arXiv subjects

V. Guimaraes

Publications and source records attributed to V. Guimaraes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Search for $^{22}$Na in novae supported by a novel method for measuring femtosecond nuclear lifetimes

Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions in stellar binary systems, and important sources of $^{26}$Al and $^{22}$Na. While gamma rays from the decay of the former radioisotope have been observed throughout the Galaxy, $^{22}$Na remains untraceable. The half-life of $^{22}$Na (2.6 yr) would allow the observation of its 1.275 MeV gamma-ray line from a cosmic source. However, the prediction of such an observation requires good knowledge of the nuclear reactions involved in the production and destruction of this nucleus. The $^{22}$Na($p,γ$)$^{23}$Mg reaction remains the only source of large uncertainty about the amount of $^{22}$Na ejected. Its rate is dominated by a single resonance on the short-lived state at 7785.0(7) keV in $^{23}$Mg. In the present work, a combined analysis of particle-particle correlations and velocity-difference profiles is proposed to measure femtosecond nuclear lifetimes. The application of this novel method to the study of the $^{23}$Mg states, combining magnetic and highly-segmented tracking gamma-ray spectrometers, places strong limits on the amount of $^{22}$Na produced in novae, explains its non-observation to date in gamma rays (flux < 2.5x$10^{-4}$ ph/(cm$^2$s)), and constrains its detectability with future space-borne observatories.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Digital Signal Analysis based on Convolutional Neural Networks for Active Target Time Projection Chambers

An algorithm for digital signal analysis using convolutional neural networks (CNN) was developed in this work. The main objective of this algorithm is to make the analysis of experiments with active target time projection chambers more efficient. The code is divided in three steps: baseline correction, signal deconvolution and peak detection and integration. The CNNs were able to learn the signal processing models with relative errors of less than 6\%. The analysis based on CNNs provides the same results as the traditional deconvolution algorithms, but considerably more efficient in terms of computing time (about 65 times faster). This opens up new possibilities to improve existing codes and to simplify the analysis of the large amount of data produced in active target experiments.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2021

Narrow resonances in the continuum of the unbound nucleus $^{15}$F

The structure of the unbound $^{15}$F nucleus is investigated using the inverse kinematics resonant scattering of a radioactive $^{14}$O beam impinging on a CH$_2$ target. The analysis of $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,p)$^{14}$O and $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,2p)$^{13}$N reactions allowed the confirmation of the previously observed narrow $1/2^{-}$ resonance, near the two-proton decay threshold, and the identification of two new narrow 5/2$^{-}$ and 3/2$^{-}$ resonances. The newly observed levels decay by 1p emission to the ground of $^{14}$O, and by sequential 2p emission to the ground state (g.s.) of $^{13}$N via the $1^-$ resonance of $^{14}$O. Gamow shell model (GSM) analysis of the experimental data suggests that the wave functions of the 5/2$^{-}$ and 3/2$^{-}$ resonances may be collectivized by the continuum coupling to nearby 2p- and 1p- decay channels. The observed excitation function $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,p)$^{14}$O and resonance spectrum in $^{15}$F are well reproduced in the unified framework of the GSM.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2021

Probing nuclear forces beyond the nuclear drip line: The cases of $^{16}$F and $^{15}$F

The unbound proton-rich nuclei $^{16}$F and $^{15}$F are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Several experiments using the resonant elastic scattering method were performed at GANIL with radioactive beams to determine the properties of the low lying states of these nuclei. Strong asymmetry between $^{16}$F-$^{16}$N and $^{15}$F-$^{15}$C mirror nuclei is observed. The strength of the $nucleon-nucleon$ effective interaction involving the loosely bound proton in the $s_{1/2}$ orbit is significantly modified with respect to their mirror nuclei $^{16}$N and $^{15}$C. The reduction of the effective interaction is estimated by calculating the interaction energies with a schematic zero-range force. It is found that, after correcting for the effects due to changes in the radial distribution of the single-particle wave functions, the mirror symmetry of the $n-p$ interaction is preserved between $^{16}$F and $^{16}$N, while a difference of 63\% is measured between the $p-p$ versus $n-n$ interactions in the second excited state of $^{15}$F and $^{15}$C nuclei. Several explanations are proposed.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2020

