arXiv subjects

T. Rauscher

Publications and source records attributed to T. Rauscher.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Neutron capture cross section measurement of 238U at the n TOF CERN facility with C6D6 scintillation detectors in the energy region from 1 eV to 700 keV

The aim of this work is to provide a precise and accurate measurement of the 238U(n,g) reaction cross section in the energy region from 1 eV to 700 keV. This reaction is of fundamental importance for the design calculations of nuclear reactors, governing the behaviour of the reactor core. In particular, fast reactors, which are experiencing a growing interest for their ability to burn radioactive waste, operate in the high energy region of the neutron spectrum. In this energy region most recent evaluations disagree due to inconsistencies in the existing measurements of up to 15%. In addition, the assessment of nuclear data uncertainty performed for innovative reactor systems shows that the uncertainty in the radiative capture cross-section of 238U should be further reduced to 1-3% in the energy region from 20 eV to 25 keV. To this purpose, addressed by the Nuclear Energy Agency as a priority nuclear data need, complementary experiments, one at the GELINA and two at the n_TOF facility, were proposed and carried out within the 7th Framework Project ANDES of the European Commission. The results of one of these 238U(n,g) measurements performed at the n_TOF CERN facility are presented in this work. The gamma-ray cascade following the radiative neutron capture has been detected exploiting a setup of two C6D6 liquid scintillators. Resonance parameters obtained from this work are on average in excellent agreement with the ones reported in evaluated libraries. In the unresolved resonance region, this work yields a cross section in agreement with evaluated libraries up to 80 keV, while for higher energies our results are significantly higher.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Production Uncertainties of p-Nuclei in the $γ$-Process in Massive Stars Using a Monte Carlo Approach

Proton-rich nuclei, the so-called p-nuclei, are made in photodisintegration processes in outer shells of massive stars in the course of the final supernova explosion. Nuclear uncertainties in the production of these nuclei have been quantified in a Monte Carlo procedure. Bespoke temperature-dependent uncertainties were assigned to different types of reactions involving nuclei from Fe to Bi and all rates were varied randomly within the uncertainties. The resulting total production uncertainties of the p-nuclei are below a factor of two, with few exceptions. Key reactions dominating the final uncertainties have been identified in an automated procedure using correlations between rate and abundance uncertainties. Our results are compared to those of a previous study manually varying reaction rates.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

Experimental study of the astrophysical gamma-process reaction 124Xe(alpha,gamma)128Ba

The synthesis of heavy, proton rich isotopes in the astrophysical gamma-process proceeds through photodisintegration reactions. For the improved understanding of the process, the rates of the involved nuclear reactions must be known. The reaction 128Ba(g,a)124Xe was found to affect the abundance of the p nucleus 124Xe. Since the stellar rate for this reaction cannot be determined by a measurement directly, the aim of the present work was to measure the cross section of the inverse 124Xe(a,g)128Ba reaction and to compare the results with statistical model predictions. Of great importance is the fact that data below the (a,n) threshold was obtained. Studying simultaneously the 124Xe(a,n)127Ba reaction channel at higher energy allowed to further identify the source of a discrepancy between data and prediction. The 124Xe + alpha cross sections were measured with the activation method using a thin window 124Xe gas cell. The studied energy range was between E = 11 and 15 MeV close above the astrophysically relevant energy range. The obtained cross sections are compared with statistical model calculations. The experimental cross sections are smaller than standard predictions previously used in astrophysical calculations. As dominating source of the difference, the theoretical alpha width was identified. The experimental data suggest an alpha width lower by at least a factor of 0.125 in the astrophysical energy range. An upper limit for the 128Ba(g,a)124Xe stellar rate was inferred from our measurement. The impact of this rate was studied in two different models for core-collapse supernova explosions of 25 solar mass stars. A significant contribution to the 124Xe abundance via this reaction path would only be possible when the rate was increased above the previous standard value. Since the experimental data rule this out, they also demonstrate the closure of this production path.

