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M. La Commara

Publications and source records attributed to M. La Commara.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2019

Equilibrium constants of Hydrogen and Helium isotopes at low nuclear densities

Equilibrium constants for Hydrogen and Helium isotopes as a function of density and temperature are measured in the framework of the study made by Qin et al. [Qin L et al 2012 Phys. Rev. Lett. 108 172701]. We review and comment on all stages of the analysis and conclude that our measurements are not inconsistent with Qin et al. results. Improvements are being made to the initial analysis and we raise the issue of the binding energies which has to be clarified.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2019

Measurement of the ion fraction and mobility of $^{218}$Po produced in $^{222}$Rn decays in liquid argon

We report measurements of the charged daughter fraction of $^{218}$Po as a result of the $^{222}$Rn alpha decay, and the mobility of $^{218}$Po$^+$ ions, using radon-polonium coincidences from the $^{238}$U chain identified in 532 live-days of DarkSide-50 WIMP-search data. The fraction of $^{218}$Po that is charged is found to be 0.37$\pm$0.03 and the mobility of $^{218}$Po$^+$ is (8.6$\pm$0.1)$\times$10$^{-4}$$\frac{\text{cm}^2}{\text{Vs}}$.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2018

DarkSide-50 532-day Dark Matter Search with Low-Radioactivity Argon

The DarkSide-50 direct-detection dark matter experiment is a dual-phase argon time projection chamber operating at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. This paper reports on the blind analysis of a (16,660+-270) kg d exposure using a target of low-radioactivity argon extracted from underground sources. We find no events in the dark matter selection box and set a 90% C.L. upper limit on the dark matter-nucleon spin-independent cross section of 1.14E-44 cm^2 (3.78E-44 cm^2, 3.43E-43 cm^2) for a WIMP mass of 100 GeV/c^2 (1 TeV/c^2, 10 TeV/c^2).

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2018

Low-Mass Dark Matter Search with the DarkSide-50 Experiment

We present the results of a search for dark matter WIMPs in the mass range below 20 GeV/c^2 using a target of low-radioactivity argon. The data were obtained using the DarkSide-50 apparatus at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). The analysis is based on the ionization signal, for which the DarkSide-50 time projection chamber is fully efficient at 0.1 keVee. The observed rate in the detector at 0.5 keVee is about 1.5 events/keVee/kg/day and is almost entirely accounted for by known background sources. We obtain a 90% C.L. exclusion limit above 1.8 GeV/c^2 for the spin-independent cross section of dark matter WIMPs on nucleons, extending the exclusion region for dark matter below previous limits in the range 1.8-6 GeV/c^2.

astro-ph.HE↗
arXiv2018

Phase transition dynamics for hot nuclei

An abnormal production of events with almost equal-sized fragments was theoretically proposed as a signature of spinodal instabilities responsible for nuclear multifragmentation in the Fermi energy domain. On the other hand finite size effects are predicted to strongly reduce this abnormal production. High statistics quasifusion hot nuclei produced in central collisions between Xe and Sn isotopes at 32 and 45 AMeV incident energies have been used to definitively establish, through the experimental measurement of charge correlations, the presence of spinodal instabilities. N/Z influence was also studied.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2018

Study and validation of a new "3D Calorimetry" of hot nuclei with the HIPSE event generator

In nuclear thermodynamics, the determination of the excitation energy of hot nuclei is a fundamental experimental problem. Instrumental physicists have been trying to solve this problem for several years by building the most exhaustive 4Pi detector arrays and perfecting their calorimetry techniques. In a recent paper, a proposal for a new calorimetry, called "3D calorimetry", was made. It tries to optimize the separation between the particles and fragments emitted by the Quasi-Projectile and the other possible contributions. This can be achieved by determining the experimental probability for a given nucleus of a nuclear reaction to be emitted by the Quasi-Projectile. It has been developed for the INDRA data. In the present work, we wanted to dissect and validate this new method of characterization of a hot Quasi-Projectile. So we tried to understand and control it completely to determine these limits. Using the HIPSE event generator and a software simulating the functioning of INDRA, we were able to achieve this goal and provide a quantitative estimation of the quality of the QP characterization.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2017

A new "3D Calorimetry" of hot nuclei

In the domain of Fermi energy, it is extremely complex to isolate experimentally fragments and particles issued from the cooling of a hot nucleus produced during a heavy ion collision. This paper presents a new method to characterize more precisely hot Quasi-Projectiles. It tries to take into account as accurately as possible the distortions generated by all the other potential participants in the nuclear reaction. It is quantitatively shown that this method is a major improvement respect to classic calorimetries used with a 4$π$ detector array. By detailing and deconvolving the different steps of the reconstitution of the hot nucleus, this study shows also the respective role played by the experimental device and the event selection criteria on the quality of the determination of QP characteristics.

physics.data-an↗
arXiv2017

Improving isotopic identification with \emph{INDRA} Silicon-CsI(\emph{Tl}) telescopes

