Abstract
Several modes of electroweak radioactive decay require an interaction between the nucleus and bound electrons within the constituent atom. Thus, the probabilities of the respective decays are not only influenced by the structure of the initial and final states in the nucleus, but can also depend strongly on the atomic charge. Conditions suitable for the partial or complete ionization of these rare isotopes occur naturally in hot, dense astrophysical environments, but can also be artificially generated in the laboratory to selectively block certain radioactive decay modes. Direct experimental studies on such scenarios are extremely difficult due to the laboratory conditions required to generate and store radioactive ions at high charge states. A new electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) decay setup with the TITAN experiment at TRIUMF has successfully demonstrated such techniques for performing spectroscopy on the radioactive decay of highly charged ions.
Highlights
Most forms of nuclear decay involve only the bound protons and neutrons that constitute the atomic nucleus, and require little-to-no interactions with the electrons that typically surround them.some common modes of electroweak decay such as orbital electron capture (EC) and internal electron conversion (IC), proceed through an interaction between the nucleus and bound electrons within the constituent atom [1]
The recently commissioned TITAN electron-beam ion trap (EBIT) decay spectroscopy setup provides a unique environment for probing electroweak decay properties using highly charged ions (HCIs)
The current experimental program is based on studying EC in hot astrophysical environments, as well as rare second-order decay processes to probe fundamental nuclear structure observables
Summary
Most forms of nuclear decay involve only the bound protons and neutrons that constitute the atomic nucleus, and require little-to-no interactions with the electrons that typically surround them. For radioactive decay modes that emit charged leptons (β+ /β− decay which emit positrons/electrons, respectively), interactions with the surrounding electron cloud of the atom can change the energy and shape of the observed particle-emission momentum distributions. As a result, these respective decay modes are influenced by the structure of the initial and final states in the nucleus, but can depend strongly on the atomic charge state [2]. There has been increased interest in trying to perform similar measurements of HCIs in ion traps at low energies due to the increased experimental control over the decay environment. The sections below highlight the trap itself, and outline a sample of the research directions which are planned in the near future
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
