SearcharxivSearch

arXiv subjects

T. Marketin

Publications and source records attributed to T. Marketin.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Development of a Reference Database for Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission

Beta-delayed neutron emission is important for nuclear structure and astrophysics as well as for reactor applications. Significant advances in nuclear experimental techniques in the past two decades have led to a wealth of new measurements that remain to be incorporated in the databases. We report on a coordinated effort to compile and evaluate all the available beta-delayed neutron emission data. The different measurement techniques have been assessed and the data have been compared with semi-microscopic and microscopic-macroscopic models. The new microscopic database has been tested against aggregate total delayed neutron yields, time-dependent group parameters in 6-and 8-group re-presentation, and aggregate delayed neutron spectra. New recommendations of macroscopic delayed-neutron data for fissile materials of interest to applications are also presented. The new Reference Database for Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission Data is available online at: http://www-nds.iaea.org/beta-delayed-neutron/database.html.

nucl-ex

Self-consistent calculation of the reactor antineutrino spectra including forbidden transitions

With the goal of determining the $θ_{13}$ neutrino oscillation mixing angle, the measurements of reactor antineutrino fluxes at the Double Chooz, RENO and Daya Bay experimental facilities have uncovered a systematic discrepancy between the number of observed events and theoretical expectations. In the \emph{ab initio} approach, the total reactor antineutrino spectrum is a weighted sum of spectra resulting from all $β$ branches of all fission products in the reactor core. At all three facilities a systematic deviation of the number of observed events from the number of predicted events was noticed, i.e., approximately 6\% of the predicted neutrinos were not observed. This discrepancy was named the reactor neutrino anomaly. In theoretical studies it is assumed that all the decays are allowed in shape, but a quarter of all transitions are actually forbidden and may have a complex energy dependence that will affect the total reactor antineutrino spectrum. In order to estimate the effect of forbidden transitions, we perform a fully self-consistent calculation of spectra from all contributing transitions and compare the results with a purely allowed approximation.

nucl-th

Optimizing the relativistic energy density functional with nuclear ground state and collective excitation properties

We introduce a new relativistic energy density functional constrained by the ground state properties of atomic nuclei along with the isoscalar giant monopole resonance energy and dipole polarizability in $^{208}$Pb. A unified framework of the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model and random phase approximation based on the relativistic density-dependent point coupling interaction is established in order to determine the DD-PCX parameterization by $χ^2$ minimization. This procedure is supplemented with the co-variance analysis in order to estimate statistical uncertainties in the model parameters and observables. The effective interaction DD-PCX accurately describes the nuclear ground state properties including the neutron-skin thickness, as well as the isoscalar giant monopole resonance excitation energies and dipole polarizabilities. The implementation of the experimental data on nuclear excitations allows constraining the symmetry energy close to the saturation density, and the incompressibility of nuclear matter by using genuine observables on finite nuclei in the $χ^2$ minimization protocol, rather than using pseudo-observables on the nuclear matter, or by relying on the ground state properties only, as it has been customary in the previous studies.

nucl-th

First measurement of several $β$-delayed neutron emitting isotopes beyond N=126

The $β$-delayed neutron emission probabilities of neutron rich Hg and Tl nuclei have been measured together with $β$-decay half-lives for 20 isotopes of Au, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi in the mass region N$\gtrsim$126. These are the heaviest species where neutron emission has been observed so far. These measurements provide key information to evaluate the performance of nuclear microscopic and phenomenological models in reproducing the high-energy part of the $β$-decay strength distribution. In doing so, it provides important constraints to global theoretical models currently used in $r$-process nucleosynthesis.

nucl-ex

Large scale evaluation of beta-decay rates of r-process nuclei with the inclusion of first-forbidden transitions

