arXiv subjects

P. K. Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to P. K. Sharma.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

First Plasma Commissioning and Operational Highlights from India's First Spherical Tokamak at IPR

A compact Spherical Tokamak(ST) is commissioned at Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) to explore low aspect ratio tokamak physics and technologies that complement to the existing high aspect ratio tokamaks namely ADITYA-U and SST-1 by enabling studies on non-inductive startup, current drive in over dense plasmas, and shaped plasma physics on a low cost platform. The device, India's first spherical tokamak has completed major mechanical, magnetic, and electrical integration, and the coil system has been successfully tested with series of integrated commissioning. First plasma experiments have been carried out with a modest Ohmic system assisted by a 2.45GHz microwave system, supported by a centralized control and data acquisition system. An initial diagnostic set comprising visible imaging, spectroscopy, magnetics, and radiation monitors required for machine operation has been installed. This paper presents the integrated commissioning experiences and first plasma experiments of the newly installed machine.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Phonon-bottlenecked spin relaxation of Er$^{3+}$:CaWO$_4$ at milliKelvin temperatures

We study spin-lattice relaxation times of electron spins in Er$^{3+}$:CaWO$_4$ at millikelvin temperature, detected via their coupling to a low-mode volume superconducting resonator. At large magnetic field supporting strong phonon-emission rates, we observe a noticeable increase in relaxation times with increasing spin-excitations, which exhibit a unique $[\tanh (\hbar \omega_0/k_\text{B} T)]^2$ temperature dependence. These observations are typical of a phonon-bottlenecked spin relaxation, and have implications for quantum technologies that exploit rare-earth spin ensembles as coherent resources.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Effect of LH and ECR waves on plasma parameters in ADITYA Upgrade tokamak

The plasma discharges in ADITYA Upgrade Tokamak are produced by means of transformer action, in which Ohmically created plasma is driven by means of a secondary loop voltage. Due to reduction of plasma resistivity after a certain level of plasma temperature, Ohmic heating becomes poor and further achievement of temperature needs other heating techniques. ADITYA-U tokamak is facilitated with a 42 GHz-500 kW Electron Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ECRH) system. Also, there is a Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) system installed and operated at 3.7 GHz for driving non-inductive plasma current followed by the Ohmic current drive. Though an eventual impact in the rise of plasma temperature and plasma current due to the application of ECRH and LHCD respectively are very obvious, their energy coupling with the plasma results in several interesting outcomes in a number of experimentally measured plasma parameters. The present work addresses such impactful observations that are noticed and reported for the first time in ADITYA-U Tokamak.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2025

The role of nonlinear absorption of an ECR beam for fusion plasma pre-ionization

This study investigates the nonlinear interactions between electrons and electron-cyclotron resonance (ECR) heating beams in magnetized, low-temperature fusion plasmas, focusing on enhancing pre-ionization efficiency. We analyse key parameters affecting ECR absorption, including phase angle, temperature inhomogeneity, magnetic field gradients, and beam characteristics like width and frequency. Using 2D simulations for these low temperature plasmas, we demonstrate electrons gain energy through nonlinear trapping in velocity space near the resonance layer, achieving energy levels up to 1 keV under optimal conditions. Notably, narrow beam widths allow electrons to reach higher energy levels more efficiently than broader beams, highlighting the spatial localization of the nonlinear interactions to regions where the field is strong and frequency mismatch is small. Our findings show that in devices with lower-frequency ECR systems, such as TCV (82.7 GHz), electrons can gain up to 800 eV, while higher-frequency devices, like ASDEX-Upgrade (140 GHz) and ITER (170 GHz), achieve lower energy gains (480 eV and 420 eV, respectively) under similar conditions. These insights are directly applicable to improving ECR heating strategies, informing design choices in future fusion devices to optimize energy transfer during plasma breakdown and startup.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

A global study of $α$-clusters decay in heavy and superheavy nuclei with half-life and preformation factor

A detailed study of $α$-clusters decay is exhibited by incorporating crucial microscopic nuclear structure information into the estimations of half-life and preformation factor. For the first time, using the k-cross validation approach, two semi-empirical formulas for (i) $α$-decay half-life and (ii) $α$-particle preformation factor, are picked out and subsequently modified by including shell, odd-nucleon blocking, and asymmetry effects along with the usual dependence on $α$-decay energy ($Q_α$) and angular momentum of $α$-particle. Both the formulas are fitted for the two different regions separated by neutron number N$=$126, as from the experimental systematics the role of N$=$126 shell closure is found decisive in determining the trends of $Q_α$, $α$-decay half-life, and $α$-particle preformation factor. It is found that the inclusion of the above-mentioned degrees of freedom significantly reduces the errors in the estimations when compared with several other similar modified/refitted semi-empirical relations indicating the robustness of the proposed formulas. The predictions of $α$-decay half-life throughout the periodic chart have been made including the unknown territory, future probable decay chain of self-conjugate nucleus $^{112}$Ba terminated on $^{100}$Sn, decay chain of $^{208}$Pa through new isotope $^{204}$Ac as well as decay chains of awaiting superheavy nuclei $^{298}$Og and $^{299}$120.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Decay properties of undetected superheavy nuclei with Z>110

