles. The angular evolution of the neutron richness of the light-charged particles is consistent with the results obtained in previous inclusive experiments.

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