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arXiv2016

Uncertainties in the production of $p$ nuclei in massive stars obtained from Monte Carlo variations

Nuclear uncertainties in the production of $p$ nuclei in massive stars have been quantified in a Monte Carlo procedure. Bespoke temperature-dependent uncertainties were assigned to different types of reactions involving nuclei from Fe to Bi. Their simultaneous impact was studied in postprocessing explosive trajectories for three different stellar models. It was found that the grid of mass zones in the model of a 25 $M_\odot$ star, which is widely used for investigations of $p$ nucleosynthesis, is too crude to properly resolve the detailed temperature changes required for describing the production of $p$ nuclei. Using models with finer grids for 15 $M_\odot$ and 25 $M_\odot$ stars with initial solar metallicity, it was found that most of the production uncertainties introduced by nuclear reaction uncertainties are smaller than a factor of two. Since a large number of rates were varied at the same time in the Monte Carlo procedure, possible cancellation effects of several uncertainties could be taken into account. Key rates were identified for each $p$ nucleus, which provide the dominant contribution to the production uncertainty. These key rates were found by examining correlations between rate variations and resulting abundance changes. This method is superior to studying flow patterns, especially when the flows are complex, and to individual, sequential variation of a few rates.

astro-ph.HE↗

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.

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arXiv2016

Experimental setup and procedure for the measurement of the 7Be(n,α)α reaction at n_TOF

The newly built second experimental area EAR2 of the n_TOF spallation neutron source at CERN allows to perform (n, charged particles) experiments on short-lived highly radioactive targets. This paper describes a detection apparatus and the experimental procedure for the determination of the cross-section of the 7Be(n,α) reaction, which represents one of the focal points toward the solution of the cosmological Lithium abundance problem, and whose only measurement, at thermal energy, dates back to 1963. The apparently unsurmountable experimental difficulties stemming from the huge 7Be γ-activity, along with the lack of a suitable neutron beam facility, had so far prevented further measurements. The detection system is subject to considerable radiation damage, but is capable of disentangling the rare reaction signals from the very high background. This newly developed setup could likely be useful also to study other challenging reactions requiring the detectors to be installed directly in the neutron beam.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Theory Considerations For Nucleosynthesis Beyond Fe With Special Emphasis On p-Nuclei In Massive Stars

Nucleosynthesis of heavy elements requires the use of different experimental and theoretical methods to determine astrophysical reaction rates than light element nucleosynthesis. Additionally, there are also larger uncertainties involved in the astrophysical models, both because the sites are not well known and because of differing numerical treatments in different models. As an example for the latter, the production of p-nuclei is compared in two different stellar models, demonstrating that a model widely used for postproduction calculations may have a zone grid too coarse to follow the synthesis of p-nuclei in detail.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Hybrid method to resolve the neutrino mass hierarchy by supernova (anti)neutrino induced reactions

We introduce a hybrid method to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy by simultaneous measurements of responses of at least two detectors to antineutrino and neutrino fluxes from accretion and cooling phases of core-collapse supernovae. The (anti)neutrino-nucleus cross sections for $^{56}$Fe and $^{208}$Pb are calculated in the framework of the relativistic nuclear energy density functional and weak interaction Hamiltonian, while the cross sections for inelastic scattering on free protons $\mathrm{p}(\barν_\mathrm{e},\mathrm{e}^{+})\mathrm{n}$ are obtained using heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory. The modelling of (anti)neutrino fluxes emitted from a protoneutron star in a core-collapse supernova include collective and Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effects inside the exploding star. The particle emission rates from the elementary decay modes of the daughter nuclei are calculated for normal and inverted neutrino mass hierarchy. It is shown that simultaneous use of (anti)neutrino detectors with different target material allows to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy from the ratios of $ν_\mathrm{e}$- and $\barν_\mathrm{e}$-induced particle emissions. This hybrid method favors neutrinos from the supernova cooling phase and the implementation of detectors with heavier target nuclei ($^{208}$Pb) for the neutrino sector, while for antineutrinos the use of free protons in mineral oil or water is the appropriate choice.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Nuclear Reactions For Nucleosynthesis Beyond Fe

