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P. Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to P. Thompson.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2025

Oakridge PPU Magnets: Results and Measurements

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is being upgraded from 1.0 GeV to 1.3 GeV (or 1.4 to 2.8 MW). Several water-cooled magnets have been upgraded to transport 30% higher beam energy. Fermilab contributed the magnet design for the new chicane magnets and injection/extraction septum. Designing the magnets was a challenging task because the new magnets required good combined integrated field quality and needed to occupy the old magnets space but with about 20% greater integrated magnetic field. Additional strong requirements applied to the magnets fringe field so as not to disturb the circulating beam. After fabrication of the magnets, an extensive measurement campaign was developed and performed at Fermilab's Magnet Test Facility. The measurements needed to assess magnet performance and provide comparison to design calculations. These included verification of field strength and harmonics along an 8 m length and 200 mm good field diameter for the chicane dipoles, end-field Hall probe mapping of these magnets, and measurements along two differently curved trajectories within the ~3 m septum gradient magnet. Details of the measurements and systems are presented along with results and comparison to field models.

physics.acc-ph↗
arXiv2023

Magnetic Measurements and Alignment Results of LQXFA/B Cold Mass Assemblies at Fermilab

MQXFA production series quadrupole magnets are being built for the Hi-Lumi (HL) LHC upgrade by the US Accelerator Upgrade Project (US-HL-LHC AUP). These magnets are being placed in pairs, as a cold mass, within cryostats at Fermilab, and are being tested to assess alignment and magnetic performance at Fermilab's horizontal test stand facility. The ~10 m - long assembly must meet stringent specifications for quadrupole strength and harmonic field integrals determination, magnetic axis position, and for magnet variations in positioning and local field profile. This paper describes the results of the magnetic and alignment measurements which characterize the first LQXFA/B assembly.

physics.acc-ph↗
arXiv2023

First direct measurement constraining the $^{34}$Ar($\alpha$,p)$^{37}$K reaction cross section for mixed hydrogen and helium burning in accreting neutron stars

The rate of the final step in the astrophysical $\alpha$p-process, the $^{34}$Ar($\alpha$,\textit{p})$^{37}$K reaction, suffers from large uncertainties due to lack of experimental data, despite having a considerable impact on the observable light curves of x-ray bursts and the composition of the ashes of hydrogen and helium burning on accreting neutron stars. We present the first direct measurement constraining the $^{34}$Ar($\alpha$,p)$^{37}$K reaction cross section, using the Jet Experiments in Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics (JENSA) gas jet target. The combined cross section for the $^{34}$Ar,Cl($\alpha$,p)$^{37}$K,Ar reaction is found to agree well with Hauser-Feshbach predictions. The $^{34}$Ar($\alpha$,2p)$^{36}$Ar cross section, which can be exclusively attributed to the $^{34}$Ar beam component, also agrees to within the typical uncertainties quoted for statistical models. This indicates the applicability of the statistical model for predicting astrophysical ($\alpha$,p) reaction rates in this part of the $\alpha$p process, in contrast to earlier findings from indirect reaction studies indicating orders-of-magnitude discrepancies. This removes a significant uncertainty in models of hydrogen and helium burning on accreting neutron stars.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2021

Designing a Magnetic Measurement Data Acquisition and Control System with Reuse in Mind: A Rotating Coil System Example

Accelerator magnet test facilities frequently need to measure different magnets on differently equipped test stands and with different instrumentation. Designing a modular and highly reusable system that combines flexibility built-in at the architectural level as well as on the component level addresses this need. Specification of the backbone of the system, with the interfaces and dataflow for software components and core hardware modules, serves as a basis for building such a system. The design process and implementation of an extensible magnetic measurement data acquisition and control system are described, including techniques for maximizing the reuse of software. The discussion is supported by showing the application of this methodology to constructing two dissimilar systems for rotating coil measurements, both based on the same architecture and sharing core hardware modules and many software components. The first system is for production testing 10 m long cryo-assemblies containing two MQXFA quadrupole magnets for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider and the second for testing IQC conventional quadrupole magnets in support of the accelerator system at Fermilab.

physics.acc-ph↗
arXiv2021

Magnetic Measurements of HL-LHC AUP Cryo-Assemblies at Fermilab

LQXFA/B production series cryogenic assemblies are being built for the LHC upgrade by the HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP). These contain a pair of MQXFA quadrupole magnets combined as a cold mass within a vacuum vessel, and are to be installed in the IR regions of the LHC. The LQXFA/B are being tested at 1.9 K to assess alignment and magnetic performance at Fermilab's horizontal test facility. The ~10 m - long assembly must meet stringent specifications for quadrupole strength and harmonic field integrals determination, magnetic axis location, and for variations in axis position and local field profile. A multi-probe, PCB-based rotating coil and Single Stretched Wire system are employed for these measurements. To accurately determine rotating coil location and angles within the cold mass, a laser tracker is utilized to record multiple targets at one end of the probe. This paper describes the measurements, probes/equipment, and techniques used to perform the necessary characterization of the cold mass.