Profiting from previous works done with the \emph{INDRA} multidetector on the description of the light response $\mathcal L$ of the CsI(\emph{Tl}) crystals to different impinging nuclei, we propose an improved $ΔE - \mathcal L$ identification-calibration procedure for Silicon-Cesium Iodide (Si-CsI) telescopes, namely an Advanced Mass Estimate (\emph{AME}) method. \emph{AME} is compared to the usual, %$"ΔE - E"$ simple visual analysis of the corresponding two-dimensional map of $ΔE - E$ type, by using \emph{INDRA} experimental data from nuclear reactions induced by heavy ions in the Fermi energy regime. We show that the capability of such telescopes to identify both the atomic $Z$ and the mass $A$ numbers of light and heavy reaction products, can be quantitatively improved thanks to the proposed approach. This conclusion opens new possibilities to use \emph{INDRA} for studying these reactions especially with radioactive beams. Indeed, the determination of the mass for charged reaction products becomes of paramount importance to shed light on the role of the isospin degree of freedom in the nuclear equation of state.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2017

Understand the thermometry of hot nuclei from the energy spectra of light charged particles

In the domain of Fermi energy, the hot nucleus temperature can be determined by using the energy spectra of evaporated light charged particles. But this method of measurement is not without difficulties both theoretical and experimental. The presented study aims to disentangle the respective influences of different factors on the quality of this measurement : the physics, the detection (a 4? detector array as INDRA) and the experimental procedure. This analysis demonstrates the possibility of determining from an energy spectrum, with an accuracy of about 10 %, the true apparent temperature felt by a given type of particle emitted by a hot nucleus. Three conditions are however necessary : have a perfect detector of particles, an important statistics and very few secondary emissions. According to the GEMINI event generator, for hot nuclei of intermediate mass, only deuterons and tritons could fill these conditions. This temperature can allow to trace back to the initial temperature by using an appropriate method. This determination may be better than 15 %. With a real experimental device, an insufficient angular resolution and topological distortions caused by the detection can damage spectra to the point to make very difficult a correct determination of the apparent temperature. The experimental reconstruction of the frame of the hot nucleus may also be responsible for this deterioration

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2017

Light charged clusters emitted in 32 MeV/nucleon 136,124Xe+124,112Sn reactions: chemical equilibrium, 3He and 6He production

Nuclear particle production from peripheral to central events is presented. N/Z gradient between projectile and target is studied using the fact that two reactions have the same projectile+target N/Z and so the same neutron to proton ratio for the combined system. Inclusive data study in the forward part of the center of mass indicates that N/Z equilibration between the projectile-like and the target-like is achieved for central collisions. Particles are also produced from mid-rapidity region. 3He mean pre-equilibrium character is evidenced and 6He production at mid-rapidity implies a neutron enrichment phenomenon of the projectile target interacting zone.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2016

Reaction and fusion cross sections for the near-symmetric system $^{129}Xe+^{nat}Sn$ from $8$ to $35$ $AMeV$

\item[Background]Heavy-ion reactions from barrier up to Fermi energy. \item[Purpose]Reaction and fusion cross sections determination. Fusion reactions induced by $^{129}Xe$ projectiles on $^{nat}Sn$ targets for energies ranging from $8$ A.MeV to $35$ A.MeV were measured with the INDRA $4π$-array.\\ The evaluation of the fusion/incomplete fusion cross sections for the incident energies from 8 to 35 A.MeV is the main purpose of this paper. \item[Method] The reaction cross sections are evaluated for each beam energy thanks to INDRA $4π$-array. The events are also sorted in order to focus the study on a selected sample of events, in such a way that the fusion/fusion incomplete cross section is estimated. \item[Results] The excitation function of reaction and fusion cross sections were measured for the heavy and nearly symmetric system $^{129}Xe + ^{nat}Sn$ from 8 to 35 A.MeV. \item[Conclusions] The fusion-like cross-sections evaluated show a good agrement with a recent systematics for beam energies greater than 20 A.MeV. For low beam energies the cross-section values are lower than the expected ones. A probable reason for these low values is in the fusion hindrance at energies above/close the barrier.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2015

Signals of Bose Einstein condensation and Fermi quenching in the decay of hot nuclear systems

We report experimental signals of Bose-Einstein condensation in the decay of hot Ca projectile-like sources produced in mid-peripheral collisions at sub-Fermi energies. The experimental setup, constituted by the coupling of the INDRA 4$π$ detector array to the forward angle VAMOS magnetic spectrometer, allowed us to reconstruct the mass, charge and excitation energy of the decaying hot projectile-like sources. Furthermore, by means of quantum fluctuation analysis techniques, temperatures and mean volumes per particle "as seen by" bosons and fermions separately are correlated to the excitation energy of the reconstructed system. The obtained results are consistent with the production of dilute mixed (bosons/fermions) systems, where bosons experience a smaller volume as compared to the surrounding fermionic gas. Our findings recall similar phenomena observed in the study of boson condensates in atomic traps.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2014

