arXiv subjects

T. Uesaka

Publications and source records attributed to T. Uesaka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Probing the Size of Neutron and Proton Single-Particle Orbitals from Nucleon Knockout Reactions

The size of neutron and proton single-particle orbitals of $^{52}$Ca, $^{53}$Ca, $^{54}$Ca, and $^{55}$Sc were investigated via nucleon knockout reactions at $\sim$ 230 MeV/nucleon. The determination method is based on the measured fragment momentum distributions in $(p,pn)$ and $(p,2p)$ reactions, which are shown to be sensitive to the spatial extension of the wave function of the knocked-out nucleon, interpreted within the distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) framework. A systematic sensitivity study is carried out for the $(p,pn)$ recoil-momentum distribution method and is presented in this work. The experimental momentum distributions are compared to state-of-the-art mean field and $ab$ $initio$ in-medium similarity renormalization group and self-consistent Green's function calculations in combination with DWIA reaction theory calculations. Based on this work, the 1$p$ neutron orbitals are consistently found $0.48-0.78$ fm larger than the $0f_{7/2}$ neutron orbitals in $^{52-54}$Ca, while the size evolution of the valence proton orbitals remains inconclusive due to the large associated statistical uncertainties.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Nuclotron internal target polarimeter for the measurements of the deuteron and proton beam polarization

Studies of spin-dependent effects at the Nuclotron/NICA accelerator complex at JINR require precise measurements of the deuteron and proton beam polarization. The vector polarization of the deuteron beam was measured at the energies of 200, 500, 550, and 650 MeV/nucleon by a detection system of scintillation counters placed at the Nuclotron internal target. Considering the deuteron beam as a beam of weakly bound protons and neutrons, the asymmetries of scattering of protons from deuterons on polyethylene and carbon targets were determined. The polarization of the polarized proton beam accelerated for the first time at the Nuclotron up to 500 MeV was also measured.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

The dipole strength distribution of $^8$He and decay characteristics

The weak binding and spatially extended neutron densities characteristic of drip-line nuclei give rise to a distinctive low-energy dipole response. The drip-line nucleus $^8$He is the most neutron-rich bound nucleus with a mass-to-charge ratio of $A/Z=4$. We measure the dipole response of $^8$He, including for the first time the four-neutron decay channel. A total dipole strength of $\sum B(E1)(E^*<15$~MeV$)=0.95(16)~e^2$fm$^2$ and a dipole polarizability of $\alpha_D = 0.61(1)$~fm$^3$ are extracted from the differential Coulomb-excitation cross section and compared to state-of-the-art theoretical calculations employing coupled cluster and three-body approaches. We find that the dipole continuum is dominated, even at high excitation energies well above the $4n$ decay threshold, by two-neutron emission, pointing to a $^6$He$+2n$ structure of the excited dipole mode. No indication was found for a $4n$ final-state correlation, while pronounced $nn$ and $^6$He-$n$ final-state correlations are apparent.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

First Extraction of the Matter Radius of $^{132}$Sn via Proton Elastic Scattering at 200 MeV/Nucleon

The angular distribution of the differential cross sections for proton elastic scattering from $^{132}$Sn at 196-210 MeV/nucleon was successfully measured over a momentum transfer range of 0.80 to 2.1 fm$^{-1}$. Using a relativistic impulse approximation, the root-mean-square matter radius of $^{132}$Sn was extracted to be $4.758^{+0.023}_{-0.024}$ fm, which was compared with the state-of-the-art ab initio calculations. Combined with the charge radius measured at ISOLDE, there are no theoretical calculations consistent with both matter and charge radii within the experimental errors.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Observation of a broad $p$-wave resonant state in $^{9}$He

We report on the two-body invariant-mass spectroscopy of $^{9}$He, populated via the 1$p$1$n$ knockout reaction from the two-neutron halo nucleus $^{11}$Li at $\sim$250 MeV/nucleon. A broad $p$-wave resonant state of $^{9}$He was observed at 1.28(1) MeV with a width of 0.82(4) MeV.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2025