physics.acc-ph↗
arXiv2019

Superallowed $0^+ \rightarrow 0^+$ $\beta$ decay of $T =2$ $^{20}$Mg: $Q_{\textrm{EC}}$ value and $\beta\gamma$ branching

\textbf{Background}: Superallowed $0^+ \rightarrow 0^+$ $\beta$ decays of isospin $T=2$ nuclides can be used to test theoretical isospin symmetry breaking corrections applied to extract the CKM matrix element $V_{ud}$ from $T = 0,1$ decays by measuring precise $ft$ values and also to search for scalar currents using the $\beta-\nu$ angular correlation. Key ingredients include the $Q_{\textrm{EC}}$ value and branching of the superallowed transition and the half life of the parent. \textbf{Purpose}: To determine a precise experimental $Q_{\textrm{EC}}$ value for the superallowed $0^+ \rightarrow 0^+$ $\beta$ decay of $T=2$ $^{20}$Mg and the intensity of $^{20}$Mg $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$ rays through the isobaric analog state in $^{20}$Na. \textbf{Method}: A beam of $^{20}$Mg was produced using the in-flight method and implanted into a plastic scintillator surrounded by an array of high-purity germanium detectors used to detect $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$ rays. The high-resolution $\gamma$-ray spectrum was analyzed to measure the $\gamma$-ray energies and intensities. \textbf{Results}: The intensity of $^{20}$Mg $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$ rays through the isobaric analog state in $^{20}$Na was measured to be $(1.60 \pm 0.04_{\textrm{stat}} \pm 0.15_{\textrm{syst}} \pm 0.15_{\textrm{theo}}) \times 10^{-4}$, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and theoretical, respectively. The $Q_{\textrm{EC}}$ value for the superallowed transition was determined to be $4128.7 \pm 2.2$ keV based on the measured excitation energy of $6498.4 \pm 0.2_{\textrm{stat}} \pm 0.4_{\textrm{syst}}$ keV and literature values for the ground-state masses of $^{20}$Na and $^{20}$Mg. \textbf{Conclusions}: The $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$-decay branch and $Q_{\textrm{EC}}$ value are now sufficiently precise to match or exceed the sensitivity required for current low-energy tests of the standard model.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2019

New $\gamma$-ray Transitions Observed in $^{19}$Ne with Implications for the $^{15}$O($\alpha$,$\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne Reaction Rate

The $^{15}$O($\alpha$,$\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne reaction is responsible for breakout from the hot CNO cycle in Type I x-ray bursts. Understanding the properties of resonances between $E_x = 4$ and 5 MeV in $^{19}$Ne is crucial in the calculation of this reaction rate. The spins and parities of these states are well known, with the exception of the 4.14- and 4.20-MeV states, which have adopted spin-parities of 9/2$^-$ and 7/2$^-$, respectively. Gamma-ray transitions from these states were studied using triton-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ coincidences from the $^{19}$F($^{3}$He,$t\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne reaction measured with GODDESS (Gammasphere ORRUBA Dual Detectors for Experimental Structure Studies) at Argonne National Laboratory. The observed transitions from the 4.14- and 4.20-MeV states provide strong evidence that the $J^\pi$ values are actually 7/2$^-$ and 9/2$^-$, respectively. These assignments are consistent with the values in the $^{19}$F mirror nucleus and in contrast to previously accepted assignments.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2019

Key $^{19}$Ne states identified affecting $\gamma$-ray emission from $^{18}$F in novae

Detection of nuclear-decay $\gamma$ rays provides a sensitive thermometer of nova nucleosynthesis. The most intense $\gamma$-ray flux is thought to be annihilation radiation from the $\beta^+$ decay of $^{18}$F, which is destroyed prior to decay by the $^{18}$F($p$,$\alpha$)$^{15}$O reaction. Estimates of $^{18}$F production had been uncertain, however, because key near-threshold levels in the compound nucleus, $^{19}$Ne, had yet to be identified. This Letter reports the first measurement of the $^{19}$F($^{3}$He,$t\gamma$)$^{19}$Ne reaction, in which the placement of two long-sought 3/2$^+$ levels is suggested via triton-$\gamma$-$\gamma$ coincidences. The precise determination of their resonance energies reduces the upper limit of the rate by a factor of $1.5-17$ at nova temperatures and reduces the average uncertainty on the nova detection probability by a factor of 2.1.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2018

