arXiv subjects

M. Kimura

Publications and source records attributed to M. Kimura.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

Evaluations of uncertainties in simulations of propagation of ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray nuclei derived from microscopic nuclear models

Photodisintegration is a main energy loss process for ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR) nuclei in intergalactic space. Therefore, it is crucial to understand systematic uncertainty in photodisintegration when simulating the propagation of UHECR nuclei. In this work, we calculated the cross sections using the random phase approximation (RPA) of density functional theory (DFT), a microscopic nuclear model. We calculated the $E1$ strength of 29 nuclei using three different density functionals. We obtained the cross sections of photonuclear reactions, including photodisintegration, with the $E1$ strength. Then, we implemented the cross sections in the cosmic-ray propagation code CRPropa. We found that assuming certain astrophysical parameter values, the difference between UHECR energy spectrum predictions using the RPA calculation and the default photodisintegration model in CRPropa can be more than the statistical uncertainty of the spectrum. We also found that the differences between the RPA calculations and CRPropa default in certain astrophysical parameters obtained by a combined fit of UHECR energy spectrum and composition data assuming a phenomenological model of UHECR sources can be more than the uncertainty of the data.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Search for low mass dark matter in DarkSide-50: the bayesian network approach

We present a novel approach for the search of dark matter in the DarkSide-50 experiment, relying on Bayesian Networks. This method incorporates the detector response model into the likelihood function, explicitly maintaining the connection with the quantity of interest. No assumptions about the linearity of the problem or the shape of the probability distribution functions are required, and there is no need to morph signal and background spectra as a function of nuisance parameters. By expressing the problem in terms of Bayesian Networks, we have developed an inference algorithm based on a Markov Chain Monte Carlo to calculate the posterior probability. A clever description of the detector response model in terms of parametric matrices allows us to study the impact of systematic variations of any parameter on the final results. Our approach not only provides the desired information on the parameter of interest, but also potential constraints on the response model. Our results are consistent with recent published analyses and further refine the parameters of the detector response model.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Photoneutron emission cross sections for $^{13}$C

Photoneutron emission cross sections were measured for $^{13}$C below $2n$ threshold using quasi-monochromatic $γ$-ray beams produced in laser Compton-scattering at the NewSUBARU synchrotron radiation facility. The data show fine structures in the low-energy tail of the giant-dipole resonance; the integrated strength of the fine structure below 18~MeV is intermediate among the past measurements with bremsstrahlung and the positron annihilation $γ$ rays. We compare the photoneutron emission data with the {\sf TALYS} statistical model calculation implemented with the simple modified Lorentzian model of $E1$ and $M1$ strengths. We also compare the total photoabsorption cross sections for $^{13}$C with the shell model and antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculations as well as the statistical model calculation. We further investigate the consistency between the present photoneutron emission and the reverse $^{12}$C(n,$γ$) cross sections through their corresponding astrophysical rate.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Search for low-mass dark matter WIMPs with 12 ton-day exposure of DarkSide-50

We report on the search for dark matter WIMPs in the mass range below 10 GeV/c$^2$, from the analysis of the entire dataset acquired with a low-radioactivity argon target by the DarkSide-50 experiment at LNGS. The new analysis benefits from more accurate calibration of the detector response, improved background model, and better determination of systematic uncertainties, allowing us to accurately model the background rate and spectra down to 0.06 keV$_{er}$. A 90% C.L. exclusion limit for the spin-independent cross section of 3 GeV/c$^2$ mass WIMP on nucleons is set at 6$\times$10$^{-43}$ cm$^2$, about a factor 10 better than the previous DarkSide-50 limit. This analysis extends the exclusion region for spin-independent dark matter interactions below the current experimental constraints in the $[1.2, 3.6]$ GeV/c$^2$ WIMP mass range.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Search for dark matter-nucleon interactions via Migdal effect with DarkSide-50

Dark matter elastic scattering off nuclei can result in the excitation and ionization of the recoiling atom through the so-called Migdal effect. The energy deposition from the ionization electron adds to the energy deposited by the recoiling nuclear system and allows for the detection of interactions of sub-GeV/c$^2$ mass dark matter. We present new constraints for sub-GeV/c$^2$ dark matter using the dual-phase liquid argon time projection chamber of the DarkSide-50 experiment with an exposure of (12306 $\pm$ 184) kg d. The analysis is based on the ionization signal alone and significantly enhances the sensitivity of DarkSide-50, enabling sensitivity to dark matter with masses down to 40 MeV/c$^2$. Furthermore, it sets the most stringent upper limit on the spin independent dark matter nucleon cross section for masses below $3.6$ GeV/c$^2$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Search for dark matter particle interactions with electron final states with DarkSide-50