Evidence for a Novel Reaction Mechanism of a Prompt Shock-Induced Fission Following the Fusion of 78Kr and 40Ca Nuclei at E/A =10 MeV

An analysis of experimental data from the inverse-kinematics ISODEC experiment on 78Kr+40Ca reaction at a bombarding energy of 10 AMeV has revealed signatures of a hitherto unknown reaction mechanism, intermediate between the classical damped binary collisions and fusion-fission, but also substantially different from what is being termed in the literature as fast fission or quasi fission. These signatures point to a scenario where the system fuses transiently while virtually equilibrating mass asymmetry and energy and, yet, keeping part of the energy stored in a collective shock-imparted and, possibly, angular momentum bearing form of excitation. Subsequently the system fissions dynamically along the collision or shock axis with the emerging fragments featuring a broad mass spectrum centered around symmetric fission, relative velocities somewhat higher along the fission axis than in transverse direction, and virtually no intrinsic spin. The class of massasymmetric fission events shows a distinct preference for the more massive fragments to proceed along the beam direction, a characteristic reminiscent of that reported earlier for dynamic fragmentation of projectile-like fragments alone and pointing to the memory of the initial mass and velocity distribution.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2013

Isospin effects and symmetry energy studies with INDRA

The equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter is still controversial, as predictions at subsaturation as well as above normal density widely diverge. We discuss several experimental results measured in heavy-ion collisions with the INDRA array in the incident energy range 5-80 MeV/nucleon. In particular an estimate of the density dependence of the symmetry energy is derived from isospin diffusion results compared with a transport code: the potential part of the symmetry energy linearly increases with the density. We demonstrate that isospin equilibrium is reached in mid-central collisions for the two reactions Ni+Au at 52 MeV/nucleon and Xe+Sn at 32 MeV/nucleon. New possible variables and an improved modelization to investigate symmetry energy are discussed.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2011

Decay of excited nuclei produced in $^{78,82}$Kr + $^{40}$Ca reactions at 5.5 MeV/nucleon

Decay modes of excited nuclei are investigated in $^{78,82}$Kr + $^{40}$Ca reactions at 5.5 MeV/nucleon. Charged products were measured by means of the $4π$ INDRA array. Kinetic-energy spectra and angular distributions of fragments with atomic number 3 $\le Z \le$ 28 indicate a high degree of relaxation and are compatible with a fission-like phenomenon. Persistence of structure effects is evidenced from elemental cross-sections ($σ_{Z}$) as well as a strong odd-even-staggering (o-e-s) of the light-fragment yields. The magnitude of the staggering does not significantly depend on the neutron content of the emitting system. Fragment-particle coincidences suggest that the light partners in very asymmetric fission are emitted either cold or at excitation energies below the particle emission thresholds. The evaporation residue cross-section of the $^{78}$Kr + $^{40}$Ca reaction is slightly higher than the one measured in $^{82}$Kr + $^{40}$Ca reaction. The fission-like component is larger by $\sim$ 25% for the reaction having the lowest neutron-to-proton ratio. These experimental features are confronted to the predictions of theoretical models. The Hauser-Feshbach approach including the emission of fragments up to $Z$ = 14 in their ground states as well as excited states does not account for the main features of $σ_{Z}$. For both reactions, the transition-state formalism reasonably reproduces the $Z$-distribution of the fragments with charge 12 $\le Z \le$ 28. However, this model strongly overestimates the light-fragment cross-sections and does not explain the o-e-s of the yields for 6 $\le Z \le$ 10. The shape of the whole $Z$-distribution and the o-e-s of the light-fragment yields are satisfactorily reproduced within the dinuclear system framework which treats the competition between evaporation, fusion-fission and quasifission processes. The model suggests that heavy fragments come mainly from quasifission while light fragments are predominantly populated by fusion. An underestimation of the cross sections for 16 $\le Z \le$ 22 could signal a mechanism in addition to the capture process.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2008

Influence of Neutron Enrichment on Disintegration Modes of Compound Nuclei

Cross sections, kinetic energy and angular distributions of fragments with charge 6$\le$Z$\le$28 emitted in 78,82Kr+40C at 5.5 MeV/A reactions were measured at the GANIL facility using the INDRA apparatus. This experiment aims to investigate the influence of the neutron enrichment on the decay mechanism of excited nuclei. Data are discussed in comparison with predictions of transition state and Hauser-Feshbach models.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2000

Probing the 6He halo structure with elastic and inelastic proton scattering

Proton elastic scattering and inelastic scattering to the first excited state of 6He have been measured over a wide angular range using a 40.9A MeV 6He beam. The data have been analyzed with a fully microscopic model of proton-nucleus scattering using 6He wave functions generated from large space shell model calculations. The inelastic scattering data show a remarkable sensitivity to the halo structure of 6He.

nucl-ex↗