Artificial two-dimensional polar metal at room temperature

Polar metals, commonly defined by the coexistence of polar crystal structure and metallicity, are thought to be scarce because the long-range electrostatic fields favoring the polar structure are expected to be fully screened by the conduction electrons of a metal. Moreover, reducing from three to two dimensions, it remains an open question whether a polar metal can exist. Here we report on the realization of a room temperature two-dimensional polar metal of the B-site type in tri-color (tri-layer) superlattices BaTiO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$/LaTiO$_3$. A combination of atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy with electron energy loss spectroscopy, optical second harmonic generation, electrical transport, and first-principles calculations have revealed the microscopic mechanisms of periodic electric polarization, charge distribution, and orbital symmetry. Our results provide a route to creating all-oxide artificial non-centrosymmetric quasi-two-dimensional metals with exotic quantum states including coexisting ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and superconducting phases.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2016

Isobaric multiplet mass equation in the $A=31$ $T = 3/2$ quartets

The observed mass excesses of analog nuclear states with the same mass number $A$ and isospin $T$ can be used to test the isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME), which has, in most cases, been validated to a high degree of precision. A recent measurement [Kankainen et al., Phys. Rev. C 93 041304(R) (2016)] of the ground-state mass of $^{31}$Cl led to a substantial breakdown of the IMME for the lowest $A = 31, T = 3/2$ quartet. The second-lowest $A = 31, T = 3/2$ quartet is not complete, due to uncertainties associated with the identity of the $^{31}$S member state. Using a fast $^{31}$Cl beam implanted into a plastic scintillator and a high-purity Ge $\gamma$-ray detection array, $\gamma$ rays from the $^{31}$Cl$(\beta\gamma)$$^{31}$S sequence were measured. Shell-model calculations using USDB and the recently-developed USDE interactions were performed for comparison. Isospin mixing between the $^{31}$S isobaric analog state (IAS) at 6279.0(6) keV and a nearby state at 6390.2(7) keV was observed. The second $T = 3/2$ state in $^{31}$S was observed at $E_x = 7050.0(8)$ keV. Isospin mixing in $^{31}$S does not by itself explain the IMME breakdown in the lowest quartet, but it likely points to similar isospin mixing in the mirror nucleus $^{31}$P, which would result in a perturbation of the $^{31}$P IAS energy. USDB and USDE calculations both predict candidate $^{31}$P states responsible for the mixing in the energy region slightly above $E_x = 6400$ keV. The second quartet has been completed thanks to the identification of the second $^{31}$S $T = 3/2$ state, and the IMME is validated in this quartet.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2016

Isospin Mixing Reveals $^{30}$P($p,\gamma$)$^{31}$S Resonance Influencing Nova Nucleosynthesis

The thermonuclear $^{30}$P($p,\gamma$)$^{31}$S reaction rate is critical for modeling the final elemental and isotopic abundances of ONe nova nucleosynthesis, which affect the calibration of proposed nova thermometers and the identification of presolar nova grains, respectively. Unfortunately, the rate of this reaction is essentially unconstrained experimentally, because the strengths of key $^{31}$S proton capture resonance states are not known, largely due to uncertainties in their spins and parities. Using the $\beta$ decay of $^{31}$Cl, we have observed the $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$ decay of a $^{31}$S state at $E_x = 6390.2(7)$ keV, with a $^{30}$P($p,\gamma$)$^{31}$S resonance energy of $E_r = 259.3(8)$ keV, in the middle of the $^{30}$P($p,\gamma$)$^{31}$S Gamow window for peak nova temperatures. This state exhibits isospin mixing with the nearby isobaric analog state (IAS) at $E_x = 6279.0(6)$ keV, giving it an unambiguous spin and parity of $3/2^+$ and making it an important $l = 0$ resonance for proton capture on $^{30}$P.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2015

Revalidation of the isobaric multiplet mass equation for the $A=20$ quintet

An unexpected breakdown of the isobaric multiplet mass equation in the $A=20$, $T=2$ quintet was recently reported, presenting a challenge to modern theories of nuclear structure. In the present work, the excitation energy of the lowest $T = 2$ state in $^{20}$Na has been measured to be $6498.4 \pm 0.2_{\textrm{stat}} \pm 0.4_{\textrm{syst}}$ keV by using the superallowed $0^+ \rightarrow 0^+$ beta decay of $^{20}$Mg to access it and an array of high-purity germanium detectors to detect its $\gamma$-ray deexcitation. This value differs by 27 keV (1.9 standard deviations) from the recommended value of $6525 \pm 14$ keV and is a factor of 28 more precise. The isobaric multiplet mass equation is shown to be revalidated when the new value is adopted.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2012

Reversible Control of Magnetic Interactions by Electric Field in a Single Phase Material

