Ca Beam Research Articles

Cryogenic buffer gas beams of AlF, CaF, MgF, YbF, Al, Ca, Yb and NO – a comparison

ABSTRACT Cryogenic buffer gas beams are central to many cold molecule experiments. Here, we use absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy to directly compare molecular beams of AlF, CaF, MgF and YbF molecules, produced by chemical reaction of laser ablated atoms with fluorine rich reagents. The beam brightness for AlF is measured as molecules per steradian per pulse in a single rotational state, comparable to an Al atomic beam produced in the same setup. The CaF, MgF and YbF beams show an order of magnitude lower brightness than AlF and far below the brightness of Ca and Yb beams. The addition of either or to the cell extinguishes the Al atomic beam, but has a minimal effect on the Ca and Yb beams. reacts more efficiently than , as a significantly lower flow rate is required to maximise the molecule production, which is particularly beneficial for long-term stability of the AlF beam. We use NO as a proxy for the reactant gas as it can be optically detected. We demonstrate that a cold, rotationally pure NO beam can be generated by laser desorption, thereby gaining insight into the dynamics of the reactant gas inside the buffer gas cell.

Discovery of ^{39}Na.

The new isotope ^{39}Na, the most neutron-rich sodium nucleus observed so far, was discovered at the RIKEN Nishina Center Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory using the projectile fragmentation of an intense ^{48}Ca beam at 345 MeV/nucleon on a beryllium target. Projectile fragments were separated and identified in flight with the large-acceptance two-stage separator BigRIPS. Nine ^{39}Na events have been unambiguously observed in this work and clearly establish the particle stability of ^{39}Na. Furthermore, the lack of observation of ^{35,36}Ne isotopes in this experiment significantly improves the overall confidence that ^{34}Ne is the neutron dripline nucleus of neon. These results provide new key information to understand nuclear binding and nuclear structure under extremely neutron-rich conditions. The newly established stability of ^{39}Na has a significant impact on nuclear models and theories predicting the neutron dripline and also provides a key to understanding the nuclear shell property of ^{39}Na at the neutron number N=28, which is normally a magic number.

Decay spectroscopy of Sc50 and Sc50m to Ti50

The $\beta$ decay of the isomeric and ground state of $^{50}$Sc to the semi-magic nucleus $^{50}_{22}$Ti$_{28}$ has been studied using a $^{50}$Ca beam delivered to the GRIFFIN $\gamma$-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility. $\beta$-decay branching ratios are reported to 16 excited states with a total of 38 $\gamma$-ray transitions linking them. These new data significantly expands the information available over previous studies. Relative intensities are measured to less than 0.001$\%$ that of the strongest transition with the majority of $\gamma$-ray transitions observed here in $\beta$ decay for the first time. The data are compared to shell-model calculations utilizing both phenomenologically-derived interactions employed in the ${\it pf}$ shell as well as a state-of-the-art, ${\it ab~initio}$ based interaction built in the valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group framework.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout from ^{54}Ca Corroborates Arising N=34 Neutron Magic Number.

Exclusive cross sections and momentum distributions have been measured for quasifree one-neutron knockout reactions from a ^{54}Ca beam striking on a liquid hydrogen target at ∼200 MeV/u. A significantly larger cross section to the p_{3/2} state compared to the f_{5/2} state observed in the excitation of ^{53}Ca provides direct evidence for the nature of the N=34 shell closure. This finding corroborates the arising of a new shell closure in neutron-rich calcium isotopes. The distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction formalism with shell model calculations using the effective GXPF1Bs interaction and abinitio calculations concur our experimental findings. Obtained transverse and parallel momentum distributions demonstrate the sensitivity of quasifree one-neutron knockout in inverse kinematics on a thick liquid hydrogen target with the reaction vertex reconstructed to final state spin-parity assignments.

Ramsey-Bordé Matter-Wave Interferometry for Laser Frequency Stabilization at 10^{-16} Frequency Instability and Below.

We demonstrate Ramsey-Bordé (RB) atom interferometry for high performance laser stabilization with fractional frequency instability <2×10^{-16} for timescales between 10 and 1000s. The RB spectroscopy laser interrogates two counterpropagating ^{40}Ca beams on the ^{1}S_{0}-^{3}P_{1} transition at 657nm, yielding 1.6kHz linewidth interference fringes. Fluorescence detection of the excited state population is performed on the (4s4p) ^{3}P_{1}-(4p^{2}) ^{3}P_{0} transition at 431nm. Minimal thermal shielding and no vibration isolation are used. These stability results surpass performance from other thermal atomic or molecular systems by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, and further improvements look feasible.

