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T. Nandi

Publications and source records attributed to T. Nandi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2025

A novel method for measuring the Fermi velocity of elemental targets

The right kind of theoretical treatment of direct Coulomb ionization of inner-shell of target atoms including multiple ionization of their outer-shells by using accurate x-ray fluorescence yield data and electron capture by projectile ions from inner-shell electrons of target atoms enables us to fully understand the complex physics issues with the heavy-ion-induced inner-shell ionization phenomenon. Such great success has only been achieved recently [Phys. Rev. A 111 (2025) 042827]. Aftermath, further investigations exhibit such a picture only if the Fermi velocity of the elemental target is accurate, as it takes a significant role in correct evaluation of charge-state distribution of the projectile ions inside the target, which contributes an invaluable share in calculating the electron capture-induced ionization cross section correctly. In this work, we devise a powerful method that enables us to measure the correct and accurate Fermi velocity for almost every elemental metal in the periodic table. As per our present knowledge, this in turn not only improves our understanding of the said complex physics issues one step ahead but also helps move toward further miniaturization of integrated circuits and use the heavy-ion-induced X-ray emission in impurity analysis more reliable and accurate.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2025

Crossover between the zeptosecond and attosecond physics

Nuclear orbiting resonances have been revealed at the sub-barrier energies as an atomic phenomenon by means of x-ray spectroscopy experiments. This interpretation is supported by several phenomenological models and theoretical estimates of the nuclear orbiting timescale and cross-section, inelastic scattering cross section including both nuclear and Coulomb excitation, and the Wigner-Smith time delay. We demonstrate that a multi-photon exchange during nuclear orbiting is responsible for an atomic excitation. Furthermore, proximity of the projectile and target nucleus during the nuclear orbiting modifies the effective charge of the projectile. Even though this orbiting induced excitation is triggered in zeptoseconds, it can still be observed in the attosecond time scale because of the Wigner-Smith time delay inherent to autoionization. Thus, we demonstrate the crossover between the zeptosecond and attosecond time scales which are native to nuclear and atomic physics, respectively. Markedly, this crossover may be the reason for x-ray production from ultra short nuclear processes ($\leq 10^{-21}$ sec). This explanation is likely to resolve the fission time scale anomaly and can stimulate cross-disciplinary research ranging from solid state to high-energy physics.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2025

Zeptosecond to attosecond dynamics in atoms and possibility of generating a zeptosecond light source

In nuclear collisions, nuclear bremsstrahlung can cause nuclear Coulomb excitation via photon exchange in the projectile as well as the target nuclei. Such a process originating in nuclear timescales (zeptoseconds) can also influence the atomic phenomenon, which can be observed if it is delayed at least by a few attoseconds as atomic timescales $\ge$ an attosecond. We have found that this may happen due to a mechanism called the Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith (EWS)time delay process. We have estimated EWS time delays in atomic collisions utilizing the non-relativistic version of random phase approximation with exchange as well as Hartree-Fock methods. We present three representative collision systems through which one can experimentally observe the phenomena in attosecond timescales even though they originate from nuclear bremsstrahlung radiation occurring in zeptoseconds. Thus the present work represents an investigation of parallels between two neighboring areas of physics: atomic and nuclear physics. Furthermore the present work suggests the possibilities for atomic physics research near the Coulomb barrier energies, where the nuclear bremsstrahlung can be used as a zeptosecond x-ray source.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2025

Towards full understanding the physics of heavy ion induced inner shell ionization

The complex physics of inner shell ionization of target atoms by heavy ion impact has remained only partially solved for decades. Recently, agreement between theory and experiment has been achieved by considering inner shell ionization of target atoms due to projectile electron capture in addition to direct Coulomb ionization including multiple ionization effects. A thorough investigation exhibits such a picture only if the atomic parameters of the target atoms are correct. In fact, the theoretical approach is found to be right, but the problem arises with the faulty atomic parameters. Furthermore, we show that fluorescence yields play a major role among the atomic parameters. We explore such a powerful method that enables us to measure the correct and accurate fluorescence yields for almost every element in the periodic table. As per our present knowledge, this in turn not only solves the said complex issue fully but also makes the PIXE analysis more reliable and accurate using both light and heavy ions.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2025

