Beta-delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities Research Articles

Compilation and Evaluation of Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities and Half-Lives for Z > 28 Precursors

We present a compilation and evaluation of experimental β-delayed neutron emission probabilities (Pn) and half-lives (T1/2) for known or potential β-delayed neutron precursors with atomic number Z > 28 (73Cu–233Fr). This article includes the recommended values of both of these quantities, together with a compilation of experimental measurements when available. Some notable cases, as well as proposed standards for β-delayed neutron measurements are also discussed. Evaluated data has also been compared to systematics using three different approaches. The literature cut-off date for this work is August 15, 2020.

β -decay properties of neutron-rich Ca, Ti, and Cr isotopes

Beta-decay properties of neutron-rich Ca, Ti, and Cr isotopes are studied within a deformed proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. The underlying mean field is described self-consistently from deformed Skyrme Hartree-Fock calculations with pairing correlations. Residual spin-isospin interactions in the particle-hole and particle-particle channels are also included in the formalism. The energy distributions of the Gamow-Teller strength, the beta-decay feedings, the beta-decay half-lives, and the beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities are discussed and compared with other theoretical results, as well as with the available experimental information. The evolution of these nuclear beta-decay properties is investigated in isotopic chains in a search for structural changes. A reliable estimate of the beta-decay properties in this mass region is a valuable information for evaluating decay rates in astrophysical scenarios.

β -decay properties of neutron-rich rare-earth isotopes

In this paper, beta-decay properties of even-even neutron-rich isotopes in the rare-earth mass region are studied within a microscopic theoretical approach based on a proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. The underlying mean field is constructed selfconsistently from a deformed Hartree-Fock calculation with Skyrme interactions and pairing correlations to which particle-hole and particle-particle residual interactions are added. Nuclei in this mass region participate in the astrophysical rapid neutron capture process and are directly involved in the generation of the rare-earth peak in the isotopic abundance pattern centered at A=160. The energy distributions of the Gamow-Teller strength as well as the beta-decay half-lives and the beta-delayed neutron-emission probabilities are discussed and compared with the available experimental information and with calculations based on different approaches.

Characterization of a neutron–beta counting system with beta-delayed neutron emitters

A new detection system for the measurement of beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities has been characterized using fission products with well known β-delayed neutron emission properties. The setup consists of BELEN-20, a 4π neutron counter with twenty 3He proportional tubes arranged inside a large polyethylene neutron moderator, a thin Si detector for β counting and a self-triggering digital data acquisition system. The use of delayed-neutron precursors with different neutron emission windows allowed the study of the effect of energy dependency on neutron, β and β–neutron rates. The observed effect is well reproduced by Monte Carlo simulations. The impact of this dependency on the accuracy of neutron emission probabilities is discussed. A new accurate value of the neutron emission probability for the important delayed-neutron precursor 137I was obtained, Pn=7.76(14)%.

Evaluation of Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities and Half-Lives for Z = 2–28

We present an evaluation and compilation of β-delayed neutron probabilities and half-lives for nuclei in the region Z = 2–28 (8He–80Ni). This article includes the recommended values of these quantities as well as a compiled list of experimental measurements for each nucleus in the region for which β-delayed neutron emission is possible. The literature cut-off for this work is August 15th, 2015. Some notable cases as well as new standards for β-delayed neutron measurements in this mass region are also discussed.

First Compilation and Evaluation of Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities and Associated Half-Lives for A ≤ 72 Nuclei

A comprehensive compilation and evaluation of beta-delayed neutron (β−n) emission probabilities, Pn, and associated half-lives for A ≤ 72 nuclei has been performed for the first time. The recommended values have been used to analyze the systematics of β−n emission in this region. The ratio Pn/T1/2 is better correlated with the Q-value of the β−n decay mode than the previously proposed Kratz-Herrmann Formula (KHF). The recommended values are also compared with theoretical quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA) calculations.

New Beta-delayed Neutron Measurements in the Light-mass Fission Group

A new accurate determination of beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities from nuclei in the low mass region of the light fission group has been performed. The measurements were carried out using the BELEN 4π neutron counter at the IGISOL-JYFL mass separator in combination with a Penning trap. The new results significantly improve the uncertainties of neutron emission probabilities for 91Br, 86As, 85As, and 85Ge nuclei.

Gamow-Teller response in deformed even and odd neutron-rich Zr and Mo isotopes

Beta-decay properties of neutron-rich Zr and Mo isotopes are investigated within a microscopic theoretical approach based on the proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. The underlying mean field is described self-consistently from deformed Skyrme Hartree-Fock calculations with pairing correlations. Residual separable particle-hole and particle-particle forces are also included in the formalism. The structural evolution in these isotopic chains including both even and odd isotopes is analyzed in terms of the equilibrium deformed shapes. Gamow-Teller strength distributions, beta-decay half-lives, and beta-delayed neutron-emission probabilities are studied, stressing their relevance to describe the path of the nucleosynthesis rapid neutron capture process.

Investigatingβ-decay properties of spherical nuclei along the possibler-process path

The spherical QRPA method is used for the calculations of the $\beta$-decay properties of the neutron-rich nuclei in the region near the neutron magic numbers N=82 and N=126 which are important for determination of the r-process path. Our calculations differ from previous works by the use of realistic forces for the proton-neutron interaction. Both the allowed and first-forbidden $\beta$-decays are included. Detailed comparisons with the experimental measurements and the previous shell-model calculations are performed. The results for half-lives and beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities will serve as input for the r-process nucleosynthesis simulations.

β-delayed neutron decay of 104Y, 112Tc, 113Tc and 114Tc: test of half-life predictions for neutron-rich isotopes of refractory elements

Beta-decay gross properties of neutron-rich isotopes 104Y and 112,113,114Tc produced in 25 MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured. Decays of 104Y with a half-life of 180±60 ms and of 114Tc with a half-life of 150±30 ms are reported for the first time. Beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities of 112,113,114Tc are determined as (1.5±0.2)%, (2.1±0.3)% and (1.3±0.4)%, respectively. Comparison of the observed P n values with a recent theoretical calculation based on deformed quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) shows good overall agreement for Tc isotopes. However, comparison of beta-decay half-lives of neutron-rich isotopes of Y to Rh with the QRPA model and the refined gross theory shows only modest agreement, pointing to inadequate treatment of structure of these very neutron-rich nuclei lying in a region of rapidly changing deformation.

P n-values of short-lived Sr, Y, Ba and La precursors

Beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities (Pn) of short-lived Sr, Y, Ba and La precursors were measured. As expected from systematics, but in disagreement with recent data from the SOLIS-group, only small Pn -values were obtained.