We present a search for dark matter particles with sub-GeV/$c^2$ masses whose interactions have final state electrons using the DarkSide-50 experiment's (12306 $\pm$ 184) kg d low-radioactivity liquid argon exposure. By analyzing the ionization signals, we exclude new parameter space for the dark matter-electron cross section $\barσ_e$, the axioelectric coupling constant $g_{Ae}$, and the dark photon kinetic mixing parameter $κ$. We also set the first dark matter direct-detection constraints on the mixing angle $\left|U_{e4}\right|^2$ for keV sterile neutrinos.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

The $^{19}$N($n$,$γ)^{20}$N capture rate in light of the probable bubble nature of $^{20}$N

We aim to explore the bubble nature of the exotic nucleus $^{20}$N within the microscopic antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD) approach. Constraining its structural parameters, we analyse its static properties. Subsequently, we use the AMD infused finite-range distorted-wave Born approximation theory to calculate the Coulomb breakup of $^{20}$N as an indirect approach to estimate the $^{19}$N$(n,γ)^{20}$N radiative capture rate.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Microscopic study of the deformed neutron halo of 31Ne

The properties of the deformed halo of 31Ne were discussed using the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics plus resonating group method (AMD+RGM). The AMD+RGM calculations describe a large neutron radius for the ground state and reveal that the ground state is dominated by core-excited components. The resonant states were also investigated by applying the analytical continuation of the coupling constant. It was found that the first excited state (the 5/2- state) is also dominated by core-excited components and has a small decay width, whereas the second excited state (the 7/2- state) is dominated by the valence neutron in the $f$-wave coupled to the ground state of 30Ne.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

PANDORA project: photo-nuclear reactions below $A=60$

Photo-nuclear reactions of light nuclei below a mass of $A=60$ are studied experimentally and theoretically by the PANDORA (Photo-Absorption of Nuclei and Decay Observation for Reactions in Astrophysics) project. Two experimental methods, virtual-photon excitation by proton scattering and real-photo absorption by a high-brilliance gamma-ray beam produced by laser Compton scattering, will be applied to measure the photo-absorption cross sections and the decay branching ratio of each decay channel as a function of the photon energy. Several nuclear models, e.g. anti-symmetrized molecular dynamics, mean-field type models, a large-scale shell model, and ab initio models, will be employed to predict the photo-nuclear reactions. The uncertainty in the model predictions will be evaluated from the discrepancies between the model predictions and the experimental data. The data and the predictions will be implemented in a general reaction calculation code TALYS . The results will be applied to the simulation of the photo-disintegration process of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays in inter-galactic propagation.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Comprehensive coverage of particle acceleration and kinetic feedback from the stellar mass black hole V404 Cygni

We present analysis of comprehensive radio observations of the black hole V404 Cyg during its 2015 outburst. These data represent the best ever coverage of jet production and particle acceleration from any black hole. We report for the first time a clear and near-linear flux-rms correlation in the radio flux densities. Investigation of individual flares reveals in nearly all cases the peak corresponds to the transition from optically thick to thin to synchrotron emission, but an extended phase of particle acceleration is required in contrast to simple impulsive injection models. The largest radio flare is preceded by a phase of optical oscillations and followed one day later by a smaller but optically thin flare, likely due to ejecta interacting with the interstellar medium. Comparing the radio emission to contemporaneous X-ray and optical data, we find that the X-ray and radio measurements are correlated on all timescales from seconds to one day. Correlation with the optical flux densities is weak at short timescales, but becomes significant on timescales greater than a few hours. We evaluate the physical conditions (size, magnetic field and internal energy) associated with 86 individual radio flares, which in turn allows us to place a lower limit on the kinetic feedback over the 15 days of intense activity. If this energy was deposited locally to the source, as implied by the failure to detect jets on angular scales larger than milliarcsec, then we predict that a nova-like shell could have been formed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Detection of highly correlated optical and X-ray variations in SS Cygni with Tomo-e Gozen and NICER