Intrinsic magnetoelectric coupling describes the interaction between magnetic and electric polarization through an inherent microscopic mechanism in a single phase material. This phenomenon has the potential to control the magnetic state of a material with an electric field, an enticing prospect for device engineering. We demonstrate 'giant' magnetoelectric cross-field control in a single phase rare earth titanate film. In bulk form, EuTiO3 is antiferromagnetic. However, both anti and ferromagnetic interactions coexist between different nearest neighbor europium ions. In thin epitaxial films, strain can be used to alter the relative strength of the magnetic exchange constants. Here, we not only show that moderate biaxial compression precipitates local magnetic competition, but also demonstrate that the application of an electric field at this strain state, switches the magnetic ground state. Using first principles density functional theory, we resolve the underlying microscopic mechanism resulting in the EuTiO3 G-type magnetic structure and illustrate how it is responsible for the 'giant' cross-field magnetoelectric effect.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗
arXiv2008

Spin-driven Phase Transitions in ZnCr$_2$Se$_4$ and ZnCr$_2$S$_4$ Probed by High Resolution Synchrotron X-ray and Neutron Powder Diffraction

The crystal and magnetic structures of the spinel compounds ZnCr$_2$S$_4$ and ZnCr$_2$Se$_4$ were investigated by high resolution powder synchrotron and neutron diffraction. ZnCr$_2$Se$_4$ exhibits a first order phase transition at $T_N=21$ K into an incommensurate helical magnetic structure. Magnetic fluctuations above $T_N$ are coupled to the crystal lattice as manifested by negative thermal expansion. Both, the complex magnetic structure and the anomalous structural behavior can be related to magnetic frustration. Application of an external magnetic field shifts the ordering temperature and the regime of negative thermal expansion towards lower temperatures. Thereby, the spin ordering changes into a conical structure. ZnCr$_2$S$_4$ shows two magnetic transitions at $T_{N1}=15$ K and $T_{N2}=8$ K that are accompanied by structural phase transitions. The crystal structure transforms from the cubic spinel-type (space group $Fd$\={3}$m$) at high temperatures in the paramagnetic state, via a tetragonally distorted intermediate phase (space group $I4_1$ / $amd$) for $T_{N2} < T < T_{N1}$ into a low temperature orthorhombic phase (space group $I m m a$) for $T < T_{N2}$. The cooperative displacement of sulfur ions by exchange striction is the origin of these structural phase transitions. The low temperature structure of ZnCr$_2$S$_4$ is identical to the orthorhombic structure of magnetite below the Verwey transition. When applying a magnetic field of 5 T the system shows an induced negative thermal expansion in the intermediate magnetic phase as observed in ZnCr$_2$Se$_4$.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2007

Profile of the U 5f magnetization in U/Fe multilayers

Recent calculations, concerning the magnetism of uranium in the U/Fe multilayer system have described the spatial dependence of the 5f polarization that might be expected. We have used the x-ray resonant magnetic reflectivity technique to obtain the profile of the induced uranium magnetic moment for selected U/Fe multilayer samples. This study extends the use of x-ray magnetic scattering for induced moment systems to the 5f actinide metals. The spatial dependence of the U magnetization shows that the predominant fraction of the polarization is present at the interfacial boundaries, decaying rapidly towards the center of the uranium layer, in good agreement with predictions.

cond-mat.other↗
arXiv2003

Lock-in transitions in ErNi2B2C and TbNi2B2C

High resolution x-ray magnetic scattering has been used to determine the variation with temperature of the magnetic modulation vector, tau, in ErNi2B2C and TbNi2B2C to study the interplay between the weakly ferromagnetic (WFM) phase and proposed lock-in transitions in these materials. At temperatures below the WFM transitions, the modulation wave vectors are within the resolution limit of the commensurate values 11/20 and 6/11 for ErNi2B2C and TbNi2B2C, respectively.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2001

A study of RHIC crystal collimation

The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) will experience increasing longitudinal and transverse heavy ion emittances, mostly due to intra-beam scattering (IBS). The experiments in RHIC are expected to not only have reduced luminosities due to IBS but also an unwanted beam halo. Primary betatron collimators will be used to remove the large amplitude particles. The efficiency of the primary collimator in RHIC depends very much on the alignment of the jaws which needs to be within few micro-radians for the best conditions. As proposed by V. Biryukov bent crystals could be used to improve the efficiency of an existing collimation system by installing them upstream of the collimator jaws. Bent crystals have been successfully used in SPS, Protvino and Fermilab for extraction of the beam particles channeled through them. This study examines possible improvements of the primary collimator system for heavy ions at RHIC by use of bent crystals. Bent crystals will reduce the collimator jaws alignment requirement and will increase collimator efficiency thereby reducing detector background.

hep-ex↗