Precise charge state distribution of projectile ions through solid targets

The charge state distribution (CSD) of the projectile ions through solid targets in the intermediate energy range (1 MeV/u $<$ E $<$ 4 MeV/u) has a major impact on the collision of the ion atom and accelerator physics. We explore the mean charge states taken from the empirical formula [Schiwietz $et~al.$, Nucl. Inst. Meths. {\bf 225}, 4(2004)] are only good for projectile ions with $Z_1 \le 16$. To solve this issue, we develop a model in which instead of a single formula, if we employ four formulae, the comparative picture between experimental and empirical data becomes impressive. Furthermore, the CSDs with the mean charge state so obtained and the Gaussian distribution function having distribution width given by [Novikov and Teplove, Phys. Lett. {\bf378}, 1286(2014)] compare well with the experimentally measured CSDs for the entire range of projectile ions. We believe that precise CSDs will be highly useful in both ion-atom collision and accelerator physics.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2025

Bremsstrahlung induced atomic processes

The observed spectra in the collisions of neon (Ne) projectiles of 1.8 and 2.1 MeV with an aluminum target (Al) have been successfully segregated from strong bremsstrahlung backgrounds and then analyzed by comparing the transition energies and rates with the theoretical predictions of the flexible atomic structure code and the general purpose relativistic atomic structure package. The spectra contain K{\alpha}, Kh{\alpha} , and K{\alpha}{\alpha} lines. The K{\alpha}{\alpha} emissions are due to two-electron one-photon transitions. Interestingly, the K{\alpha}{\alpha} lines in projectile ions are only seen with 1.8 MeV energy. In contrast, the K{\alpha}{\alpha} lines in the target ions are also well observed with 2.1 MeV energy. Surprisingly, the Al K x-ray line intensities are strongly suppressed, and the K{\alpha}{\alpha} line intensities are unexpectedly enhanced. The underlying physical process is found to be the photoionization caused by intense bremsstrahlung radiation. This photoionization process converts most of the singly ionized K shell states (\approx 82\% at 2.1 MeV) to doubly ionized K shell states. This phenomenon is silently present on many occasions. We take some of such events to validate this remarkable finding. This bremsstrahlung radiation induced secondary ionization process stands as an eye opening incidence to the plasma physics, astronomy and astrophysics communities; may revolutionize these fields of research.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

Exploring an experimental route of synthesizing superheavy elements beyond Z > 118

Role of the Coulomb interaction, mean fissility, mass asymmetry, and charge asymmetry parameters on the synthesis of heavy and superheavy elements has been examined with respect to the deformation parameters of the projectile and target nuclei explicitly in light of the experimental results. The observed facts are classified into four categories and are then used to study several unsuccessful as well as planned reactions to synthesize the new superheavy elements $Z= 119, 120$. Concrete inference is too difficult to draw from these results because of excessive deviations in evaporation residue cross-section data. It is found that the arbitrary choice of excitation energy for the experiments studied was the root cause of such large deviations. Such a complex issue can be resolved well by theoretical excitation function studies using the advanced statistical model or the dinuclear system model and choosing the excitation energy corresponding to the energy where the excitation function curve shows the maximum. We believe this method may help us to predict whether the estimated evaporation residue cross-section can be measurable within the experimental limit of the existing facilities for the future reactions planned.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2021

Zeptosecond dynamics in atoms: fact or fiction?

Photon exchange due to nuclear bremsstrahlung during nuclear collisions can cause Coulomb excitation in the projectile and the target nuclei. The corresponding process originated in nuclear timescales can also be observed in atomic phenomenon experimentally if it delayed by at least with an attosecond or longer timescales. We have found that this happens due to a mechanism involving the Eisenbud-Wigner-Smith time delay process. We have estimated photoionization time delays in atomic collisions utilizing the nonrelativistic version of random phase approximation with exchange and Hartree-Fock methods. We present three representative processes in which we can observe the phenomena in attosecond timescales even though they originate from excitations in the zeptosecond timescales. Thus the work represents an investigation of parallels between two neighboring areas of physics. Furthermore the present work suggests new possibilities for atomic physics research near the Coulomb barrier energy, where the laser is replaced by nuclear bremsstrahlung.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

Understanding the L-shell ionization mechanism through osmium atoms bombarded by 4-6 MeV/u fluorine ions

