arXiv subjects

N. A. Smirnova

Publications and source records attributed to N. A. Smirnova.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

New shell-model calculations of the $δ_C$ correction to superallowed $0^+\rightarrow0^+$ nuclear $β$ decay and standard-model implications

Refined calculations of the radial mismatch correction, $δ_{C2}$, to superallowed $0^+\rightarrow0^+$ nuclear $β$ decay are performed using the shell model with realistic Woods-Saxon radial wave functions. Two important improvements are introduced: i) charge radii used to constrain the length parameter are evaluated within a generalized formula, where proton occupation numbers are substituted by sums of spectroscopic factors, while radial wave functions are required to match separation energies with respect to the intermediate $(A-1)$-nucleon states by adjusting parameters such as the potential depth; ii) configuration mixing wave functions and energies for many-particle states are obtained through the diagonalization of well-established effective interactions in large configuration spaces without truncation. Furthermore, a variation of $\pm0.1$\,fm in the surface diffuseness parameter is now incorporated as a source of uncertainty. The present results are generally in fairly good agreement with those from previous studies. As an exception, the $δ_{C2}$ value obtained for $^{18}$Ne is smaller by approximately a factor of two, principally due to the updated charge-radius treatment. A reduction is also observed in most cases with $A\ge38$, through the deviations generally remain within the newly assigned error bars. The smaller isospin-mixing counterpart, $δ_{C1}$, is strongly interaction-dependent, roughly following an inverse-square law with respect to the energy separation between the lowest admixed levels. Therefore, an additional procedure to ensure isobaric displacements within the isospin multiplets appears to be indispensable. Our results for $δ_{C2}$ lead to a new averaged $\overline{\mathcal{F}t}$ value of $3073.11(99)_{stat}(36)_{δ_R'}(173)_{δ_{NS}}$~s with $χ^2/ν=0.624$. The corresponding $|V_{ud}|$ value is 0.97359(33).

nucl-th↗

arXiv2025

Radial excitations and their potential impact on Fermi $β$-decay rates

We investigate the contribution of radial excitations to Fermi $β$-decay matrix element. To this end, exact no-core shell model calculations are performed for the mirror $β$ decay of tritium, where full convergence can be achieved on an ordinary computer. The differences between the isospin-mixing correction values obtained in the full and in a restricted model spaces are matched to the radial overlap correction term, analogous to that required in the shell-model approach, where the configuration space is extremely limited. We examine this complementary correction term using a nonorthogonal harmonic-oscillator basis, generated by slightly differentiating the oscillator frequencies between the initial and final nuclei, while all desirable properties, including translational invariance, are still preserved. For $N_{\rm max}\le8$, we find that the radial excitation contribution is negative, with a typical magnitude of approximately 10\,\% to 20\,\% of the radial diagonal contribution. This effect becomes more pronounced as the model space increases. Therefore, the $δ_{C2}$ values obtained in the shell model approach, where radial excitations are not explicitly included, are likely overestimated. Based on experimental $ft$ data and the corrective terms adopted in the survey by Hardy and Towner [Phys. Rev. C {\bf 102}, 045501 (2020)], we show that the incorporation of radial excitations for the superallowed $0^+\rightarrow0^+$ nuclear $β$ decay tends however to worsen agreement with the Standard Model.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2024

Refining the isovector component of the Woods-Saxon potential

We investigate the isovector component in the phenomenological mean field model of nuclei. Lane's isospin dependence, initially proposed for the nuclear optical potential, is reexamined within the context of bound states using the Woods-Saxon potential. We demonstrate that the original parametrization can be reexpressed in terms of parameters associated with the compound nucleus, enhancing its suitability for bound states. Comparisons with the conventional symmetry term are performed to assess how well each approach fits experimental data on single-particle/hole energies and reproduces charge-radius systematics. Our results indicate that Lane's formula provides better accuracy compared with the traditional approach to the nuclear potential. Additionally, we find that the isovector component of the nuclear potential favors a surface-peaked form factor, especially one described by the first derivative of the Fermi like function divided by the radial coordinate. This consideration is crucial for open-shell nuclei where Woods-Saxon eigenfunctions serve as a realistic basis for other many-body methods. Our findings also enable discrimination among various shell-model calculations of the isospin-symmetry breaking correction to superallowed $0^+\rightarrow0^+$ nuclear $β$ decays [I.~S. Towner and J.~C. Hardy, Phys. Rev. C {\bf 77}, 025501 (2008)]. This disparity currently constitutes the main source of theoretical uncertainty in subsequent tests of the standard model.

