arXiv subjects

R. Versaci

Publications and source records attributed to R. Versaci.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Gamma-Flash Generation in Multi-Petawatt Laser-Matter Interactions

The progressive development of high power lasers over the last several decades, enables the study of $\gamma$-photon generation when an intense laser beam interacts with matter, mainly via inverse Compton scattering at the high intensity limit. $\gamma$-ray flashes are a phenomenon of broad interest, drawing attention of researchers working in topics ranging from cosmological scales to elementary particle scales. Over the last few years, a plethora of studies predict extremely high laser energy to $\gamma$-photon energy conversion using various target and/or laser field configurations. The aim of the present manuscript is to discuss several recently proposed $\gamma$-ray flash generation schemes, as a guide for upcoming $\gamma$-photon related experiments and for further evolution of the presently available theoretical schemes.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2022

Irradiation of luminescence dosimeters in pulsed mixed radiation fields

UHDpulse - Metrology for Advanced Radiotherapy using beams with Ultra-High Pulse Dose Rates is a European project aimed at developing novel dosimetry standards, as well as improving existing ones, for FLASH radiotherapy, very high energy electrons radiotherapy, and laser-driven medical accelerators. Within the scope of this project, Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) detectors are used to measure stray radiation fields. Experiments performed with conventional pulsed particle-beams allow to characterize the dosimeters in known and controllable radiation fields. In turn, this allows to develop models and predict their behavior in complex radiation fields, such as those at laser-driven and FLASH facilities. TL and OSL detectors were irradiated at the Microtron MT25 electron accelerator in Prague, Czech Republic. GAFChromicTM films and plastic nuclear track detectors were used to study the beam profile and the neutron background respectively. The responses of the different detector to the pulsed mixed radiation fields of the Microtron MT25 are compared among each other and presented in this paper.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Gamma-Ray Flash in the Interaction of a Tightly Focused Single-Cycle Ultraintense Laser Pulse with a Solid Target

We employ the $\lambda^3$ regime where a near-single-cycle laser pulse is tightly focused, thus providing the highest possible intensity for the minimal energy at a certain laser power. The quantum electrodynamics processes in the course of the interaction of the ultraintense laser with a solid target are studied via three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, revealing the generation of copious $\gamma$-photons and electron-positron pairs. The parametric study on the laser polarisation, target thickness and electron number density shows that the radially polarised laser provides the optimal regime for $\gamma$-photon generation. By varying the laser power in the range of 1 to 300 petawatt we find the scaling of the laser to $\gamma$-photon energy conversion efficiency. The laser-generated $\gamma$-photon interaction with a high-Z target is further studied by using Monte Carlo simulations revealing further electron-positron pair generation and radioactive nuclides creation.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2017

Update On The Code Intercomparison and Benchmark For Muon Fluence and Absorbed Dose Induced By An 18-GeV Electron Beam After Massive Iron Shielding

In 1974, Nelson, Kase and Svensson published an experimental investigation on muon shielding around SLAC high-energy electron accelerators. They measured muon fluence and absorbed dose induced by 14 and 18 GeV electron beams hitting a copper/water beamdump and attenuated in a thick steel shielding. In their paper, they compared the results with the theoretical models available at that time. In order to compare their experimental results with present model calculations, we use the modern transport Monte Carlo codes MARS15, FLUKA2011 and GEANT4 to model the experimental setup and run simulations. The results are then compared between the codes, and with the SLAC data.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2016

Integral measurement of the $^{12}$C(n,p)$^{12}$B reaction up to 10 GeV

The integral measurement of the $^{12}$C(n,p)$^{12}$B reaction was performed at the neutron time of flight facility n_TOF at CERN. The total number of $^{12}$B nuclei produced per neutron pulse of the n_TOF beam was determined using the activation technique in combination with a time of flight technique. The cross section is integrated over the n_TOF neutron energy spectrum from reaction threshold at 13.6 MeV to 10 GeV. Having been measured up to 1 GeV on basis of the $^{235}$U(n,f) reaction, the neutron energy spectrum above 200 MeV has been reevaluated due to the recent extension of the cross section reference for this particular reaction, which is otherwise considered a standard up to 200 MeV. The results from the dedicated GEANT4 simulations have been used to evaluate the neutron flux from 1 GeV up to 10 GeV. The experimental results related to the $^{12}$C(n,p)$^{12}$B reaction are compared with the evaluated cross sections from major libraries and with the predictions of different GEANT4 models, which mostly underestimate the $^{12}$B production. On the contrary, a good reproduction of the integral cross section derived from measurements is obtained with TALYS-1.6 calculations, with optimized parameters.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

High accuracy determination of the $^{238}$U/$^{235}$U fission cross section ratio up to $\sim$1 GeV at n_TOF (CERN)