A comprehensive study of favoured and unfavoured $α$-decay, cluster decay, weak-decay along with spontaneous fission in undetected superheavy nuclei within the range for proton number 111$\leq$Z$\leq$118 and neutron number 161$\leq$N$\leq$192 is performed. Half-lives for various mentioned decays are estimated with good accuracy on the basis of NUBASE2020 and are found in excellent match with the known half-lives. $α$-decay mode is found most probable in this wide range and correspondingly potential $α$-decay chains are reckoned. Peculiarly, the chances of cluster emission, as well as weak-decay, are also anticipated in this region of the periodic chart which open new pathways of detection of superheavy nuclei.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Cluster radioactivity in trans-lead region: A systematic study with modified empirical formulas

The possibility of cluster emission from trans-lead (86$\leq$Z$\leq$96) region of periodic chart has been explored comprehensively by employing few empirical formulas which are modified by adding angular momentum ($l$) or isospin-dependent ($I=(N-Z)/A$) or both terms for the calculation of cluster decay half-lives. These modified versions of the formulas are found with lesser $χ^2$ per degree of freedom and root mean-square error, in addition to the smaller values of some other statistical parameters, while compared to their corresponding old versions on available 61 experimental data of cluster radioactivity. By applying the modified version of the formula given by Balasubramaniam \textit{et al.} [PRC 70 (2004) 017301], the most accurate formula among these, half-lives of several clusters i.e. isotopes of Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, and Si are predicted systematically for the several isotopes in the trans-lead region. The contest of cluster emission with $α$-decay has been investigated in form of branching ratio which brings several potential cluster emissions into the probable decay modes of these nuclei. The accurate prediction of half-lives of such clusters is expected to be crucial for the future experimental observations where $α$-decay is observed dominantly.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Deformation dependence of 2p-radioactivity half-lives: Probe with a new formula across the mass region with Z<82

Effect of deformation on half-life of two-proton (2p) radioactivity is investigated across the periodic chart for nuclei with Z$<$82. 2p-decay half-lives are estimated by employing our newly proposed semi-empirical formula wherein the nuclear deformation has been incorporated in a phenomenological way. Robustness of the formula is demonstrated as it estimates the measured values quite accurately and, hence, reliably applied to predict the other possible 2p-emitters. For many proton rich nuclei for which experimental data on the decay energies are not available, we have used the theoretical values obtained from our calculations using the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach. The uncertainties in the theoretical decay energy values are minimised by machine learning (ML) technique. Correlation of 2p-radioactivity with 2p-halo and deformation is probed. Our calculations show the phenomenon of shape coexistence in several 2p-emitters, wherein the prolate shape is found to be more predominant for the ground state.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

A comprehensive study of decay modes associated with Pb isotopes

Decay modes in Pb isotopes within the range 176$\leq$A$\leq$266 are investigated by the calculation of half-lives using several empirical formulas. These formulas along with various theoretical treatments are first tested to reproduce experimental half-lives and known decay modes of Pb isotopes, which are in consequence applied to estimate half-lives and decay modes of unknown Pb isotopes. A comparison between $α$-decay and weak-decay from the stable to drip-line isotopes is canvassed which leads to the excellent match with experimental data and applicability of applied empirical formulas. In addition, the full chain of Pb isotopes is probed as potential daughter candidates of cluster emission from superheavy nuclei which ensued the predominant role of $^{208}$Pb and nearby isotopes in probable cluster emission.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

A new empirical formula for α-decay half-life and decay chains of Z=120 isotopes

Experimental $α$-decay half-life, spin, and parity of 398 nuclei in the range 50$\leq$Z$\leq$118 are utilized to propose a new formula (QF) with only 4 coefficients as well as to modify the Tagepera-Nurmia formula with just 3 coefficients (MTNF) by employing nonlinear regressions. These formulas, based on reduced mass ($μ$) and angular momentum taken away by the $α$-particle, are ascertained very effective for both favoured and unfavoured $α$-decay in addition to their excellent match with all (Z, N) combinations of experimental $α$-decay half-lives. After comparing with similar other empirical formulas of $α$-decay half-life, QF and MTNF formulas are purported with accuracy, minimum uncertainty and deviation, dependency on least number of fitted coefficients together with less sensitivity to the uncertainties of $Q$-values. The QF formula is applied to predict $α$-decay half-lives for 724 favoured and 635 unfavoured transitions having experimentally known $Q$-values. Moreover, these available $Q$-values are also employed to test various theoretical approaches viz. RMF, FRDM, WS4, RCHB, etc. along with machine learning method XGBoost for determining theoretical $Q$-values, incisively. Thereafter, using $Q$-values from the most precise theoretical treatment mentioned above along with the proposed formulas, probable $α$-decay chains for Z$=$120 isotopes are identified.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Modified empirical formulas and machine learning for $α$-decay systematics

