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| Open AccessDiscrete symmetries tested at 10−4 precision using linear polarization of photons from positronium annihilations
Positronium decay events can be used to test violation of fundamental symmetries. Here, the authors use events in the J-PET to improve existing limits on P, T and CP invariance in positronium decays, thanks to a method that does not require to measure the positronium spin but determining polarization of the annihilation photons instead.
- Paweł Moskal
- , Eryk Czerwiński
- & Wojciech Wiślicki
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Article
| Open AccessStrongly interacting matter exhibits deconfined behavior in massive neutron stars
Neutron stars contain matter at extremely high densities, the properties of which are reflected in the corresponding equation of state (EoS). Here, the authors argue that the inferred properties of the neutron-star-matter EoS point to the likely presence of deconfined quark matter in the cores of the most massive stable neutron stars.
- Eemeli Annala
- , Tyler Gorda
- & Aleksi Vuorinen
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| Open AccessThe 5α condensate state in 20Ne
Alpha particle clustering plays a significant role in lighter nuclei. Here the authors study the exotic 5α gas-like clustering state of 20Ne, that is 5α condensate state.
- Bo Zhou
- , Yasuro Funaki
- & Taiichi Yamada
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| Open AccessColliding heavy nuclei take multiple identities on the path to fusion
Superheavy nuclei are synthesized in the laboratory through the fusion of lighter nuclei. Here the authors study multinucleon transfer and interactions during the early stages of nuclear fusion in the collision of 40Ca and 208Pb nuclei showing early onset of complexity.
- Kaitlin J. Cook
- , Dominic C. Rafferty
- & Suzana Szilner
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| Open AccessElucidating the nature of the proton radioactivity and branching ratio on the first proton emitter discovered 53mCo
Since the discovery of proton radioactivity in 53mCo, there has been no direct measurement of its branching ratio. Here the authors report the first measurement of the weak proton decay in 53mCo by combining results from advanced detection systems.
- Luis G. Sarmiento
- , Thomas Roger
- & Annika Voss
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| Open AccessExperimental confirmation of driving pressure boosting and smoothing for hybrid-drive inertial fusion at the 100-kJ laser facility
In laser-driven inertial fusion, finding optimal driving pressure is a major challenge. Here, the authors use a 100 kJ SG laser and a hybrid-drive scheme to demonstrate such driving pressure with the help of the direct-drive laser such that the indirect-drive radiation ablation pressure is turned into a well-smoothed hybrid-drive pressure much greater than the radiation ablation pressure.
- Ji Yan
- , Jiwei Li
- & Shaoping Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessSearch for 22Na in novae supported by a novel method for measuring femtosecond nuclear lifetimes
The authors report a particle-particle correlation and velocity-difference profile method to measure nuclear lifetime. The results obtained for excited states of 23Mg are used to constrain the production of 22Na in the astrophysical novae explosions.
- Chloé Fougères
- , François de Oliveira Santos
- & Magdalena Zielińska
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| Open AccessExpanding the limits of nuclear stability at finite temperature
It is interesting and important to understand how the properties of nuclei and their stability change with temperature. Here the authors report their theoretical study of hot nuclei and the drip lines that limit the nuclear existence at finite temperature.
- Ante Ravlić
- , Esra Yüksel
- & Nils Paar
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| Open AccessEmergent geometry and duality in the carbon nucleus
Carbon (12C) nucleus has interesting characteristics including the existence of the Hoyle state. Here the authors discuss the structure of the nuclear states of 12C by using nuclear lattice effective field theory.
- Shihang Shen
- , Serdar Elhatisari
- & Ulf-G. Meißner
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| Open AccessBreakup of the proton halo nucleus 8B near barrier energies
Halo-structured nuclei are examples of many-body open quantum system. Here the authors use a complete kinematics measurement and find an elastic breakup of proton halo nucleus 8B.
- L. Yang
- , C. J. Lin
- & F. P. Zhong
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Article
| Open AccessQED radiative corrections for accelerator neutrinos
Precisely calculating differences between muon- and electron-neutrino interactions is difficult, but is vital for correctly interpreting neutrino oscillation experiments. Here, the authors determine the effect of electromagnetic quantum corrections in the predicted ratio of ve and vμ cross sections.
- Oleksandr Tomalak
- , Qing Chen
- & Kevin S. McFarland
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| Open Accessα-Clustering in atomic nuclei from first principles with statistical learning and the Hoyle state character
Alpha particles are considered the building blocks for some nuclei in alpha-clustering. Here the authors discuss quantum many-body simulations with nucleon-nucleon interaction to characterize the Hoyle state, the first excited 0+ state of the 12C nucleus, and find complexity in its alpha-clustering.