Sub-threshold states in $^{19}$Ne relevant to $^{18}$F(p,$α$)$^{15}$O

Classical novae result from thermonuclear explosions producing several $γ$-ray emitters which are prime targets for satellites observing in the MeV range. The early 511 keV gamma-ray emission depends critically on the $^{18}$F(p,$α$)$^{15}$O reaction rate which, despite many experimental and theoretical efforts, still remains uncertain. One of the main uncertainties in the $^{18}$F(p,$α$)$^{15}$O reaction rate is the contribution in the Gamow window of interference between sub-threshold $^{19}$Ne states and known broad states at higher energies. Therefore the goal of this work is to clarify the existence and the nature of these sub-threshold states. States in the $^{19}$Ne compound nucleus were studied at the Tandem-ALTO facility using the $^{19}$F($^3$He,t)$^{19}$Ne charge exchange reaction. Tritons were detected with an Enge Split-pole spectrometer while decaying protons or $α$-particles from unbound $^{19}$Ne states were collected, in coincidence, with a double-sided silicon strip detector array. Angular correlations were extracted and constraints on the spin and parity of decaying states established. The coincidence yield at $E_x$ = 6.29 MeV was observed to be high spin, supporting the conclusion that it is indeed a doublet consisting of high spin and low spin components. Evidence for a broad, low spin state was observed around 6 MeV. Branching ratios were extracted for several states above the proton threshold and were found to be consistent with the literature. R-matrix calculations show the relative contribution of sub-threshold states to the astrophysically important energy region above the proton threshold. The levels schemes of $^{19}$Ne and $^{19}$F are still not sufficiently well known and further studies of the analogue assignments are needed. The tentative broad state at 6 MeV may only play a role if the reduced proton width is large.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2020

The total reaction cross section of heavy-ion reactions induced by stable and unstable exotic beams: The low-energy regime

In this review paper we present a detailed account of the extraction and the calculation of the total reaction cross section of strongly bound and weakly bound, stable and unstable, exotic, nuclei. We discuss the optical model and the more general coupled channels model of direct reactions. The effect of long-range absorption due to the coupling to excited states in the target and to the breakup continuum in the projectile is also discussed. The generalized optical theorem for charged particle scattering and the resulting sum-of differences method is then discussed. The so-called "quarter-point recipe" is discussed next, and the quarter-point angle is introduced as a simple and rapid mean to obtain the total reaction cross section. The last topic discussed is the reduction of the total reaction cross section that would allow a large body of data to sit on a single universal function. Such a universal function exists in the case of the fusion data, and the aim of this last topic of the review is to extend the fusion case to the total reaction, by adding the direct reaction contribution. Also discussed is the inclusive breakup cross section and how it can be used to extract the total reaction cross section of the interacting fragment with the target. This method is also known as the Surrogate method and represents a case of hybrid reactions. The sum of the integrated inclusive breakup cross section with the complete fusion cross section supplies the total fusion cross section. The main experimental methods to determine the total reaction cross section are also discussed, with emphasis in recent techniques developed to deal with reactions induced by unstable beams.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2014

Recoil Properties of Fragments Formed in the 4.4 GeV Deuteron-Induced Reaction on Gold target

The recoil properties of fragments produced by the interaction of 4.4 GeV deuteron with 197Au target have been studied. New experimental data on recoil properties for 90 nuclei, varying from 24Na to 198Au, were obtained. The technique applied was the {thick-target thick-catcher} and induced activity method. The deuteron beam was obtained from the Nuclotron of the Laboratory of High Energies (LHE), Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna. The experimental data were analyzed on the basis of the standard two-step vector model formalism. From this analysis we could find evidence to support the existence of several different mechanisms, such as spallation, fission and fragmentation, in the reaction investigated. Fission contributed appreciably to the formation of products in the mass region of 65 < A < 120. The kinematic characteristics of residual nuclei formed in the present deuteron-induced reaction have been compared to those from proton-induced reactions with gold target.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Photo-fission of 232Th and 238U at intermediate energies