R-process nucleosynthesis models rely, by necessity, on nuclear structure models for input. Particularly important are beta-decay half-lives of neutron rich nuclei. At present only a single systematic calculation exists that provides values for all relevant nuclei making it difficult to test the sensitivity of nucleosynthesis models to this input. Additionally, even though there are indications that their contribution may be significant, the impact of first-forbidden transitions on decay rates has not been systematically studied within a consistent model. We use a fully self-consistent covariant density functional theory (CDFT) framework to provide a table of $β$-decay half-lives and $β$-delayed neutron emission probabilities, including first-forbidden transitions. We observe a significant contribution of the first-forbidden transitions to the total decay rate in nuclei far from the valley of stability. The experimental half-lives are in general well reproduced, both for even-even, odd-A and odd-odd nuclei, in particular for short-lived nuclei.

nucl-th

Modeling nuclear weak-interaction processes with relativistic energy density functionals

Relativistic energy density functionals have become a standard framework for nuclear structure studies of ground-state properties and collective excitations over the entire nuclide chart. We review recent developments in modeling nuclear weak-interaction processes: charge-exchange excitations and the role of isoscalar proton-neutron pairing, charged-current neutrino-nucleus reactions relevant for supernova evolution and neutrino detectors, and calculation of beta-decay rates for r-process nucleosynthesis.

nucl-th

Neutron star structure and collective excitations of finite nuclei

We study relationships between properties of collective excitations in finite nuclei and the phase transition density $n_t$ and pressure $P_t$ at the inner edge separating the liquid core and the solid crust of a neutron star. A theoretical framework that includes the thermodynamic method, relativistic nuclear energy density functionals and the quasiparticle random-phase approximation is employed in a self-consistent calculation of $(n_t,P_t)$ and collective excitations in nuclei. The covariance analysis shows that properties of charge-exchange dipole transitions, isovector giant dipole and quadrupole resonances and pygmy dipole transitions are correlated with the core-crust transition density and pressure. A set of relativistic nuclear energy density functionals, characterized by systematic variation of the density dependence of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter, is used to constrain possible values for $(n_t,P_t)$. By comparing the calculated excitation energies of giant resonances, energy weighted pygmy dipole strength, and dipole polarizability with available data, we obtain the weighted average values: $n_t = 0.0955 \pm 0.0007$ fm$^{-3}$ and $P_t = 0.59 \pm 0.05$ MeV fm$^{-3}$.

nucl-th

Benchmarking nuclear models for Gamow-Teller response

A comparative study of the nuclear Gamow-Teller response (GTR) within conceptually different state-of-the-art approaches is presented. Three nuclear microscopic models are considered: (i) the recently developed charge-exchange relativistic time blocking approximation (RTBA) based on the covariant density functional theory, (ii) the shell model (SM) with an extended "jj77" model space and (iii) the non-relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) with a Brueckner G-matrix effective interaction. We study the physics cases where two or all three of these models can be applied. The Gamow-Teller response functions are calculated for 208-Pb, 132-Sn and 78-Ni within both RTBA and QRPA. The strengths obtained for 208-Pb are compared to data that enables a firm model benchmarking. For the nucleus 132-Sn, also SM calculations are performed within the model space truncated at the level of a particle-hole (ph) coupled to vibration configurations. This allows a consistent comparison to the RTBA where ph+phonon coupling is responsible for the spreading width and considerable quenching of the GTR. Differences between the models and perspectives of their future developments are discussed.

nucl-th

Soft spin dipole giant resonances in 40Ca

High resolution experimental data has been obtained for the 40,42,44,48Ca(3He,t)Sc charge exchange reaction at 420 MeV beam energy, which favors the spin-isospin excitations. The measured angular distributions were analyzed for each state separately, and the relative spin dipole strength has been extracted for the first time. The low-lying spin-dipole strength distribution in 40Sc shows some interesting periodic gross feature. It resembles to a soft, dumped multi-phonon vibrational band with $\hbarω$= 1.8 MeV, which might be associated to pairing vibrations around $^{40}$Ca.

nucl-ex

Nuclear shell structure and response toward the limits of mass, temperature and isospin