The L-subshell ionization mechanism is studied in an ultra-thin osmium target bombarded by 4-6 MeV/u fluorine ions. Multiple ionization effects in the collisions are considered through the change of fluorescence and Coster-Kronig yields while determining L-subshell ionization cross sections from L-line x-ray production cross sections. The L-subshell ionization, as well as L-shell x-ray production cross sections so obtained, are compared with various theoretical approximations. The Coulomb direct ionization contributions is studied by (i) the relativistic semi-classical approximations (RSCA), (ii) the shellwise local plasma approximation (SLPA), and (iii) the ECUSAR theory, along with the inclusion of the vacancy sharing among the subshells by the coupled-states model (CSM) and the electron capture (EC) by a standard formalism. We find that the ECUSAR-CSM-EC describes the measured excitation function curves the best. However, the theoretical calculations are still about a factor of two smaller than the measured values. Such differences are resolved by re-evaluating the fluorescence and the Coster-Kronig yields. This work demonstrates that, in the present energy range, the heavy-ion induced inner-shell ionization of heavy atoms can be understood by combining the basic mechanisms of the direct Coulomb ionization, the electron capture, the multiple ionization, and the vacancy sharing among subshells, together with optimized atomic parameters.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

K-shell ionization cross sections of Cu, Zn and Ge by 3-5 MeV/U Si-ion bombardment

The K x-ray spectra of different targets (Cu, Zn, and Ge) induced by 3 to 5 MeV/u Si projectile ions have been measured to determine the K-shell ionization cross-section. A significant difference is observed between the measurements and theoretical estimates, where the theoretical ones are about 28-35% of the experimental results. Such difference is reduced to a good extent 51-56% if multiple ionization effects are taken into account. Remaining discrepancy may be attributed to the electron capture contribution.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

Exploring a novel model for projectile charge state distribution inside a solid-target

For the first time, we report a theoretical methodology to predict charge state distribution of projectile ions inside a solid-target. The method utilizes either a simple Fermi gas model or an ab initio theoretical method and a certain parameterization of width for the Lorentzian charge state distributions. Results obtained from the two approaches are comparable, but the former has a certain edge over the latter. The projectile charge state distribution inside a solid-target plays a significant role in estimating electron capture cross-sections and then to describe the observed K-shell ionization dynamics. The electron capture process plays a certain role in L-shell ionization dynamics too, but in a test case of Si on Au target the subshell charge sharing contributes a more vital role than the electron capture. Thus, we have validated the present model as a reliable as well as useful for many solid-target based applications viz. tumour therapy, biophysics, accelerators, material science etc.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

Significance of high charge state of projectile ions inside the target and its role on electron capture leading to target ionization phenomenon

The K x-ray spectra of different targets (Cu, Zn, and Ge) induced by 3 to 5 MeV/u Si projectile ions have been measured to determine the K-shell ionization cross-section. A significant difference is observed between the measurements and theoretical estimates, with the latter being about 50% below the experimental results. This underestimation} is attributed to the charge-exchange from target K-shell to projectile K- and L-shells. Such observation can only be possible if the projectile ions attain up to H- and He-like charge states. Corresponding projectile charge state fractions have been evaluated from the Lorentzian charge state distribution, where mean charge state is taken from the Fermi gas model [Phys. Rev. Lett. 30, 358 (1973)] and width from the Novikov and Teplova approach [Phys. Lett. A378, 1286-1289 (2014)]. The sum of the direct ionization cross-section and K-K + K-L capture cross-sections gives a good agreement with the measured cross-sections. Furthermore, we have validated this methodology with available data for Si-ion on Ti target. Such results may be useful in many solid target based applications.

physics.atom-ph↗
arXiv2021

On the timescale of quasi fission and Coulomb fission

Coulomb fission mechanism may take place if the maximum Coulomb-excitation energy transfer in a reaction exceeds the fission barrier of either the projectile or target. This condition is satisfied by all the reactions used for the earlier blocking measurements except one reaction 208 Pb + Natural Ge crystal, where the measured timescale was below the measuring limit of the blocking measurements < 1 as. Hence, inclusion of the Coulomb fission in the data analysis of the blocking experiments leads us to interpret that the measured time longer than a few attoseconds (about 2-2.5 as) is nothing but belonging to the Coulomb fission timescale and shorter than 1 as are due to the quasifission. Consequently, this finding resolves the critical discrepancies between the fission timescale measurements using the nuclear and blocking techniques. This, in turn, validates the fact that the quasifission timescale is indeed of the order of zeptoseconds in accordance with the nuclear experiments and theories. It thus provides a radical input in understanding the reaction mechanism for heavy element formation via fusion evaporation processes