Radiation-tolerant polarized solid target

Polarized targets evolved into indispensable tools in particle and nuclear physics. However, the polarized solid target is degraded by high-intense beam irradiation, known as radiation damage due to target heating and radical generation. We demonstrated a radiation-tolerant polarized solid target operating at room temperature. An annealing allows the spontaneous repair of the damage by reducing unwanted radicals. Using a single crystal of $\it p$-terphenyl doped with 0.01 mol\% pentacene-$\it d$$_{14}$, Dynamic Nuclear Polarization using photoexcited triplet electrons (Triplet-DNP) was applied to proton spins at room temperature and in 0.39 T. For the proof of concept, a deuteron beam with an energy of 135 MeV/u and the intensities of 10$^7$-10$^9$ counts per second (cps) was irradiated. The proton polarization was determined to be 3.0\% $\pm$0.2\%$\rm{{(stat.)}}$ $\pm$0.1\%$\rm {{(sys.)}}$ from a scattering asymmetry. The polarization was almost not attenuated up to 10$^9$ cps, but the target crystal was yellowed. The visible-light absorption spectroscopy suggested irreversible radiation damage due to missing protons by the knock-out reaction. The room-temperature polarized solid target allows impractical experiments with the conventional target system, leading to a next-generation spin-dependent accelerator science.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Investigation of Direct Nuclear Reactions in a Storage Ring Using In-Ring Detection

\textbf{Background:} Experiments involving nuclear reactions in a storage ring offer exceptional possibilities for precise measurements in inverse kinematics. These experiments provide excellent angular and energy resolution by particle spectroscopy, in addition to high luminosities. However, the extremely low-pressure environment maintained in the storage rings poses significant difficulties for experiments employing detectors or any outgassing material in the ring. \textbf{Purpose:} To investigate nuclear reactions in inverse kinematics using the storage-ring technique. The reactions were induced by scattering of a ${}^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$ beam off a hydrogen target at an energy of 50~MeV/u. \textbf{Method:} A beam of fully stripped ${}^{20}$Ne ions was injected into the ESR storage ring at an energy of 50 MeV/u. The beam interacted with an internal hydrogen gas-jet target. An ultra-high vacuum compatible detector setup was installed around the gas jet inside the ring to measure the recoiling particles generated by nuclear reactions. \textbf{Results:} Multiple reaction channels were observed during the experiment. In particular, we present the results from studies on elastic and inelastic scattering, as well as the neutron transfer reaction ${}^{20}\mathrm{Ne}(p,d){}^{19}\mathrm{Ne}^*$. The experimental data were compared to calculations that took into account the most significant excited states, using a coupled-reaction channel approach. A very good agreement with the experimental data was achieved. \textbf{Conclusions:} The present results are the first demonstration of the investigation transfer reactions using detectors directly installed in the ring. This provides an important proof-of-principle for prospective studies with far-from-stability radioactive beams in the future.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2025

Evolution of two-neutrons configuration from 11Li to 13Li

In this work we investigate the two-neutron decay of 13Li and of the excited states of 11Li populated via one-proton removal from 14Be and 12Be, respectively. A phenomenological model is used to describe the decay of 11Li and 13Li. While the first one displays important sequential components, the second one appears dominated by the direct two-neutron decay. A microscopic three-body model is used to extract information on the spatial configuration of the emitted neutrons before the decay and shows that the average distance between the neutrons increases going from 11Li to 13Li.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Spectroscopy of $^{52}$K

The first spectroscopy of $^{52}$K was investigated via in-beam $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory after one-proton and one-neutron knockout from $^{53}$Ca and $^{53}$K beams impinging on a 15-cm liquid hydrogen target at $\approx$ 230~MeV/nucleon. The energy level scheme of $^{52}$K was built using single $\gamma$ and $\gamma$-$\gamma$ coincidence spectra. The spins and parities of the excited states were established based on momentum distributions of the fragment after the knockout reaction and based on exclusive cross sections. The results were compared to state-of-the-art shell model calculations with the SDPF-Umod interaction and ab initio IMSRG calculations with chiral effective field theory nucleon-nucleon and three-nucleon forces.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Magicity versus superfluidity around $^{28}$O viewed from the study of $^{30}$F