In this work we present an analysis of the yields of fission fragments induced by bremsstrahlung photons with endpoint energies of 50 and 3500 MeV on 232Th and 238U targets using the simulation code CRISP. A multimodal fission option was added to this code and an extension of the calculation to the properties of the fission products is presented. By dividing the fissioning nuclei according to their fissionability, an approach is introduced which accounts for the contribution of symmetric and asymmetric fission. By adopting this procedure, it was possible to calculate the main parameters for the fission fragment charge distribution such as the most probable charge for a given fission product mass chain and its corresponding width parameter. Also, it was possible to reproduce features of fragment mass distribution and evaluate the fissility of fissioning nuclei for photon-induced fission of 232Th and 238U.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Proton-induced fission on 241Am, 238U and 237Np at intermediate energies

Intermediate energy data of proton-induced fission on 241Am, 238U and 237Np targets were analysed and investigated using the computational simulation code CRISP. Inelastic interactions of protons on heavy nuclei and both symmetric and asymmetric fission are regarded. The fission probabilities are obtained from the CRISP code calculations by means of the Bohr-Wheeler model. The fission cross sections, the fissility and the number of nucleons evaporated by the nuclei, before and after fission, are calculated and compared with experimental data. Some of the model predictions agree completely with the data. We conclude that our two step model of the CRISP code provides a good description of intermediate energy proton-induced fission.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Super-asymmetric fission of heavy nuclei induced by intermediate energy protons

In this work we present the results for the investigation of intermediate-mass fragment (IMF) production with the proton-induced reaction at 660 MeV on 238U and 237Np target. The data were obtained with the LNR Phasotron U-400M Cyclotron at Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russia. A total of 93 isotopes, in the mass range of 30 < A < 200, were unambiguously identified with high precision. The fragment production cross sections were obtained by means of the induced-activation method in an off-line analysis. Mass-yield distributions were derived from the data and compared with the results of the simulation code CRISP for multimodal fission. A discussion of the super-asymmetric fragment production mechanism is also given.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Target Residues Formed in the Deuteron-Induced Reaction of Gold at Incident Energy 2.2 AGeV

The cross sections of 110 radioactive nuclide with mass numbers 22 < A < 198 amu from the interaction of 2.2 GeV/nucleon deuterons from the Nuclotron of the Laboratory of High Energies (LHE), Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) at Dubna with a 197Au target are investigated using induced activity method. The results including charge and mass distributions are parameterized in terms of 3-parameter equation in order to complete the real isobaric distribution. Using data from charge distribution total mass-yield distribution was obtained. The analysis of the mass-yield distribution allows to suppose existence of different channels of the interaction such as spallation, deep spallation, fission-like and multifragmentation processes.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Investigation of induced fission of natPb by accelerated 7Li ions

Cross-sections for fragments produced by the fission reaction induced by accelerated 7Li ions impinged into an natPb target at 245 MeV were obtained. We have applied the induced-activation method in off-line analysis. The analysis of charge and mass distributions of fission products allowed the determination of the total fission cross-section for the 7Li+Pb system. The recoil technique (thick target- thick catcher), based on the two step model mathematical formalism, is used to determine the kinematics characteristics of reaction products. Analysis concerning transferred linear momentum provided information on the initial projectile-target interaction, and is compared with proton-induced fission measurements.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2009

Light radioactive nuclei capture reactions with phenomenological potential models