Many more nuclear transitions have to be known in the determination of stellar reactivities for trans-iron nucleosynthesis than for reactions of light nuclei. This requires different theoretical and experimental approaches. Some of the issues specific for trans-iron nucleosynthesis are discussed.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Measurements of $^{152}$Gd(p,$γ$)$^{153}$Tb and $^{152}$Gd(p,n)$^{152}$Tb reaction cross sections for the astrophysical $γ$ process

The total cross sections for the $^{152}$Gd(p,$γ$)$^{153}$Tb and $^{152}$Gd(p,n)$^{152}$Tb reactions have been measured by the activation method at effective center-of-mass energies \mbox{$3.47 \leq E_\mathrm{c.m.}^\mathrm{eff}\leq 7.94$ MeV} and \mbox{$4.96 \leq E_\mathrm{c.m.}^\mathrm{eff} \leq 7.94$ MeV}, respectively. The targets were prepared by evaporation of 30.6\% isotopically enriched $^{152}$Gd oxide on aluminum backing foils, and bombarded with proton beams provided by a cyclotron accelerator. The cross sections were deduced from the observed $γ$-ray activity, which was detected off-line by a HPGe detector in a low background environment. The results are presented and compared with predictions of statistical model calculations. This comparison supports a modified optical proton+$^{152}$Gd potential suggested earlier.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

The 106Cd(alpha,alpha)106Cd elastic scattering in a wide energy range for gamma-process studies

Alpha elastic scattering angular distributions of the 106Cd(alpha,alpha)106Cd reaction were measured at three energies around the Coulomb barrier to provide a sensitive test for the alpha + nucleus optical potential parameter sets. Furthermore, the new high precision angular distributions, together with the data available from the literature were used to study the energy dependence of the locally optimized α+nucleus optical potential in a wide energy region ranging from E_Lab = 27.0 MeV down to 16.1 MeV. The potentials under study are a basic prerequisite for the prediction of alpha-induced reaction cross sections and thus, for the calculation of stellar reaction rates used for the astrophysical gamma process. Therefore, statistical model predictions using as input the optical potentials discussed in the present work are compared to the available 106Cd + alpha cross section data.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

Theoretical neutron-capture cross sections for r-process nucleosynthesis in the $^{48}$Ca region

We calculate neutron capture cross sections for r-process nucleosynthesis in the $^{48}$Ca region, namely for the isotopes $^{40-44}$S, $^{46-50}$Ar, $^{56-66}$Ti, $^{62-68}$Cr, and $^{72-76}$Fe. While previously only cross sections resulting from the compound nucleus reaction mechanism (Hauser-Feshbach) have been considered, we recalculate not only that contribution to the cross section but also include direct capture on even-even nuclei. The level schemes, which are of utmost importance in the direct capture calculations, are taken from quasi-particle states obtained with a folded-Yukawa potential and Lipkin-Nogami pairing. Most recent deformation values derived from experimental data on $β$-decay half lives are used where available. Due to the consideration of direct capture, the capture rates are enhanced and the "turning points" in the r-process path are shifted to slightly higher mass numbers. We also discuss the sensitivity of the direct capture cross sections on the assumed deformation.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2015

Primordial heavy element production

A number of possible mechanisms have been suggested to generate density inhomogeneities in the early Universe which could survive until the onset of primordial nucleosynthesis and generate neutron-rich regions. In this work we are not concerned with how the inhomogeneities were generated but we want to focus on the effect of such inhomogeneities on primordial nucleosynthesis. One of the proposed signatures of inhomogeneity, the synthesis of very heavy elements by neutron capture in a primordial r-process, was analyzed for varying baryon to photon ratios $η$ and fluctuation length scales $L$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

A primordial r-process?