- T. Otsuka
- , T. Abe
- & H. Ueno
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| Open AccessNeutron-upscattering enhancement of the triple-alpha process
The triple-alpha process plays a role in nucleosynthesis, in the formation of 12C. Here, the authors discuss the rate and role of the neutron upscattering phenomenon on the triple-alpha process in a multi-step process.
- J. Bishop
- , C. E. Parker
- & C. Wheldon
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| Open AccessForward-looking insights in laser-generated ultra-intense γ-ray and neutron sources for nuclear application and science
Laser-plasma interaction can provide alternative platform over conventional method for particle and photon beam generation. Here the authors demonstrate generation of gamma ray and neutron beams from intense laser interaction with near critical density plasma.
- M. M. Günther
- , O. N. Rosmej
- & N. E. Andreev
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| Open AccessSU(2) hadrons on a quantum computer via a variational approach
Quantum simulations of lattice gauge theories are in principle scalable, but their extension to dynamically coupled matter has proven difficult. In this work, the authors use a variational quantum eigensolver to simulate a non-Abelian LGT including the effects of both gauge fields and dynamical fermions.
- Yasar Y. Atas
- , Jinglei Zhang
- & Christine A. Muschik
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| Open AccessPrecision measurements on oxygen formation in stellar helium burning with gamma-ray beams and a Time Projection Chamber
Presence of oxygen in the universe can provide information to stellar mass evolution. Here the authors report their method for the measurements of carbon to oxygen ratio and cross-section of the reaction-capture of helium-4 by carbon-12, to produce oxygen-16.
- R. Smith
- , M. Gai
- & M. W. Ahmed
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| Open AccessTesting CPT symmetry in ortho-positronium decays with positronium annihilation tomography
CPT violation could manifest itself in annihilating positronium events, but searching for this effect would require to know the spin of the annihilating system. Here, the authors do this using a positron-emission tomography scanner, finding no violation with a statistical precision of 10−4.
- P. Moskal
- , A. Gajos
- & W. Wiślicki
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| Open Access4D-imaging of drip-line radioactivity by detecting proton emission from 54mNi pictured with ACTAR TPC
Proton radioactivity is useful for studying nuclear structure. Here the authors report two proton emission branches from the 10+ state isomer of 54mNi by using a time projection chamber.
- J. Giovinazzo
- , T. Roger
- & M. Versteegen
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| Open AccessEvidence of a sudden increase in the nuclear size of proton-rich silver-96
Laser spectroscopic measurements of isotopes near the doubly-magic 100-Sn are challenging due to difficulties in their production. Here the authors measure the ground state charge radius of the proton-rich 96-Ag isotope and find a discontinuity in the nuclear size when crossing the neutron number N equal to 50.
- M. Reponen
- , R. P. de Groote
- & I. D. Moore
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| Open AccessMeasurement of the neutron charge radius and the role of its constituents
The charge radius of nucleons provides information about their structure. Here the authors present a method, based values of neutron electric form factors, to determine the charge radius of the neutron and provide information on improving the uncertainty of neutron charge radius measurements
- H. Atac
- , M. Constantinou
- & N. Sparveris
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| Open AccessPhosphorus-rich stars with unusual abundances are challenging theoretical predictions
Current models of Galactic chemical evolution under predict the phosphorus we observe in our Solar System. Here, the authors show the discovery of 15 phosphorus-rich stars with a peculiar abundance pattern that challenges the present stellar nucleosynthesis theoretical predictions, but which could explain the missing source of phosphorus in the Galaxy.
- Thomas Masseron
- , D. A. García-Hernández
- & Carlos Dafonte
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| Open AccessElectromagnetic character of the competitive γγ/γ-decay from 137mBa
Second order effects can play an important role in highlighting nuclear structure properties. Here, the authors show how the second-order nuclear transitions in the form of double-gamma decay in 137Ba help understanding atomic nuclei.
- P.-A. Söderström
- , L. Capponi
- & T. Petruse
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| Open AccessBringing nuclear materials discovery and qualification into the 21st century
Time horizons for nuclear materials development and qualification must be shortened to realize future nuclear energy concepts. Inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, we present an integrated approach to materials discovery and qualification to insert new materials into service.