Latest experimental and evaluated $α$-decay half-lives between 82$\leq$Z$\leq$118 have been used to modify two empirical formulas: (i) Horoi scaling law [J. Phys. G \textbf{30}, 945 (2004)], and Sobiczewski formula [Acta Phys. Pol. B \textbf{36}, 3095 (2005)] by adding asymmetry dependent terms ($I$ and $I^2$) and refitting of the coefficients. The results of these modified formulas are found with significant improvement while compared with other 21 formulas, and, therefore, are used to predict $α$-decay half-lives with more precision in the unknown superheavy region. The formula of spontaneous fission (SF) half-life proposed by Bao \textit{et al.} [J. Phys. G \textbf{42}, 085101 (2015)] is further modified by using ground-state shell-plus-pairing correction taken from FRDM-2012 and using latest experimental and evaluated spontaneous fission half-lives between 82$\leq$Z$\leq$118. Using these modified formulas, contest between $α$-decay and SF is probed for the nuclei within the range 112$\leq$Z$\leq$118 and consequently probable half-lives and decay modes are estimated. Potential decay chains of $^{286-302}$Og and $^{287-303}$119 (168$\leq$N$\leq$184: island of stability) are analyzed which are found in excellent agreement with available experimental data. In addition, four different machine learning models: XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), Decision Trees (DTs), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network are used to train a predictor for $α$-decay and SF half-lives prediction. The prediction of decay modes using XGBoost and MLP are found in excellent agreement with available experimental decay modes along with our predictions obtained by above mentioned modified formulas.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Structural Properties and $α$-Decay Chains of Transfermium Nuclei (101$\leq$Z$\leq$110)

Transfermium nuclei (101$\leq$Z$\leq$110) are investigated thoroughly to describe structural properties viz. deformation, radii, shapes, magicity, etc. as well as their probable decay chains. These properties are explored using relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach and compared with other theories along with available experimental data. Neutron numbers N$=$152 and 162 have come forth with a deformed shell gap whereas N$=$184 is ensured as a spherical magic number. The region with N$>$168 bears witness of the phenomenon of shape transition and shape coexistence for all the considered isotopic chains. Experimental $α$-decay half-lives are compared with our theoretical half-lives obtained by using various empirical/semi-empirical formulas. The recent formula proposed by Manjunatha \textit{et al.}, which results best among the considered 10 formulas, is further modified by adding asymmetry dependent terms ($I$ and $I^2$). This modified Manjunatha formula is utilized to predict probable $α$-decay chains that are found in excellent agreement with available experimental data.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Study of Decay Modes in Transfermium Isotopes

In the unknown territory of transfermium nuclei, the relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory has been applied to probe decay modes which include $α$-decay, spontaneous fission (SF), and a less explored weak-decay. These decay modes are analyzed on equal footing for 101$\leq$Z$\leq$109 and as a consequence, the half-lives for weak-decay are indeed found comparable for several isotopes. Our prediction of decay modes and half-lives are found in excellent agreement with available experimental decay modes and half-lives along with the results of some other theories. Out of $α$, $β^+$/EC, $β^-$, and SF, the most probable decay mode is anticipated along with its half-life over a wide range of odd and even nuclei to frame a novel sight into terra incognita.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Recent progress on lower hybrid current drive and implications for ITER

The sustainment of steady-state plasmas in tokamaks requires efficient current drive systems. Lower Hybrid Current Drive (LHCD) is currently the most efficient method to generate a continuous additional off-axis toroidal plasma current as well as reduce the poloidal flux consumption during the plasma current ramp-up phase. The operation of the Tore Supra ITER-like LH launcher has demonstrated the capability to couple LH power at ITER-like power densities with very low reflected power during long pulses. In addition, the installation of eight 700kW/CW klystrons at the LH transmitter has allowed increasing the total LH power in long pulse scenarios. However, in order to achieve pure stationary LH sustained plasmas, some R\&D are needed to increase the reliability of all the systems and codes, from the RF sources to the plasma scenario prediction. The CEA/IRFM is addressing some of these issues by leading a R\&D program towards an ITER LH system and by the validation of an integrated LH modeling suite of codes. In 2011, the RF design of a mode converter has been validated at low power. A 500 kW/5 s RF window is currently under manufacturing and will be tested at high power in 2012 in collaboration with NFRI. All of this work aims to reduce the operational risks associated with the ITER steady-state operations.

physics.plasm-ph↗