The effects of analyte mass and collision gases on ion beam formation in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

Planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) was used to evaluate the effect of matrix components on the formation and focusing of a Ba ion beam in a commercial inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Cross sections of the ion beams were taken in the second vacuum stage, in front of the entrance to the mass analyzer. Under normal operating conditions, the addition of Pb shifted the position of the Ba ion beam to the right. PLIF was also used to evaluate the effect of a collision reaction interface (CRI) on Ca and Ba ion beams. A wider velocity distribution of ions and a decrease in overall intensity were observed for the CRI images. The fluorescence and mass spectrometer signals decreased with increased CRI flow rates. These effects were most obvious for Ca ions with He gas.

Sub-barrier fusion and transfers in the40Ca +58,64Ni systems

Fusion cross sections have been measured in the 40 Ca + 58 Ni and 40 Ca + 64 Ni systems at energies around and below the Coulomb barrier. The 40 Ca beam was delivered by the XTU Tandem accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro and evaporation residues were measured at very forward angles with the LNL electrostatic beam deflector. Coupled-channels calculations were performed which highlight possible strong effects of neutron transfers on the fusion below the barrier in the 40 Ca + 64 Ni system. Microscopic time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations have also been performed for both systems. Preliminary results are shown.

The influence of the 2-neutron elastic transfer on the fusion of42Ca +40Ca

Strong coupling to a single channel with zero Q-value is predicted to produce a characteristic fusion barrier distribution with two peaks, one on each side of the original uncoupled Coulomb barrier. In practical cases, only coupling to an elastic transfer channel may produce such a distribution which, however, has never been observed sofar, probably because low-lying surface vibrations usually have a dominant role, and this may obscure the two-peak structure. The case of the two-neutron (2n) elastic transfer in 42 Ca + 40 Ca is particularly attractive, because of the relatively rigid nature of the two nuclei.We have measured the fusion excitation function of this system using the 42 Ca beam of the XTU Tandem of LNL on a thin 40 Ca target enriched to 99.96% in mass 40. Cross sections have been measured down to ≤ 1 mb. The extracted barrier distribution shows clearly two main peaks. We have performed preliminary CC calculations where the 2+ coupling strengths have been taken from the literature and the schematic 2n pair transfer form factor has been used, with a deformation length σt = 0.39 fm. The excitation function is well reproduced by the calculation including the 2n transfer channel. However, including the octupole excitations destroys the agreement.

Calcium and lithium ion production for laser ion source.

Calcium and lithium ion beams are required by NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory to simulate the effects of cosmic radiation. To identify the difficulties in providing such highly reactive materials as laser targets, both species were experimentally tested. Plate shaped lithium and calcium targets were fabricated to create ablation plasmas with a 6 ns 1064 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. We found significant oxygen contamination in both the Ca and Li high charge state beams due to the rapid oxidation of the surfaces. A large spot size, low power density laser was used to create low charge state beams without scanning the targets. The low charge state Ca beam did not have any apparent oxygen contamination, showing the potential to clean the target entirely of oxide with a low power beam once in the chamber. The Li target was clearly still oxidizing in the chamber after each low power shot. To measure the rate of oxidation, we shot the low power laser at the target repeatedly at 10 s, 30 s, 60 s, and 120 s interval lengths, showing a linear relation between the interval time and the amount of oxygen in the beam.

The importance of closed shell structures in the synthesis of super heavy elements

The importance of shell closures and gaps in the single-particle energies for protons and neutrons on the stability of elements beyond Z = 100 will be described. Following the development of microscopic models with shell corrections, microscopic-macroscopic models predicted large gaps in the single-particle energy levels for protons and neutrons at Z = 102, 108 and N = 152, 162 for the same deformed shapes. Shell gaps for spherical shapes for N = 184 and Z = 114, 120 or 126 were also predicted to form an "Island of Stability" with very long half lives for fission and alpha decay. Cold fusion reactions involving beams of Ca to Zn and targets of stable 208Pb and 209Bi were pioneered at GSI and used to synthesize new elements for Z = 107 to 112 and in Japan a new isotope of 113. Hot fusion reactions between radioactive actinide targets and neutron-rich 48Ca beams were pioneered in JINR leading to the synthesis of new elements with Z = 113 to 118. Data on two neutron separation energies, spontaneous fission half lives and total half lives of super heavy elements showing the importance of reinforcement of the Z = 102, N = 152 and Z = 108, N = 162 single particle level gaps at the same deformation and Z = 114-126, N = 184 shell gaps in the synthesis of super heavy elements 107 to 118 are presented along with the latest results on their synthesis.

Note: Effect of hot liner in producing 40,48Ca beam from RIKEN 18-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

In order to produce a high-intensity and stable (48)Ca beam from the RIKEN 18-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source, we have begun testing the production of a calcium beam using a micro-oven. To minimize the consumption rate of the material ((48)Ca), we introduced the "hot liner" method and investigated the effect of the liner on the material consumption rate. The micro-oven was first used to produce the (48)Ca beam for experiments in the RIKEN radioisotope beam factory, and a stable beam could be supplied for a long time with low consumption rate.