- Jeffery A. Aguiar
- , Andrea M. Jokisaari
- & R. Allen Roach
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| Open Access233U/236U signature allows to distinguish environmental emissions of civil nuclear industry from weapons fallout
The dominant emission sources of anthropogenic radionuclides come from either atmospheric nuclear weapons tests or the nuclear industry (i.e., reprocessing plants or reactor accidents). Here, the authors identify a new environmental isotope tracer (\(^{233}\)U/\(^{236}\)U) which can help distinguish emissions from nuclear weapons tests, and can also provide constraints on past weapon designs and fuel sources, for which many details remain classified or lost.
- K. Hain
- , P. Steier
- & A. Sakaguchi
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| Open AccessA physically cryptographic warhead verification system using neutron induced nuclear resonances
Inspection and authentication of warheads is important for nuclear safety and security. Here the authors report experimental scheme for the verification of nuclear warheads using the neutron resonance transmission analysis of a reference and candidate objects while preserving the sensitive information.
- Ezra M. Engel
- & Areg Danagoulian
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| Open AccessGenerating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers
Studying nuclear reactions in an astrophysical plasma environment is challenging but laboratory experiments can mimic such extreme conditions. Here the authors discuss the potential use of intense laser-produced dense plasma to find the rates of nuclear reactions in plasma-screened conditions.
- A. J. Kemp
- , S. C. Wilks
- & G. Grim
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| Open AccessThe observation of vibrating pear-shapes in radon nuclei
Octupole deformation in nuclei is important to understand nuclear structure and electric dipole moments of heavy atoms. Here the authors measure energies of excited quantum states in radon isotopes and find that these isotopes do not provide favourable conditions in the search for CP-violation.
- P. A. Butler
- , L. P. Gaffney
- & M. Zielinska
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| Open AccessExperimental limit on an exotic parity-odd spin- and velocity-dependent interaction using an optically polarized vapor
Symmetry breaking is an important process in fundamental understanding of matter and dark matter. Here the authors discuss an experimental bound on an exotic parity odd spin- and velocity-dependent interaction between electron and nucleon by using a sensitive spin-exchange relaxation-free atomic magnetometer.
- Young Jin Kim
- , Ping-Han Chu
- & Shaun Newman
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| Open AccessStand-off nuclear reactor monitoring with neutron detectors for safeguards and non-proliferation applications
Nuclear power reactors need to be monitored for safety and security while in operation. Here the authors discuss monitoring and safeguarding research reactors and small modular reactors using detection of neutrons up to a hundred meters away from the reactor shielding.
- B. M. van der Ende
- , L. Li
- & B. Sur
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| Open AccessAb initio predictions for polarized deuterium-tritium thermonuclear fusion
Thermonuclear fusion of nuclei of deuterium and tritium may provide the energy for the future and spin polarization is a potential mechanism for enhancing the nuclear reaction. Here the authors predict the enhanced DT fusion rate using chiral effective field theory and ab initio calculations.
- Guillaume Hupin
- , Sofia Quaglioni
- & Petr Navrátil
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| Open AccessUltrastrong nanocrystalline steel with exceptional thermal stability and radiation tolerance
Weaker ferritic/matensitic steels rather than stronger austenitic steels are usually candidates for nuclear reactors since they do not easily swell under irradiation. Here, the authors make an ultrastrong lanthanum-doped nanocrystalline austenitic steel that is thermally stable and radiation-tolerant.
- Congcong Du
- , Shenbao Jin
- & Tongde Shen
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| Open AccessExtremely rapid isotropic irradiation of nanoparticles with ions generated in situ by a nuclear reaction
Mass production of nanoparticles containing well-controlled structural defects is a challenge. Here the authors demonstrate the feasibility of homogeneous ion irradiation generated in a nuclear reactor, for the preparation of fluorescent nanodiamonds and silicon carbide nanoparticles.
- Jan Havlik
- , Vladimira Petrakova
- & Petr Cigler
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| Open AccessTensorial neutron tomography of three-dimensional magnetic vector fields in bulk materials
Mapping the distribution of magnetic fields inside bulk materials is challenging but crucial to understand and develop functional magnetic materials. Here the authors demonstrate the capability to visualize 3D vector magnetic fields inside materials using spin-polarized neutron tomography and tensorial reconstruction techniques.
- A. Hilger
- , I. Manke
- & J. Banhart
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| Open AccessOptimal control theory enables homonuclear decoupling without Bloch–Siegert shifts in NMR spectroscopy
Bloch–Siegert shifts prevent the accurate observation of resonance frequencies in NMR experiments. Here the authors present a method for homonuclear decoupling that avoids inducing Bloch–Siegert shifts and improves the sensitivity and resolution of HNCA experiments.