The $^{238}$U to $^{235}$U fission cross section ratio has been determined at n_TOF up to $\sim$1 GeV, with two different detection systems, in different geometrical configurations. A total of four datasets have been collected and compared. They are all consistent to each other within the relative systematic uncertainty of 3-4%. The data collected at n_TOF have been suitably combined to yield a unique fission cross section ratio as a function of the neutron energy. The result confirms current evaluations up to 200 MeV. A good agreement is also observed with theoretical calculations based on the INCL++/Gemini++ combination up to the highest measured energy. The n_TOF results may help solving a long-standing discrepancy between the two most important experimental dataset available so far above 20 MeV, while extending the neutron energy range for the first time up to $\sim$1 GeV.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of the $^{12}$C($n,p$)$^{12}$B cross section at n_TOF (CERN) by in-beam activation analysis

The integral cross section of the $^{12}$C($n,p$)$^{12}$B reaction has been determined for the first time in the neutron energy range from threshold to several GeV at the n_TOF facility at CERN. The measurement relies on the activation technique, with the $β$-decay of $^{12}$B measured over a period of four half-lives within the same neutron bunch in which the reaction occurs. The results indicate that model predictions, used in a variety of applications, are mostly inadequate. The value of the integral cross section reported here can be used as a benchmark for verifying or tuning model calculations.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

GEANT4 simulation of the neutron background of the C$_6$D$_6$ set-up for capture studies at n_TOF

The neutron sensitivity of the C$_6$D$_6$ detector setup used at n_TOF for capture measurements has been studied by means of detailed GEANT4 simulations. A realistic software replica of the entire n_TOF experimental hall, including the neutron beam line, sample, detector supports and the walls of the experimental area has been implemented in the simulations. The simulations have been analyzed in the same manner as experimental data, in particular by applying the Pulse Height Weighting Technique. The simulations have been validated against a measurement of the neutron background performed with a $^\mathrm{nat}$C sample, showing an excellent agreement above 1 keV. At lower energies, an additional component in the measured $^\mathrm{nat}$C yield has been discovered, which prevents the use of $^\mathrm{nat}$C data for neutron background estimates at neutron energies below a few hundred eV. The origin and time structure of the neutron background have been derived from the simulations. Examples of the neutron background for two different samples are demonstrating the important role of accurate simulations of the neutron background in capture cross section measurements.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Experimental neutron capture data of $^{58}$Ni from the CERN n_TOF facility

The $^{58}$Ni $(n,γ)$ cross section has been measured at the neutron time of flight facility n_TOF at CERN, in the energy range from 27 meV up to 400 keV. In total, 51 resonances have been analyzed up to 122 keV. Maxwellian averaged cross sections (MACS) have been calculated for stellar temperatures of kT$=$5-100 keV with uncertainties of less than 6%, showing fair agreement with recent experimental and evaluated data up to kT = 50 keV. The MACS extracted in the present work at 30 keV is 34.2$\pm$0.6$_\mathrm{stat}\pm$1.8$_\mathrm{sys}$ mb, in agreement with latest results and evaluations, but 12% lower relative to the recent KADoNIS compilation of astrophysical cross sections. When included in models of the s-process nucleosynthesis in massive stars, this change results in a 60% increase of the abundance of $^{58}$Ni, with a negligible propagation on heavier isotopes. The reason is that, using both the old or the new MACS, 58Ni is efficiently depleted by neutron captures.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2013

Neutron capture cross section of unstable 63Ni: implications for stellar nucleosynthesis

The $^{63}$Ni($n, γ$) cross section has been measured for the first time at the neutron time-of-flight facility n\_TOF at CERN from thermal neutron energies up to 200 keV. In total, capture kernels of 12 (new) resonances were determined. Maxwellian Averaged Cross Sections were calculated for thermal energies from kT = 5 keV to 100 keV with uncertainties around 20%. Stellar model calculations for a 25 M$_\odot$ star show that the new data have a significant effect on the $s$-process production of $^{63}$Cu, $^{64}$Ni, and $^{64}$Zn in massive stars, allowing stronger constraints on the Cu yields from explosive nucleosynthesis in the subsequent supernova.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2013

Precision measurement of $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-γ)/σ(e^+e^-\rightarrow μ^+μ^-γ)$ and determination of the $π^+π^-$ contribution to the muon anomaly with the KLOE detector

We have measured the ratio $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-γ)/σ(e^+e^-\rightarrow μ^+μ^-γ)$, with the KLOE detector at DA$Φ$NE for a total integrated luminosity of $\sim$ 240 pb$^{-1}$. From this ratio we obtain the cross section $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-)$. From the cross section we determine the pion form factor $|F_π|^2$ and the two-pion contribution to the muon anomaly $a_μ$ for $0.592<M_{ππ}<0.975$ GeV, $Δ^{ππ} a_μ$= $({\rm 385.1\pm1.1_{stat}\pm2.7_{sys+theo}})\times10^{-10}$. This result confirms the current discrepancy between the Standard Model calculation and the experimental measurement of the muon anomaly.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of Γ(η-> π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η-> π^+π^-π^0) with the KLOE Detector