We report on simultaneous optical and X-ray observations of the dwarf nova SS Cyg with Tomo-e Gozen/1.05 m Kiso Schmidt and Neutron star Interior Composition ExploreR (it NICER) / International Space Station (ISS). A total of four observations were carried out in the quiescent state and highly correlated light variations between the two wavelengths were detected. We have extracted local brightness peaks in the light curves with a binning interval of 1 sec, called `shots', and have evaluated time lags between the optical and X-ray variations by using a cross-correlation function. Some shots exhibit significant optical lags to X-ray variations and most of them are positive ranging from $+$0.26 to 3.11 sec, which have never been detected. They may be ascribable to X-ray reprocessing in the accretion disk and/or the secondary star. This analysis is possible thanks to the high timing accuracy and the high throughput of NICER and the matching capability of Tomo-e Gozen. Also, it is confirmed that the correlation between the optical and X-ray variations changed in the middle of one of our observation windows and the X-ray spectrum softer than 2 keV varied in accordance with the correlation.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Observation of the $π^2σ^2$-bond linear-chain molecular structure in $^{16}$C

Measurements of the $^2$H($^{16}$C,$^{16}$C$^{*}$$\rightarrow^4$He+$^{12}$Be or $^6$He+$^{10}$Be)$^2$H inelastic excitation and cluster-decay reactions have been carried out at a beam energy of about 23.5 MeV/u. A specially designed detection system, including one multi-layer silicon-strip telescope at around zero degrees, has allowed the high-efficiency three-fold coincident detection and therefore the event-by-event determination of the energy of the unstable nucleus beam. The decay paths from the $^{16}$C resonances to various states of the final $^{10}$Be or $^{12}$Be nucleus are recognized thanks to the well-resolved $Q$-value spectra. The reconstructed resonances at 16.5(1), 17.3(2), 19.4(1) and 21.6(2) MeV are assigned as the $0^+$, $2^+$, $4^+$ and $6^+$ members, respectively, of the positive-parity $(3/2_π^-)^2(1/2_σ^-)^2$-bond linear-chain molecular band in $^{16}$C, based on the angular correlation analysis for the 16.5 MeV state and the excellent agreement of decay patterns between the measurements and theoretical predictions. Moreover, another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2(1) MeV which decays almost exclusively to the $\sim$6 MeV states of $^{10}$Be, in line with the newly predicted pure $σ$-bond linear-chain configuration.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Erosion of N = 28 shell closure: Shape coexistence and monopole transition

Background: In neutron-rich nuclei neighboring 42Si, the quenching of the N = 28 shell gap occurs and is expected to induce the shape coexistence in their excitation spectra. Purpose: We show that different nuclear shapes coexist in N = 28 isotones 40Mg, 42Si, and 44S, and investigate observables to probe it. Method: Antisymmetrized molecular dynamics with Gogny D1S density functional is applied to describe the shape coexistence phenomena without ad hoc assumption of the nuclear shape. Results: We find that rigid shapes with different deformations coexist in the ground and the first excited 0+ states of 40Mg and 42Si, while in 44S the states exhibit large-amplitude collective motion, which does not have any particular shape. These characteristics are reflected well in the monopole transition strengths. Conclusion: The quenching of the N = 28 shell gap leads to the unique shape coexistence in the N = 28 isotones, which can be probed by the monopole transition strengths.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Enormous nuclear surface diffuseness in the exotic Ne and Mg isotopes

The density profile of exotic nuclei can be a rich source of information on the nuclear surface. In particular, the nuclear surface diffuseness parameter is correlated with the occupation probability of nucleons indistinct nuclear orbits, especially those with low angular momenta. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the nuclear surface diffuseness and spectroscopic information of neutron rich Ne and Mg isotopes both at the cusp and inside the island of inversion. We use the microscopic antisymmetrized molecular dynamics model to calculate these densities and other spectroscopic information. A two-parameter Fermi density distribution is then used to define the diffuseness parameter. To relate them with observables, the nucleon-nucleus elastic scattering differential cross section is calculated with the demand that they reproduce the first peak position and its magnitude. A marked increase in the occupation of neutrons in the pf-orbit is noted in Ne and Mg isotopes from N=19 onwards. We observed that the nuclear diffuseness is strongly correlated with the nuclear deformation, in the island of inversion, and gradually increases with the occupation of neutrons in the 1p3/2 orbit. This result is also confirmed by a single-particle estimate of the valence neutron density distribution. An exception is noted for 35-37Mg, where the filling up of the holes in the sd-shell partially compensates the increase in diffuseness due to filling up of the 1p3/2 orbit. Information on nuclear density profile of neutron rich medium mass nuclei can be reliably extracted by studying the first diffraction peak of the nucleon-nucleus elastic scattering differential cross section. The enormous surface diffuseness of Ne and Mg isotopes, in the island of inversion, could be attributed to the increasing neutron occupation of the 1p3/2 orbit.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Phase field models for thermal fracturing and their variational structures