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arXiv2024

Understanding the mirror asymmetry in Gamow-Teller transition rates between $^{28}$Al($β^-$)$^{28m}$Si and $^{28}$P($β^+$)$^{28m}$Si

The long-standing discrepancy between shell-model and experimental values of the mirror asymmetry in Gamow-Teller transition rates for $^{28}$Al($β^-$)$^{28m}$Si and $^{28}$P($β^+$)$^{28m}$Si is partially resolved by integrating the $p$-orbital contribution into the radial mismatch correction term. This approach offers a potential estimate of the radial mismatch-induced core-orbital contribution based on the French-Macfarlane sum rules, avoiding the need for heavy calculations required by the first-principle shell model. Additionally, the isospin-mixing contribution undergoes considerable improvement through scaling the calculated isospin-mixing correction with the experimental energy separation between the lowest two admixed states, in accordance with the result from the two-level model.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2024

Optical and thermal effects in the neighborhood of the spherical layered nanoparticle of the "metallic core -- J-aggregate shell'' structure

The relations for the polarizability of the metallic nanoparticles, coated with the shell of cyanine dyes, are obtained in the article. The frequency dependencies for light absorption and scattering efficiencies, the heating of the composite nanoparticle and the electric field amplification in its neighborhood are studied. It is established that all the dependencies have three maxima which correspond to the frequencies of hybrid plasmon-exciton resonance. It is shown that an increase in content of metal in the nanoparticle causes a blue shift of the maxima from the visible part of the spectrum and a red shift of the maximum from ultraviolet frequency range. The issue of application of metal-organic nanoparticles in nanomedicine, in particular for the photothermal therapy of malignant neoplasms is studied.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2022

Search for $^{22}$Na in novae supported by a novel method for measuring femtosecond nuclear lifetimes

Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions in stellar binary systems, and important sources of $^{26}$Al and $^{22}$Na. While gamma rays from the decay of the former radioisotope have been observed throughout the Galaxy, $^{22}$Na remains untraceable. The half-life of $^{22}$Na (2.6 yr) would allow the observation of its 1.275 MeV gamma-ray line from a cosmic source. However, the prediction of such an observation requires good knowledge of the nuclear reactions involved in the production and destruction of this nucleus. The $^{22}$Na($p,γ$)$^{23}$Mg reaction remains the only source of large uncertainty about the amount of $^{22}$Na ejected. Its rate is dominated by a single resonance on the short-lived state at 7785.0(7) keV in $^{23}$Mg. In the present work, a combined analysis of particle-particle correlations and velocity-difference profiles is proposed to measure femtosecond nuclear lifetimes. The application of this novel method to the study of the $^{23}$Mg states, combining magnetic and highly-segmented tracking gamma-ray spectrometers, places strong limits on the amount of $^{22}$Na produced in novae, explains its non-observation to date in gamma rays (flux < 2.5x$10^{-4}$ ph/(cm$^2$s)), and constrains its detectability with future space-borne observatories.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Understanding the cosmic abundance of $^{22}$Na: lifetime measurements in $^{23}$Mg