We present a short overview of our recent theoretical developments aiming at the description of exotic nuclear phenomena to be reached and studied at the next-generation radioactive beam facilities. Applications to nuclear shell structure and response of nuclei at the limits of their existence, with a special focus on the physics cases of astrophysical importance, are discussed.

nucl-th

Large-scale calculations of supernova neutrino-induced reactions in Z=8-82 target nuclei

Background: In the environment of high neutrino-fluxes provided in core-collapse supernovae or neutron star mergers, neutrino-induced reactions with nuclei contribute to the nucleosynthesis processes. A number of terrestrial neutrino detectors are based on inelastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and modeling of the respective cross sections allow predictions of the expected detector reaction rates. Purpose: To provide a self-consistent microscopic description of neutrino-nucleus cross sections involving a large pool of Z = 8 - 82 nuclei for the implementation in models of nucleosynthesis and neutrino detector simulations. Methods: Self-consistent theory framework based on relativistic nuclear energy density functional is employed to determine the nuclear structure of the initial state and relevant transitions to excited states induced by neutrinos. The weak neutrino-nucleus interaction is employed in the current-current form and a complete set of transition operators is taken into account. Results: We perform large-scale calculations of charged-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections, including those averaged over supernova neutrino fluxes, for the set of even-even target nuclei from oxygen toward lead (Z = 8 - 82), spanning N = 8 - 182 (OPb pool). The model calculations include allowed and forbidden transitions up to J = 5 multipoles. Conclusions: The present analysis shows that the self-consistent calculations result in considerable differences in comparison to previously reported cross sections, and for a large number of target nuclei the cross sections are enhanced. Revision in modeling r-process nucleosynthesis based on a self-consistent description of neutrino-induced reactions would allow an updated insight into the origin of elements in the Universe and it would provide the estimate of uncertainties in the calculated element abundance patterns.

nucl-th

Fragmentation of spin-dipole strength in $^{90}$Zr and $^{208}$Pb

An extension of time-dependent covariant density functional theory that includes particle-vibration coupling is applied to the charge-exchange channel. Spin-dipole excitation spectra are calculated an compared to available data for $^{90}$Zr and $^{208}$Pb. A significant fragmentation is found for all three angular-momentum components of the spin-dipole strength as a result of particle-vibration coupling, as well as a shift of a portion of the strength to higher energy. A high-energy tail is formed in the strength distribution that linearly decreases with energy. Using a model-independent sum rule,the corresponding neutron skin thickness is estimated and shown to be consistent with values obtained at the mean-field level.

nucl-th

Role of momentum transfer in the quenching of Gamow-Teller strength

The relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-RQRPA) is applied in the calculation of the L=0 strength in charge-exchange reactions on $^{48}$Ca, $^{90}$Zr, $^{208}$Pb and nuclei in the Sn isotopic chain. The microscopic theoretical framework is based on the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) model for the nuclear ground state. The calculation is fully self-consistent, i.e. the same interaction is used both in the RHB equations that determine the quasiparticle basis, and in the matrix equations of the pn-RQRPA. The inclusion of the higher-order terms that include the effect of finite momentum transfer, primarily the isovector spin monopole (IVSM) term, in the transition operator shifts a portion of the strength to the high-energy region above the Gamow-Teller (GT) resonance. The total strength is slightly enhanced in nuclei with small neutron-to-proton ratio but remains unchanged with increasing neutron excess. Based on the strength obtained using the full L=0 transition operator in the pn-RQRPA calculation, we have estimated the impact of the IVSM on the strength measured in the charge-exchagne reactions on $^{90}$Zr and found that the data are consistent with the Ikeda sum rule.

nucl-th

Uncertainties in modeling low-energy neutrino induced reactions on iron group nuclei