Synthesis of superheavy nuclei: Obstacles and opportunities

There are only 3 methods for the production of heavy and superheavy (SH) nuclei, namely, fusion reactions, a sequence of neutron capture and beta(-) decay and multinucleon transfer reactions. Low values of the fusion cross sections and very short half-lives of nuclei with Z>120 put obstacles in synthesis of new elements. At the same time, an important area of SH isotopes located between those produced in the cold and hot fusion reactions remains unstudied yet. This gap could be filled in fusion reactions of 48 Ca with available lighter isotopes of Pu, Am, and Cm. New neutron-enriched isotopes of SH elements may be produced with the use of a 48 Ca beam if a 250 Cm target would be prepared. In this case we get a real chance to reach the island of stability owing to a possible beta(+) decay of 291 114 and 287 112 nuclei formed in this reaction with a cross section of about 0.8 pb. A macroscopic amount of the long-living SH nuclei located at the island of stability may be produced by using the pulsed nuclear reactors of the next generation only if the neutron fluence per pulse will be increased by about three orders of magnitude. Multinucleon transfer processes look quite promising for the production and study of neutron-rich heavy nuclei located in upper part of the nuclear map not reachable by other reaction mechanisms. Reactions with actinide beams and targets are of special interest for synthesis of new neutron-enriched transfermium nuclei and not-yet-known nuclei with closed neutron shell N=126 having the largest impact on the astrophysical r-process. The estimated cross sections for the production of these nuclei allows one to plan such experiments at currently available accelerators.

Dissipative dynamics in quasifission

Quasi-fission is the primary reaction mechanism that prevents the formation of superheavy elements in heavy-ion fusion experiments. Employing the time-dependent density functional theory approach we study quasi-fission in the systems $^{40,48}$Ca+$^{238}$U. Results show that for $^{48}$Ca projectiles the quasi-fission is substantially reduced in comparison to the $^{40}$Ca case. This partly explains the success of superheavy element formation with $^{48}$Ca beams. For the first time, we also calculate the repartition of excitation energies of the two fragments in a dynamic microscopic theory. The system is found in quasi-thermal equilibrium only for reactions with $^{40}$Ca. The differences between both systems are interpreted in terms of initial neutron to proton asymmetry of the colliding partners.

Narrower atomic filter at 422.7 nm based on thermal Ca beam

So far, the only Ca magneto-optic atomic filters reported are based on a heated Ca cell, and the transmission spectrum obtained is double-peaked with 3 GHz effective passband limited by Doppler broadening. A magneto-optic atomic filter with single-peaked transmission spectrum of sub-Doppler bandwidth based on the thermal Ca atomic beam is firstly experimentally demonstrated. The fast Ca dipole transition (1S0–1P1) at 422.7 nm, which matches a strong solar Fraunhofer line, was utilized. A folded nine-beam traveling wave configuration is employed, and the maximum transmission efficiency is measured to be 7.3 %. A sub-Doppler transmission bandwidth of 590 MHz, much narrower than the 2.2 GHz Doppler width in the heated atomic cell, is obtained for the first time.

Production of high intensity 48Ca for the 88-Inch Cyclotron and other updates

Recently the Versatile ECR for NUclear Science (VENUS) ion source was engaged in a 60-day long campaign to deliver high intensity (48)Ca(11+) beam to the 88-Inch Cyclotron. As the first long term use of VENUS for multi-week heavy-element research, new methods were developed to maximize oven to target efficiency. First, the tuning parameters of VENUS for injection into the cyclotron proved to be very different than those used to tune VENUS for maximum beam output of the desired charge state immediately following its bending magnet. Second, helium with no oxygen support gas was used to maximize the efficiency. The performance of VENUS and its low temperature oven used to produce the stable requested 75 eμA of (48)Ca(11+) beam current was impressive. The consumption of (48)Ca in VENUS using the low temperature oven was checked roughly weekly, and was found to be on average 0.27 mg/h with an ionization efficiency into the 11+ charge state of 5.0%. No degradation in performance was noted over time. In addition, with the successful operation of VENUS the 88-Inch cyclotron was able to extract a record 2 pμA of (48)Ca(11+), with a VENUS output beam current of 219 eμA. The paper describes the characteristics of the VENUS tune used for maximum transport efficiency into the cyclotron as well as ongoing efforts to improve the transport efficiency from VENUS into the cyclotron. In addition, we briefly present details regarding the recent successful repair of the cryostat vacuum system.