It is often observed that thermal stress enhances crack propagation in materials, and conversely, crack propagation can contribute to temperature shifts in materials. In this study, we first consider the thermoelasticity model proposed by M. A. Biot (1956) and study its energy dissipation property. The Biot thermoelasticity model takes into account the following effects. Thermal expansion and contraction are caused by temperature changes, and conversely, temperatures decrease in expanding areas but increase in contracting areas. In addition, we examine its thermomechanical properties through several numerical examples and observe that the stress near a singular point is enhanced by the thermoelastic effect. In the second part, we propose two crack propagation models under thermal stress by coupling a phase field model for crack propagation and the Biot thermoelasticity model and show their variational structures. In our numerical experiments, we investigate how thermal coupling affects the crack speed and shape. In particular, we observe that the lowest temperature appears near the crack tip, and the crack propagation is accelerated by the enhanced thermal stress.

math.AP↗

arXiv2021

Description of isospin mixing by a generator coordinate method

Background: The isospin mixing is an interesting feature of atomic nuclei. It plays a crucial role in astrophysical nuclear reactions. However, it is not straightforward for variational nuclear structure models to describe it. Purpose: We propose a tractable method to describe the isospin mixing within a framework of the generator coordinate method and demonstrate its usability. Method: We generate the basis wave functions by applying the Fermi transition operator to the wave functions of isobars. The superposition of these basis wave functions and variationally obtained wave functions quantitatively describes the isospin mixing. Results: Using 14N as an example, we demonstrate that our method reasonably describes both T = 0 and 1 states and their mixing. Energy spectrum and E1 transition strengths are compared with the experimental data to confirm isospin mixing. Conclusion: The proposed method is effective enough to describe isospin mixing and is useful, for example, when we discuss α capture reactions of N = Z nuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

The isoscalar monopole strength of 13C

To identify the 3alpha BEC state with the excess neutron, we have investigated the monopole strength of the excited states of 13C by using the theoretical framework of the real-time evolution method. The calculations have revealed several candidates of the Hoyle-analog states in a highly excited region.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Isoscalar monopole and dipole transitions in $^{24}$Mg, $^{26}$Mg and $^{28}$Si

Nuclei in the $sd$-shell demonstrate a remarkable interplay of cluster and mean-field phenomena. The $N=Z$ nuclei, such as $^{24}$Mg and $^{28}$Si, have been the focus of the theoretical study of both these phenomena in the past. The cluster and vortical mean-field phenomena can be probed by excitation of isoscalar monopole and dipole states in scattering of isoscalar particles such as deuterons or $α$ particles. Inelastically scattered $α$ particles were momentum-analysed in the K600 magnetic spectrometer at iThemba LABS, Cape Town, South Africa. The scattered particles were detected in two multi-wire drift chambers and two plastic scintillators placed at the focal plane of the K600. In the theoretical discussion, the QRPA and AMD+GCM were used. The QRPA calculations lead us to conclude that: i) the mean-field vorticity appears mainly in dipole states with $K=1$, ii) the dipole (monopole) states should have strong deformation-induced octupole (quadrupole) admixtures, and iii) that near the $α$-particle threshold, there should exist a collective state (with $K=0$ for prolate nuclei and $K=1$ for oblate nuclei) with an impressive octupole strength. The results of the AMD+GCM calculations suggest that some observed states may have a mixed (mean-field + cluster) character or correspond to particular cluster configurations. A tentative correspondence between observed states and theoretical states from QRPA and AMD+GCM was established. The QRPA and AMD+GCM analysis shows that low-energy isoscalar dipole states combine cluster and mean-field properties. The QRPA calculations show that the low-energy vorticity is well localized in $^{24}$Mg, fragmented in $^{26}$Mg, and absent in $^{28}$Si.

nucl-th↗