- Paul W. Coote
- , Scott A. Robson
- & Haribabu Arthanari
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| Open AccessEvidence for prevalent Z = 6 magic number in neutron-rich carbon isotopes
Magic numbers are associated with the stability of atomic nuclei. Here, the authors analyse the proton radii, binding energies and electric quadrupole transition rates of neutron-rich carbon isotopes at proton number six and use nuclear structure models to support the magic number Z = 6.
- D. T. Tran
- , H. J. Ong
- & T. Yamamoto
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| Open AccessNuclear disarmament verification via resonant phenomena
Authenticating a nuclear warhead without revealing its design is a challenge. Here the authors discuss a nuclear disarmament verification method based on neutron resonance analysis which is sensitive to the isotopic composition of the materials used in warheads.
- Jake J. Hecla
- & Areg Danagoulian
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| Open AccessImproving atomic displacement and replacement calculations with physically realistic damage models
The Norgett−Robinson−Torrens displacements per atom model is the benchmark to assess radiation damage in metals but has well-known limitations. Here, the authors use molecular dynamics to introduce material-specific modifications to describe radiation damage more realistically.
- Kai Nordlund
- , Steven J. Zinkle
- & David Simeone
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| Open AccessAn equation-of-state-meter of quantum chromodynamics transition from deep learning
The large data generated in heavy-ion collision experiments require careful analysis to understand the physics. Here the authors use the deep-learning method to sort equation of states in QCD transition and analyze the simulated data sets mimicking the heavy-ion collision experiments.
- Long-Gang Pang
- , Kai Zhou
- & Xin-Nian Wang
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| Open AccessA glimpse of gluons through deeply virtual compton scattering on the proton
It remains a challenge to find the structure and the distribution of the constituents of nucleons. Here the authors use a scattering method to get information about the gluons and quarks inside a proton and separate the contribution of Bethe-Heitler from the deeply virtual Compton scattering process.
- M. Defurne
- , A. Martí Jiménez-Argüello
- & P. Zhu
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| Open AccessHigh precision hyperfine measurements in Bismuth challenge bound-state strong-field QED
Precision measurements provide a sensitive test of fundamental constants and their uncertainties. Here the authors precisely measure the hyperfine structure splitting in bismuth ions, and report significant discrepancy with the theoretical prediction of quantum electrodynamics.
- Johannes Ullmann
- , Zoran Andelkovic
- & Wilfried Nörtershäuser
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| Open AccessTowards high-resolution laser ionization spectroscopy of the heaviest elements in supersonic gas jet expansion
It is challenging to explore properties of heavy elements as they can only be produced artificially. Here, the authors demonstrate a high resolution spectroscopy method, studying the properties of actinium, which can be extended to the study of other elements located at the end of the periodic table.
- R. Ferrer
- , A. Barzakh
- & A. Zadvornaya
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| Open AccessEvidence from stable isotopes and 10Be for solar system formation triggered by a low-mass supernova
One hypothesis for solar system formation is gas compression by a nearby supernova, whose traces should be found in isotopic anomalies. Here the authors show that this mechanism is viable only if the triggering event was a low-mass supernova, looking at short-lived 10Be and lack of anomalies in stable isotopes.
- Projjwal Banerjee
- , Yong-Zhong Qian
- & W C Haxton
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| Open AccessA physical zero-knowledge object-comparison system for nuclear warhead verification
Zero-knowledge proofs can be used to prove that a statement is true without revealing why it is. Here the authors demonstrate a non-electronic fast neutron radiography technique to confirm that two objects are identical without revealing any details about their design or composition.
- Sébastien Philippe
- , Robert J. Goldston
- & Francesco d’Errico
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| Open AccessHigh-intensity power-resolved radiation imaging of an operational nuclear reactor
Monitoring the activity of nuclear reactors requires measuring the neutron distribution in the core efficiently and in real time. Here, the authors present an imaging approach for neutrons and gamma-rays that thanks to a slit-pupil-like design, enables radiations to be visualized directly in operative reactors.
- Jonathan S. Beaumont
- , Matthew P. Mellor
- & Malcolm J. Joyce
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| Open AccessLocal and bulk 13C hyperpolarization in nitrogen-vacancy-centred diamonds at variable fields and orientations
Hyperpolarization of nuclear spins for enhancing the sensitivity of magnetic resonance can typically be achieved at low temperatures. Here, the authors demonstrate room-temperature polarization of 13C derived from optically pumped electrons of nitrogen vacancies in diamonds with arbitrary orientations.
- Gonzalo A. Álvarez
- , Christian O. Bretschneider
- & Lucio Frydman