The neutron-rich unbound fluorine isotope $^{30}$F$_{21}$ has been observed for the first time by measuring its neutron decay at the SAMURAI spectrometer (RIBF, RIKEN) in the quasi-free proton knockout reaction of $^{31}$Ne nuclei at 235 MeV/nucleon. The mass and thus one-neutron-separation energy of $^{30}$F has been determined to be $S_n = -472\pm 58 \mathrm{(stat.)} \pm 33 \mathrm{(sys.)}$ keV from the measurement of its invariant-mass spectrum. The absence of a sharp drop in $S_n$($^{30}$F) shows that the ``magic'' $N=20$ shell gap is not restored close to $^{28}$O, which is in agreement with our shell-model calculations that predict a near degeneracy between the neutron $d$ and $fp$ orbitals, with the $1p_{3/2}$ and $1p_{1/2}$ orbitals becoming more bound than the $0f_{7/2}$ one. This degeneracy and reordering of orbitals has two potential consequences: $^{28}$O behaves like a strongly superfluid nucleus with neutron pairs scattering across shells, and both $^{29,31}$F appear to be good two-neutron halo-nucleus candidates.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Isochronous mass spectrometry at the RIKEN Rare-RI Ring facility

A dedicated isochronous storage ring, named the Rare-RI Ring, was constructed at the RI Beam Factory of RIKEN, aiming at precision mass measurements of nuclei located in uncharted territories of the nuclear chart. The Rare-RI Ring employs the isochronous mass spectrometry technique with the goal to achieve a relative mass precision of $10^{-6}$ within a measurement time of less than 1 ms. The performance of the facility was demonstrated through mass measurements of neutron-rich nuclei with well-known masses. Velocity or magnetic rigidity is measured for every particle prior to its injection into the ring, wherein its revolution time is accurately determined. The latter quantity is used to determine the mass of the particle, while the former one is needed for non-isochronicity corrections. Mass precisions on the order of $10^{-5}$ were achieved in the first commissioning, which demonstrates that Rare-RI Ring is a powerful tool for mass spectrometry of short-lived nuclei.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Spectroscopy of deeply bound orbitals in neutron-rich Ca isotopes

The calcium isotopes are an ideal system to investigate the evolution of shell structure and magic numbers. Although the properties of surface nucleons in calcium have been well studied, probing the structure of deeply bound nucleons remains a challenge. Here, we report on the first measurement of unbound states in $^{53}$Ca and $^{55}$Ca, populated from \ts{54,56}Ca($p,pn$) reactions at a beam energy of around 216 MeV/nucleon at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotopes Beam Factory. The resonance properties, partial cross sections, and momentum distributions of these unbound states were analyzed. Orbital angular momentum $l$ assignments were extracted from momentum distributions based on calculations using the distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) reaction model. The resonances at excitation energies of 5516(41)\,keV in $^{53}$Ca and 6000(250)\,keV in $^{55}$Ca indicate a significant $l$\, =\,3 component, providing the first experimental evidence for the $\nu 0f_{7/2}$ single-particle strength of unbound hole states in the neutron-rich Ca isotopes. The observed excitation energies and cross-sections point towards extremely localized and well separated strength distributions, with some fragmentation for the $\nu 0f_{7/2}$ orbital in $^{55}$Ca. These results are in good agreement with predictions from shell-model calculations using the effective GXPF1Bs interaction and \textit{ab initio} calculations and diverge markedly from the experimental distributions in the nickel isotones at $Z=28$.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Mass, spectroscopy and two-neutron decay of $^{16}$Be

The structure and decay of the most neutron-rich beryllium isotope, $^{16}$Be, has been investigated following proton knockout from a high-energy $^{17}$B beam. Two relatively narrow resonances were observed for the first time, with energies of $0.84(3)$ and $2.15(5)$ MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold and widths of $0.32(8)$ and $0.95(15)$ MeV respectively. These were assigned to be the ground ($J^{\pi}=0^+$) and first excited ($2^+$) state, with $E_x=1.31(6)$ MeV. The mass excess of $^{16}$Be was thus deduced to be $56.93(13)$ MeV, some $0.5$ MeV more bound than the only previous measurement. Both states were observed to decay by direct two-neutron emission. Calculations incorporating the evolution of the wavefunction during the decay as a genuine three-body process reproduced the principal characteristics of the neutron-neutron energy spectra for both levels, indicating that the ground state exhibits a strong spatially compact dineutron component, while the 2$^+$ level presents a far more diffuse neutron-neutron distribution.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Validation of the $^{10}\mathrm{Be}$ Ground-State Molecular Structure Using $^{10}\mathrm{Be}(p,pα)^{6}\mathrm{He}$ Triple Differential Reaction Cross-Section Measurements