Simulations of explosive nucleosynthesis in novae predict the production of $^{22}$Na, a key astronomical observable to constrain nova models. Its gamma-ray line at 1.275 MeV has not yet been observed by the gamma-ray space telescopes. The $^{20}$Ne/$^{22}$Ne ratio in presolar grains, a possible tool to identify nova grains, also depends on $^{22}$Na produced. Uncertainties on its yield in classical novae currently originate from the rate of the $^{22}$Na(p, $γ$)$^{23}$Mg reaction. At peak novae temperatures, this reaction is dominated by a resonance at E$_{\text{R}}$=0.204 MeV, corresponding to the $E_x$=7.785 MeV excited state in $^{23}$Mg. The resonance strengths measured so far disagree by one order of magnitude. An experiment has been performed at GANIL to measure the lifetime and the proton branching ratio of this key state, with a femtosecond resolution for the former. The reactions populating states in $^{23}$Mg have been studied with a high resolution detection set-up, i.e. the particle VAMOS, SPIDER and gamma tracking AGATA spectrometers, allowing the measurements of lifetimes and proton branchings. We present here a comparison between experimental results and shell-model calculations, that allowed us to assign the spin and parity of the key state. Rather small values obtained for reduced $M1$ matrix elements, $|M(M1)|\lesssim 0.5$ $μ_N$, and proton spectroscopic factors, $C^{2}S_{\text{p}}$<10$^{-2}$, seem to be beyond the accuracy of the shell model. With the reevaluated $^{22}$Na(p, $γ$)$^{23}$Mg rate, the $^{22}$Na detectability limit and its observation frequency from novae are found promising for the future space telescopes.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Effective operators for valence space calculations from the {\itshape ab initio} No-Core Shell Mode

In recent years, remarkable progress has been achieved in developing novel non-perturbative techniques for constructing valence space shell model Hamiltonians from realistic internucleon interactions. One of these methods is based on the Okubo--Lee--Suzuki (OLS) unitary transformation applied to no-core shell model (NCSM) solutions. In the present work, we implement the corresponding approach to solve for valence space effective electromagnetic operators. To this end, we use the NCSM results for $A=16-18$, obtained at $N_{\rm max}=4$, to derive a charge-dependent version of the effective interaction for the $sd$ shell, which allows us to exactly reproduce selected NCSM spectra of $^{18}$O, $^{18}$F and $^{18}$Ne within the two valence nucleon space. We then deduce effective single-particle matrix elements of electric quadrupole ($E2$) and magnetic dipole ($M1$) operators by matching them to the electromagnetic transitions and moments for $^{17}$O and $^{17}$F from the NCSM at $N_{\rm max}=4$. Thus, effective $E2$ and $M1$ operators are obtained as sets of single-particle matrix elements for the valence space ($sd$ shell) which allow us to reproduce the NCSM results for $A=17$ exactly. Systematic comparison of a large set of $sd$ shell results on quadrupole and magnetic dipole moments and transitions for $A=18$ using effective $E2$ and $M1$ operators that we derive from the full NCSM calculations demonstrates a remarkable agreement.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Mass measurements of $^{60-63}$Ga reduce x-ray burst model uncertainties and extend the evaluated $T=1$ isobaric multiplet mass equation

We report precision mass measurements of neutron-deficient gallium isotopes approaching the proton drip line. The measurements of $^{60-63}$Ga performed with the TITAN multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer provide a more than threefold improvement over the current literature mass uncertainty of $^{61}$Ga and mark the first direct mass measurement of $^{60}$Ga. The improved precision of the $^{61}$Ga mass has important implications for the astrophysical rp process, as it constrains essential reaction Q-values near the $^{60}$Zn waiting point. Based on calculations with a one-zone model, we demonstrate the impact of the improved mass data on prediction uncertainties of X-ray burst models. The first-time measurement of the $^{60}$Ga ground-state mass establishes the proton-bound nature of this nuclide; thus, constraining the location of the proton drip line along this isotopic chain. Including the measured mass of $^{60}$Ga further enables us to extend the evaluated $T=1$ isobaric multiplet mass equation up to $A=60$.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2020

High precision mass measurements of the isomeric and ground states of $^{44}$V: improving constraints on the IMME parameters of the A=44, $\text{0}^{\text{+}}$ quintet