Baryon density inhomogeneities in the early universe can give rise to a floor of heavy elements (up to $A\approx 270$) produced in a primordial r-process with fission cycling. A parameter study with variation of the global baryon to photon ratio $η$, and under inclusion of neutron diffusion effects was performed. New results concerning the dependence of the results on nuclear physics parameters are presented.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Test of statistical model cross section calculations for $α$-induced reactions on $^{107}$Ag at energies of astrophysical interest

Astrophysical reaction rates, which are mostly derived from theoretical cross sections, are necessary input to nuclear reaction network simulations for studying the origin of $p$ nuclei. Past experiments have found a considerable difference between theoretical and experimental cross sections in some cases, especially for ($α$,$γ$) reactions at low energy. Therefore, it is important to experimentally test theoretical cross section predictions at low, astrophysically relevant energies. The aim is to measure reaction cross sections of $^{107}$Ag($α$,$γ$)$^{111}$In and $^{107}$Ag($α$,n)$^{110}$In at low energies in order to extend the experimental database for astrophysical reactions involving $α$ particles towards lower mass numbers. Reaction rate predictions are very sensitive to the optical model parameters and this introduces a large uncertainty into theoretical rates involving $α$ particles at low energy. We have also used Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations to study the origin of possible discrepancies between prediction and data. An activation technique has been used to measure the reaction cross sections at effective center of mass energies between 7.79 MeV and 12.50 MeV. Isomeric and ground state cross sections of the ($α$,n) reaction were determined separately. The measured cross sections were found to be lower than theoretical predictions for the ($α$,$γ$) reaction. Varying the calculated averaged widths in the Hauser-Feshbach model, it became evident that the data for the ($α$,$γ$) and ($α$,n) reactions can only be simultaneously reproduced when rescaling the ratio of $γ$- to neutron width and using an energy-dependent imaginary part in the optical $α$+$^{107}$Ag potential.......

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

Measurement of (alpha,n) reaction cross sections of erbium isotopes for testing astrophysical rate predictions

The $γ$-process in core-collapse and/or type Ia supernova explosions is thought to explain the origin of the majority of the so-called $p$ nuclei (the 35 proton-rich isotopes between Se and Hg). Reaction rates for $γ$-process reaction network studies have to be predicted using Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations. Recent investigations have shown problems in the prediction of $α$-widths at astrophysical energies which are an essential input for the statistical model. It has an impact on the reliability of abundance predictions in the upper mass range of the $p$ nuclei. With the measurement of the $^{164,166}$Er($α$,n)$^{167,169}$Yb reaction cross sections at energies close to the astrophysically relevant energy range we tested the recently suggested low energy modification of the $α$+nucleus optical potential in a mass region where $γ$-process calculations exhibit an underproduction of the $p$ nuclei. Using the same optical potential for the $α$-width which was derived from combined $^{162}$Er($α$,n) and $^{162}$Er($α$,$γ$) measurement makes it plausible that a low-energy modification of the optical $α$+nucleus potential is needed.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Production of 92Nb, 92Mo, and 146Sm in the gamma-process in SNIa

The knowledge of the production of extinct radioactivities like 92Nb and 146Sm by photodisintegration processes in ccSN and SNIa models is essential for interpreting abundances in meteoritic material and for Galactic Chemical Evolution (GCE). The 92Mo/92Nb and 146Sm/144Sm ratios provide constraints for GCE and production sites. We present results for SNIa with emphasis on nuclear uncertainties.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Quantification of nuclear uncertainties in nucleosynthesis of elements beyond Iron

Nucleosynthesis beyond Fe poses additional challenges not encountered when studying astrophysical processes involving light nuclei. Generally higher temperatures and nuclear level densities lead to stronger contributions of transitions on excited target states. This may prevent cross section measurements to determine stellar reaction rates and theory contributions remain important. Furthermore, measurements often are not feasible in the astrophysically relevant energy range. Sensitivity analysis allows not only to determine the contributing nuclear properties but also is a handy tool for experimentalists to interpret the impact of their data on predicted cross sections and rates. It can also speed up future input variation studies of nucleosynthesis by simplifying an intermediate step in the full calculation sequence. Large-scale predictions of sensitivities and ground-state contributions to the stellar rates are presented, allowing an estimate of how well rates can be directly constrained by experiment. The reactions 185W(n,gamma) and 186W(gamma,n) are discussed as application examples. Studies of uncertainties in abundances predicted in nucleosynthesis simulations rely on the knowledge of reaction rate errors. An improved treatment of uncertainty analysis is presented as well as a recipe for combining experimental data and theory to arrive at a new reaction rate and its uncertainty. As an example, it is applied to neutron capture rates for the s-process, leading to larger uncertainties than previously assumed.

nucl-ex↗