nucl-th↗
arXiv2021

Supremacy of optimal beam energy for synthesis of superheavy elements

Besides right choice of entrance channel, selection of optimal beam energies for synthesis of superheavy elements plays a crucial role. A thorough investigation with the advanced statistical and dinuclear system models on all the experiments performed for the synthesis of the successful superheavy elements Z=104-118 and failed superheavy elements Z=119-120 leads us to infer that improper choice of the beam energies may be responsible for too low production cross sections to measure and thus the cause for the debacle. We have predicted the optimal beam energies to obtain the maximum production cross sections for all the reactions used for the superheavy elements Z=104-120. Hope exploitation of these predictions may be on the cards soon to extend the periodic table for the eighth period

nucl-th↗
arXiv2021

Search for a viable nucleus-nucleus potential for heavy-ion nuclear reactions

We have constructed an empirical formulae for the fusion and interaction barriers using experimental values available till date. The fusion barriers so obtained have been compared with different model predictions based on the proximity, Woods-Saxon and double folding potentials along with several empirical formulas, time dependent Hartree-Fock theories, and the experimental results. The comparison allows us to find the best model, which is nothing but the present empirical formula only. Most remarkably, the fusion barrier and radius show excellent consonance with the experimental findings for the reactions meant for synthesis of the superheavy elements also. Furthermore, it is seen that substitution of the predicted fusion barrier and radius in classic Wong formula [C. Wong, Phys. Rev. Lett. {31}, 766 (1973)] for the total fusion cross sections satisfies very well with the experiments. Similarly, current interaction barrier predictions have also been compared well with a few experimental results available and Bass potential model meant for the interaction barrier predictions. Importantly, the present formulae for the fusion as well as interaction barrier will have practical implications in carrying out the physics research near the Coulomb barrier energies. Furthermore, present fusion barrier and radius provide us a good nucleus-nucleus potential useful for numerous theoretical applications.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2019

Exploring the accurate nuclear potential

We have constructed empirical formulae for fusion and interaction barrier heights using experimental values available in the literature. Fusion excitation function measurements are used for the former and back angle quasi-elastic excitation function for the latter case. The fusion barriers so obtained have been compared with various model predictions such as Bass potential, Christenson and Winther, Broglia and Winther, Aage Winther, Siwek-Wilczynska and J.Wilczynski, Skyrme energy density function model, and the Sao Paulo optical potential along with experimental results. The comparison allows us to find the best model, which is found to be the Broglia and Winther model. Further, to examine its predictability, the Broglia and Winther model parameters are used to obtain total fusion cross sections showing good agreement with the experimental values for beam energies above the fusion barriers. Thus, this model can be useful for planning any experiments, especially ones aiming for super heavy elements. Similarly, current interaction barrier heights have also been compared with the Bass potential model predictions. It shows that the present model calculations are much lower than the Bass potential model predictions. We believe the current interaction barrier model prediction will be a good starting point for future quasi-elastic scattering experiments. Whereas both the Broglia and Winther model and our interaction barrier model will have practical implications in carrying out physics research near the Coulomb barrier energies.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2017

Present status of theoretical understanding of charge changing processes at low beam energies

A model for the evaluation of charge-state distributions of fast heavy ions in solid targets is being developed since late eighties in terms of ETACHA code. Time to time it is being updated to deal with more number of electrons and non-perturbative processes. The calculation approach of the recent one, which is formulated for handling the non-perturbative processes better, is different from the earlier ones. However, the experimental results for the projectiles up to 28 electrons can be compared with the predictions from any versions of ETACHA code. Though earlier versions are not meant for the non-perturbative cases, but the detail comparison suggests that predictions from an earlier version is somewhat superior to that of the recent version. However, certain difference up to 4 units of charge found between the earlier version and experimental results on the mean charge states and charge state distributions is attributed to nonradiative electron capture taking place at the exit surface in the influence of wake and dynamic screening effects. This can be a possible mechanism of multiply charge formation in the electrospray ionization of big molecules.

physics.atom-ph↗