The Isobaric Multiplet Mass Equation (IMME) has been successful at predicting the masses of isobaric analogue states in the same multiplet, while its coefficients are known to follow trends as functions of mass number. The Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016 [Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] $^{44}$V mass value results in an negative $c$ coefficient for the IMME quadratic term. The $b$ and $c$ coefficients can provide constraints for construction of the isospin-nonconserving (INC) Hamiltonians for the $pf$ shell. The excitation energy of the $0^+, T=2$ level in $^{44}$V is currently unknown and can be used to constrain the $^{44}$Cr mass. The aim of the experiment was to perform high-precision mass measurements to resolve the difference between $^{44}$V isomeric and ground states, to test the IMME, and to provide ingredients for identifying the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V. High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was performed at LEBIT, to measure the cyclotron frequency ratios of [$^{44g,m}$VO]$^+$ versus [$^{32}$SCO]$^+$, a reference mass, to extract both the isomeric and ground state masses of $^{44}$V. The mass excess of the ground and isomeric states in $^{44}$V were measured to be $-23\ 804.9(80)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$ and $-23\ 537.0(55)$ keV/$\text{c}^2$. This yielded a new proton separation energy of $S_p$ = 1\ 773(10) keV. The new mass values of $^{44}$V have been used to deduce the IMME $b$ and $c$ coefficients of the lowest $2^+$ and $6^+$ triplets in $A=44$. The $2^+$ $c$ coefficient is verified with the IMME trend and agrees with the shell-model predictions using charge-dependent Hamiltonians. The mirror energy differences were determined between $^{44}$V and $^{44}$Sc, in line with isospin-symmetry. The new value of the proton separation energy determined will be important for the determination of the $0^+$, $T=2$ state in $^{44}$V and for prediction of the mass of $^{44}$Cr.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2020

Improved description of light nuclei through chiral effective field theory at leading order

We propose an arrangement of the most commonly invoked version of the two-nucleon chiral potential such that the low-lying amplitude zero of the 1S0 partial wave is captured at leading order of the effective expansion. Adopting other partial waves from the LENPIC interaction, we show how this modification yields an improved description of ground-state energies and point-proton radii of three test nuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

Shell-model calculation of isospin-symmetry breaking correction to superallowed Fermi beta-decay

We investigate the radial-overlap part of the isospin-symmetry breaking correction to superallowed $0^+\to 0^+$-decay using the shell-model approach similar to that of Refs. [1, 2]. The 8 sd-shell emitters with masses between $A=22$ and $A=38$ have been re-examined. The Fermi matrix element is evaluated with realistic spherical single-particle wave functions, obtained from spherical Woods-Saxon (WS) or Hartree-Fock (HF) potentials, fine-tuned to reproduce the experimental data on charge radii and separation energies for nuclei of interest. The elaborated adjustment procedure removes any sensitivity of the correction to a specific parametrisation of the WS potential or to various versions of the Skyrme interaction. The present results are generally in good agreement with those reported in Refs. [3, 4]. At the same time, we find that the calculations with HF wave functions result in systematically lower values of the correction.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

The decay characteristic of $^{22}$Si and its ground-state mass significantly affected by three-nucleon forces

The decay of the proton-rich nucleus $^{22}$Si was studied by a silicon array coupled with germanium clover detectors. Nine charged-particle groups are observed and most of them are recognized as $β$-delayed proton emission. A charged-particle group at 5600 keV is identified experimentally as $β$-delayed two-proton emission from the isobaric analog state of $^{22}$Al. Another charged-particle emission without any $β$ particle at the low energy less than 300 keV is observed. The half-life of $^{22}$Si is determined as 27.5 (18) ms. The experimental results of $β$-decay of $^{22}$Si are compared and in nice agreement with shell-model calculations. The mass excess of the ground state of $^{22}$Si deduced from the experimental data shows that three-nucleon (3N) forces with repulsive contributions have significant effects on nuclei near the proton drip line.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

Consistent analysis of one-nucleon spectroscopic factors involving weakly- and strongly-bound nucleons