The cluster structure of the neutron-rich isotope $^{10}$Be has been probed via the $(p,pα)$ reaction at 150 MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics and in quasifree conditions. The populated states of $^{6}$He residues were investigated through missing mass spectroscopy. The triple differential cross-section for the ground-state transition was extracted for quasifree angle pairs ($θ_{p}$, $θ_α$) and compared to distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction calculations performed in a microscopic framework using successively the Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Röpke product wave-function and the wave-function deduced from Antisymmetrized Molecular Dynamics calculations. The remarkable agreement between calculated and measured cross-sections in both shape and magnitude validates the molecular structure description of the $^{10}$Be ground-state, configured as an $α$-$α$ core with two valence neutrons occupying $π$-type molecular orbitals.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Level Structures of $^{56,58}$Ca Cast Doubt on a doubly magic $^{60}$Ca

Gamma decays were observed in $^{56}$Ca and $^{58}$Ca following quasi-free one-proton knockout reactions from $^{57,59}$Sc beams at $\approx 200$ MeV/nucleon. For $^{56}$Ca, a $γ$ ray transition was measured to be 1456(12) keV, while for $^{58}$Ca an indication for a transition was observed at 1115(34) keV. Both transitions were tentatively assigned as the $2^+_1 \rightarrow 0^+_{gs}$ decays, and were compared to results from ab initio and conventional shell-model approaches. A shell-model calculation in a wide model space with a marginally modified effective nucleon-nucleon interaction depicts excellent agreement with experiment for $2^+_1$ level energies, two-neutron separation energies, and reaction cross sections, corroborating the formation of a new nuclear shell above the $N$ = 34 shell. Its constituents, the $0f_{5/2}$ and $0g_{9/2}$ orbitals, are almost degenerate. This degeneracy precludes the possibility for a doubly magic $^{60}$Ca and potentially drives the dripline of Ca isotopes to $^{70}$Ca or even beyond.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Silicon tracker array for RIB experiments at SAMURAI

This work describes a silicon tracker system developed for experiments with proton-rich radioactive ion beams at the SAMURAI superconducting spectrometer of RIBF at RIKEN. The system is designed for accurate angular reconstruction and atomic number identification of relativistic heavy ions and protons which are simultaneously produced in reactions motivated by studies of proton capture reactions of interest for nuclear astrophysics. The technical characteristics of the tracking array are described in detail as are its performance in two pilot experiments. The physics justification for such a system is also presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Searching for universality of dineutron correlation at the surface of Borromean nuclei

The dineutron correlation is systematically studied in three different Borromean nuclei near the neutron dripline, 11Li, 14Be and 17B, via the (p, pn) knockout reaction measured at the RIBF facility in RIKEN. For the three nuclei, the correlation angle between the valence neutrons is found to be largest in the same range of intrinsic momenta, which can be associated to the nuclear surface. This result reinforces the prediction that the formation of the dineutron is universal in environments with low neutron density, such as the surface of neutron-rich Borromean nuclei.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Intruder configurations in $^{29}$Ne at the transition into the island of inversion: Detailed structure study of $^{28}$Ne

Detailed $γ$-ray spectroscopy of the exotic neon isotope $^{28}$Ne has been performed for the first time using the one-neutron removal reaction from $^{29}$Ne on a liquid hydrogen target at 240~MeV/nucleon. Based on an analysis of parallel momentum distributions, a level scheme with spin-parity assignments has been constructed for $^{28}$Ne and the negative-parity states are identified for the first time. The measured partial cross sections and momentum distributions reveal a significant intruder $p$-wave strength providing evidence of the breakdown of the $N=20$ and $N=28$ shell gaps. Only a weak, possible $f$-wave strength was observed to bound final states. Large-scale shell-model calculations with different effective interactions do not reproduce the large $p$-wave and small $f$-wave strength observed experimentally, indicating an ongoing challenge for a complete theoretical description of the transition into the island of inversion along the Ne isotopic chain.

nucl-ex↗