Light radioactive nuclei play an important role in many astrophysical environments. Due to very low cross sections of some neutron and proton capture reactions by these radioactive nuclei at energies of astrophysical interest, direct laboratory measurements are very difficult. For radioactive nuclei such as 8Li and 8B, the direct measurement of neutron capture reactions is impossible. Indirect methods have been applied to overcome these difficulties. In this work we will report on the results and discussion of phenomenological potential models used to determine some proton and neutron capture reactions. As a test we show the results for the 16O(p,g)17F_gs(5/2+) and 16O(p,g)17F_ex(1/2+) capture reactions.We also computed the nucleosynthesis cross sections for the 7Li(n,g)8Li, 8Li(n,g)9Li and 8B(p,g)9C capture reactions.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2009

Radiative capture of nucleons at astrophysical energies with single-particle states

Radiative capture of nucleons at energies of astrophysical interest is one of the most important processes for nucleosynthesis. The nucleon capture can occur either by a compound nucleus reaction or by a direct process. The compound reaction cross sections are usually very small, specially for light nuclei. The direct capture proceeds either via the formation of a single-particle resonance, or a non-resonant capture process. In this work we calculate radiative capture cross sections and astrophysical S-factors for nuclei in the mass region A<20 using single-particle states. We carefully discuss the parameter fitting procedure adopted in the simplified two-body treatment of the capture process. Then we produce a detailed list of cases for which the model works well. Useful quantities, such as spectroscopic factors and asymptotic normalization coefficients, are obtained and compared to published data.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2007

Neutron Transfer reactions induced by 8Li on 9Be

Angular distributions for the elastic scattering of 8Li on 9Be and the neutron transfer reactions 9Be(8Li,7Li)10Be and 9Be(8Li,9Li)8Be have been measured with a 27 MeV 8Li radioactive nuclear beam. Spectroscopic factors for 8Li|n=9Li and 7Li|n=8Li bound systems were obtained from the comparison between the experimental differential cross section and finite-range DWBA calculations with the code FRESCO. The spectroscopic factors obtained are compared to shell model calculations and to other experimental values from (d,p) reactions. Using the present values for the spectroscopic factor, cross sections for the direct neutron-capture reactions 7Li(n,g)8Li and 8Li(n,g)9Li were calculated in the framework of a potential model.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2006

Elastic Scattering and Total Reaction Cross Section for the 6He + 27Al System

The elastic scattering of the radioactive halo nucleus 6He on 27Al target was measured at four energies close to the Coulomb barrier using the RIBRAS (Radioactive Ion Beams in Brazil) facility. The Sao Paulo Potential(SPP) was used and its diffuseness and imaginary strength were adjusted to fit the elastic scattering angular distributions. Reaction cross-sections were extracted from the optical model fits. The reduced reaction cross-sections of 6He on 27Al are similar to those for stable, weakly bound projectiles as {6,7}Li, 9Be and larger than stable, tightly bound projectile as 16O on 27Al.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2004

Higher order effects in the $^{16}O(d,p)^{17}O$ and $^{16}O(d,n)^{17}F$ transfer reactions

Full Coupled Channels Calculations were performed for the $^{16}O(d,n)^{17}F$ and $^{16}O(d,p)^{17}O$ transfer reactions at several deuteron incident energies from $E_{lab}=2.29$ MeV up to 3.27 MeV. A strong polarization effect between the entrance channel and the transfer channels $^{16}O(d,n)^{17}F(1/2^{+},0.495)$ and $^{16}O(d,p)^{17}O(1/2^{+},0.87)$ was observed. This polarization effect had to be taken into account in order to obtain realistic spectroscopic factors from these reactions.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2000

Spectroscopy of 13,14B via the one-neutron knockout reaction

The single-nucleon knockout reactions 9Be(14B, 13B + gamma)X and 197Au(14B, 13B + gamma)X, at an incident energy of 60 MeV per nucleon, have been used to probe the structure of 14B and of the core fragment 13B. A dominant 2s configuration is deduced for the neutron in the ground state of 14B. The longitudinal momentum distribution for this state is consistent with "neutron halo" structure. Spin assignments for 13B excited states at 3.48 and 3.68 MeV are proposed based on the observed spectroscopic factors for one-neutron removal.

nucl-ex↗