There is a considerable interest in understanding the dependence of one-nucleon removal cross sections on the asymmetry of the neutron $S_n$ and proton $S_p$ separation energies, following a large amount of experimental data and theoretical analyses in a framework of sudden and eikonal approximations of the reaction dynamics. These theoretical calculations involve both the single-particle cross section and the shell-model description of the projectile initial state and final states of the reaction residues. The configuration mixing in shell-model description of nuclear states depends on the proximity of one-nucleon decay threshold but does it depend sensitively on $S_n - S_p$? To answer this question, we use the shell model embedded in the continuum to investigate the dependence of one-nucleon spectroscopic factors on the asymmetry of $S_n$ and $S_p$ for mirror nuclei $^{24}$Si, $^{24}$Ne and $^{28}$S, $^{28}$Mg and for a series of neon isotopes ($20 \leq A \leq 28$).

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Instability of some divalent rare earth ions and photochromic effect

It was shown that the divalent rare earth ions (La, Ce, Gd, Tb, Lu, and Y) in cubic sites in alkaline earth fluorides are unstable with respect to electron autodetachment since its d1(eg) ground state is located in the conduction band which is consistent with the general tendency of these ions in various compounds. The localization of doubly degenerate d1(eg) level in the conduction band creates a configuration instability around the divalent rare earth ion that leading to the formation of anion vacancy in the nearest neighborhood, as was reported in the previous paper [Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids 74 (2013) 530-534]. Thus, the formation of the stable divalent ions as La, Ce, Gd, Tb, Lu, and Y (PC+ centers) in CaF2 and SrF2 crystals during x-ray irradiation occurs via the formation of charged anion vacancies near divalent ions (Re2+va), which lower the ground state of the divalent ion relative to the conductivity band. Photochromic effect occurs under thermally or optically stimulated electron transition from the divalent rare earth ion to the neighboring anion vacancy and reverse under ultraviolet light irradiation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Shell evolution and nuclear forces

We present a quantitative study of the role played by different components characterizing the nucleon-nucleon interaction in the evolution of the nuclear shell structure. It is based on the spin-tensor decomposition of an effective two-body shell-model interaction and the subsequent study of effective single-particle energy variations in a series of isotopes or isotones. The technique allows to separate unambiguously contributions of the central, vector and tensor components of the realistic effective interaction. We show that while the global variation of the single-particle energies is due to the central component of the effective interaction, the characteristic behavior of spin-orbit partners, noticed recently, is mainly due to its tensor part. Based on the analysis of a well-fitted realistic interaction in sdpf-shell model space, we analyze in detail the role played by the different terms in the formation and/or disappearance of N=16, N=20 and N=28 shell gaps in neutron-rich nuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Shell-model description of monopole shift in neutron-rich Cu

Variations in the nuclear mean-field, in neutron-rich nuclei, are investigated within the framework of the nuclear shell model. The change is identified to originate mainly from the monopole part of the effective two-body proton-neutron interaction. Applications for the low-lying states in odd-$A$ Cu nuclei are presented. We compare the results using both schematic and realistic forces. We also compare the monopole shifts with the results obtained from large-scale shell-model calculations, using the same realistic interaction, in order to study two-body correlations beyond the proton mean-field variations.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2003

Self-consistent approach to deformation of intruder states in neutron-deficient Pb and Po

We present systematic calculations of the properties of 11- isomers in neutron-deficient 184-198Pb and 188-200Po. These states are based on the proton (h9/2 i13/2)_{K = 11-} configuration. They are calculated in the framework of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov method with a Skyrme interaction and density-dependent pairing force. The energies and deformations of the 11- states are compared to those of the intruder 0+ states in both Pb and Po isotopes. In the most neutron-deficient Po isotopes, the calculations predict, below a weakly oblate 11- state, another oblate 11- state which is even more deformed than the intruder oblate 11- state in their Pb isotones. The energies and quadrupole moments of the 11- isomers, corresponding to a weakly oblate nuclear shape, are in fair agreement with the available experimental data.

nucl-th↗