The ratio R_η=Γ(η-> π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η-> π^+π^-π^0) has been measured by analyzing 22 million ϕ\to ηγdecays collected by the KLOE experiment at DA\PhiNE, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 558 pb^{-1}. The η\to π^+π^-γproceeds both via the ρresonant contribution, and possibly a non-resonant direct term, connected to the box anomaly. Our result, R_η= 0.1856\pm 0.0005_{stat} \pm 0.0028_{syst}, points out a sizable contribution of the direct term to the total width. The di-pion invariant mass for the η-> π^+π^-γdecay could be described in a model-independent approach in terms of a single free parameter, α. The determined value of the parameter αis α= (1.32 \pm 0.08_{stat} +0.10/-0.09_{syst}\pm 0.02_{theo}) GeV^{-2}

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Observation of the rare eta->e+e-e+e- decay with the KLOE experiment

We report the first observation of the rare eta->e+e-e+e- decay based on 1.7 fb^{-1} collected by the KLOE experiment at the DAFNE phi-factory. The selection of the e+e-e+e- final state is fully inclusive of radiation. We have identified 362 +- 29 events resulting in a branching ratio of (2.4 +- 0.2_stat+bckg +- 0.1_syst) x 10^{-5}.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Measurement of $Γ(η\to π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η\to π^+π^-π^0)$ with KLOE experiment

We report the measurement of the ratio $Γ(η\to π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η\to π^+π^-π^0)$ analyzing a large sample of $ϕ\to ηγ$ decays recorded with the KLOE experiment at the DA$Φ$NE $e^+ e^-$ collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 558 pb$^{-1}$. The $η\to π^+π^-γ$ process is supposed to proceed both via a resonant contribution, mediated by the $ρ$ meson, and a non resonant direct term, connected to the box anomaly. The presence of the direct term affects the partial width value. Our result $R_η=Γ(η\to π^+ π^- γ)/Γ(η\to π^+ π^- π^0)= 0.1838\pm 0.0005_{stat} \pm 0.0030_{syst}$ is in agreement with a recent CLEO measurement, which differs by more 3 $σ$ from the average of previous results.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

$γγ$ physics with the KLOE experiment

The processes $e^+e^-\to e^+e^-X$, with $X$ being either the $η$ meson or $π^0π^0$, are studied at DA$Φ$NE, with $e^+e^-$ beams colliding at $\sqrt{s}\simeq1$ GeV, below the $ϕ$ resonance peak. The data sample is from an integrated luminosity of 240 pb$^{-1}$, collected by the KLOE experiment without tagging of the outgoing $e^+e^-$. Preliminary results are presented on the observation of the $γγ\toη$ process, with both $η\toπ^+π^-π^0$ and $η\toπ^0π^0π^0$ channels, and the evidence for $γγ\toπ^0π^0$ production at low $π^0π^0$ invariant mass.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

U boson searches at KLOE

The existence of a secluded gauge sector could explain several puzzling astrophysical observations. This hypothesis can be tested at low energy e+e- colliders such as DAPHNE. Preliminary results obtained with KLOE data and perpectives for the KLOE-2 run, where a larger data sample is expected, are discussed.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Measurement of sigma(e+ e- -> pi+ pi-) from threshold to 0.85 GeV^2 using Initial State Radiation with the KLOE detector

We have measured the cross section of the radiative process e+e- -> pi+pi-gamma with the KLOE detector at the Frascati phi-factory DAPHNE, from events taken at a CM energy W=1 GeV. Initial state radiation allows us to obtain the cross section for e+e- -> pi+pi-, the pion form factor |F_pi|^2 and the dipion contribution to the muon magnetic moment anomaly, Delta a_mu^{pipi} = (478.5+-2.0_{stat}+-5.0_{syst}+-4.5_{th}) x 10^{-10} in the range 0.1 < M_{pipi}^2 < 0.85 GeV^2, where the theoretical error includes a SU(3) ChPT estimate of the uncertainty on photon radiation from the final pions. The discrepancy between the Standard Model evaluation of a_mu and the value measured by the Muon g-2 collaboration at BNL is confirmed.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

Physics with the KLOE-2 experiment at the upgraded DA$ϕ$NE

Investigation at a $ϕ$--factory can shed light on several debated issues in particle physics. We discuss: i) recent theoretical development and experimental progress in kaon physics relevant for the Standard Model tests in the flavor sector, ii) the sensitivity we can reach in probing CPT and Quantum Mechanics from time evolution of entangled kaon states, iii) the interest for improving on the present measurements of non-leptonic and radiative decays of kaons and eta/eta$^\prime$ mesons, iv) the contribution to understand the nature of light scalar mesons, and v) the opportunity to search for narrow di-lepton resonances suggested by recent models proposing a hidden dark-matter sector. We also report on the $e^+ e^-$ physics in the continuum with the measurements of (multi)hadronic cross sections and the study of gamma gamma processes.

hep-ex↗