Superheavy Element Flerovium (Element 114) Is a Volatile Metal

The electron shell structure of superheavy elements, i.e., elements with atomic number Z ≥ 104, is influenced by strong relativistic effects caused by the high Z. Early atomic calculations on element 112 (copernicium, Cn) and element 114 (flerovium, Fl) having closed and quasi-closed electron shell configurations of 6d(10)7s(2) and 6d(10)7s(2)7p1/2(2), respectively, predicted them to be noble-gas-like due to very strong relativistic effects on the 7s and 7p1/2 valence orbitals. Recent fully relativistic calculations studying Cn and Fl in different environments suggest them to be less reactive compared to their lighter homologues in the groups, but still exhibiting a metallic character. Experimental gas-solid chromatography studies on Cn have, indeed, revealed a metal-metal bond formation with Au. In contrast to this, for Fl, the formation of a weak bond upon physisorption on a Au surface was inferred from first experiments. Here, we report on a gas-solid chromatography study of the adsorption of Fl on a Au surface. Fl was produced in the nuclear fusion reaction (244)Pu((48)Ca, 3-4n)(288,289)Fl and was isolated in-flight from the primary (48)Ca beam in a physical recoil separator. The adsorption behavior of Fl, its nuclear α-decay product Cn, their lighter homologues in groups 14 and 12, i.e., Pb and Hg, and the noble gas Rn were studied simultaneously by isothermal gas chromatography and thermochromatography. Two Fl atoms were detected. They adsorbed on a Au surface at room temperature in the first, isothermal part, but not as readily as Pb and Hg. The observed adsorption behavior of Fl points to a higher inertness compared to its nearest homologue in the group, Pb. However, the measured lower limit for the adsorption enthalpy of Fl on a Au surface points to the formation of a metal-metal bond of Fl with Au. Fl is the least reactive element in the group, but still a metal.

Synthesis of Superheavy Nuclei: Nearest and Distant Opportunities

There are only 3 methods for the production of heavy and superheavy (SH) nuclei, namely, a sequence of neutron capture and beta(−) decay, fusion reactions, and multinucleon transfer reactions. A macroscopic amount of the long-living SH nuclei located at the island of stability may be produced by using the pulsed nuclear reactors of the next generation only if the neutron fluence per pulse will be increased by about three orders of magnitude. Low values of the fusion cross sections and very short half-lives of nuclei with Z > 120 also put obstacles in synthesis of new elements. At the same time, an important area of SH isotopes located between those produced in the cold and hot fusion reactions remains unstudied yet. This gap could be filled in fusion reactions of Ca with available lighter isotopes of Pu, Am, and Cm. New neutron-enriched isotopes of SH elements may be produced with the use of a Ca beam if a Cm target would be prepared. In this case, we get a real chance to reach the island of stability owing to a possible beta(+) decay of 114 and 112 nuclei formed in this reaction with a cross section of about 0.8 pb. Multinucleon transfer processes look quite promising for the production and study of neutron-rich heavy nuclei located in the upper part of the nuclear map not reachable by other reaction mechanisms. Reactions with actinide beams and targets are of special interest for synthesis of new neutron-enriched transfermium nuclei and not-yet-known nuclei with closed neutron shell N = 126 having the largest impact on the astrophysical r-process. The estimated cross sections for the production of these nuclei allows one to plan such experiments at currently available accelerators.

Application of the Ta liner technique to produce Ca beams at INFN-Legnaro National Laboratories (INFN-LNL)

The ECR ion sources are able to produce a wide variety of highly charged metallic ion beams thanks to the development of different techniques (ovens, sputtering, direct insertion, metal ions from volatile compounds (MIVOC)). In the case of the ovens, the sticking of the hot vapors on the surface of the plasma chamber leads to high material consumption rates. For elements like Ca, a tantalum liner inserted inside the chamber can be used to limit this phenomenon. The modeling of temperature distribution inside the chamber with and without the liner was carried out with COMSOL-multiphysics code. Results of simulation and the comparison with experiments performed at INFN-Legnaro National Laboratories with Ca beams are discussed.

Operational test of micro-oven for 48Ca beam

In order to supply a high-intensity and stable (48)Ca beam from the RIKEN 18-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source, we are conducting operational tests of a micro-oven. A mixture of CaO and Al powders is placed into the crucible of the micro-oven and heated to produce metallic calcium by a reductive reaction. The successful production of a calcium beam was confirmed. In addition, we reduced the material consumption rate by using a so-called "hot liner," and we enhanced the beam intensity by applying a negative voltage bias to the micro-oven, the effect of which is similar to the effect of a "biased disk."

Sub-barrier capture reactions with 16,18O and 40,48Ca beams

Various sub-barrier capture reactions with beams $^{16,18}$O and $^{40,48}$Ca are treated within the quantum diffusion approach. The role of neutron transfer in these capture reactions is discussed. The quasielastic and capture barrier distributions are analyzed and compared with the recent experimental data.