Charged-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 54,56Fe and 58,60Ni are calculated and compared using frameworks based on relativistic and Skyrme energy density functionals, and the shell model. The current theoretical uncertainties in modeling neutrino-nucleus cross sections are assessed in relation to the predicted Gamow-Teller transition strength and available data, multipole decomposition of the cross sections, and cross sections averaged over the Michel flux and Fermi-Dirac distribution. Employing different microscopic approaches and models, the DAR neutrino-56Fe cross section and its theoretical uncertainty are estimated: _th=(258+-57) 10^{-42} cm^2, in very good agreement with the experimental value: _exp=(256+-108+-43) 10^{-42} cm^2.

nucl-th

Relativistic QRPA calculation of muon capture rates

The relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (PN-RQRPA) is applied in the calculation of total muon capture rates on a large set of nuclei from $^{12}$C to $^{244}$Pu, for which experimental values are available. The microscopic theoretical framework is based on the Relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) model for the nuclear ground state, and transitions to excited states are calculated using the PN-RQRPA. The calculation is fully consistent, i.e., the same interactions are used both in the RHB equations that determine the quasiparticle basis, and in the matrix equations of the PN-RQRPA. The calculated capture rates are sensitive to the in-medium quenching of the axial-vector coupling constant. By reducing this constant from its free-nucleon value $g_A = 1.262$ by 10% for all multipole transitions, the calculation reproduces the experimental muon capture rates to better than 10% accuracy.

nucl-th

Inclusive charged-current neutrino-nucleus reactions calculated with the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation

Inclusive neutrino-nucleus cross sections are calculated using a consistent relativistic mean-field theoretical framework. The weak lepton-hadron interaction is expressed in the standard current-current form, the nuclear ground state is described with the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model, and the relevant transitions to excited nuclear states are calculated in the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation. Illustrative test calculations are performed for charged-current neutrino reactions on $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O, $^{56}$Fe, and $^{208}$Pb, and results compared with previous studies and available data. Using the experimental neutrino fluxes, the averaged cross sections are evaluated for nuclei of interest for neutrino detectors. We analyze the total neutrino-nucleus cross sections, and the evolution of the contribution of the different multipole excitations as a function of neutrino energy. The cross sections for reactions of supernova neutrinos on $^{16}$O and $^{208}$Pb target nuclei are analyzed as functions of the temperature and chemical potential.

nucl-th

Calculation of beta-decay rates in a relativistic model with momentum-dependent self-energies

The relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (PN-RQRPA) is applied in the calculation of beta-decay half-lives of neutron-rich nuclei in the $Z\approx 28$ and $Z\approx 50$ regions. The study is based on the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculation of nuclear ground-states, using effective Lagrangians with density-dependent meson-nucleon couplings, and also extended by the inclusion of couplings between the isoscalar meson fields and the derivatives of the nucleon fields. This leads to a linear momentum dependence of the scalar and vector nucleon self-energies. The residual QRPA interaction in the particle-hole channel includes the $π+ ρ$ exchange plus a Landau-Migdal term. The finite-range Gogny interaction is employed in the T=1 pairing channel, and the model also includes a proton-neutron particle-particle interaction. The results are compared with available data, and it is shown that an extension of the standard relativistic mean-field framework to include momentum-dependent nucleon self-energies naturally leads to an enhancement of the effective (Landau) nucleon mass, and thus to an improved PN-QRPA description of beta-decay rates.

nucl-th

Beta-decay rates of r-process nuclei in the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation

The fully consistent relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (PN-RQRPA) is employed in the calculation of beta-decay half-lives of neutron-rich nuclei in the N$\approx$50 and N$\approx$82 regions. A new density-dependent effective interaction, with an enhanced value of the nucleon effective mass, is used in relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculation of nuclear ground states and in the particle-hole channel of the PN-RQRPA. The finite range Gogny D1S interaction is employed in the T=1 pairing channel, and the model also includes a proton-neutron particle-particle interaction. The theoretical half-lives reproduce the experimental data for the Fe, Zn, Cd, and Te isotopic chains, but overestimate the lifetimes of Ni isotopes and predict a stable 132Sn.

nucl-th