Level Scheme Research Articles

Triaxial deformation, shell structure, shell corrections and the connection to alpha-clustering in nuclei

Abstract We explore the connection between the appearance of quasi-stable structures in mean-field type calculations, which arise as a result of the evolution of the underlying shell structure as a function of deformation, and α-clustering in light even–even nuclei. The Nilsson–Strutinsky mean-field approach employs a macroscopic liquid-drop whose energy is modified by a shell correction term derived using the Strutinsky method. This method reflects the variations in the energies of the single-particle states with deformation. As such, there is no obvious connection to clustering. Here we use the changing level scheme of the deformed harmonic oscillator as a function of triaxial deformation to fully explore the variation in stability of α-cluster structures in light even–even nuclei. The energies of the harmonic oscillator levels are used to deduce the energy required to disrupt the α-cluster as a function of the triaxial deformation. We find that there is good agreement between variations in the shell correction energy in the mean-field method and the energy required to disrupt the α-cluster. This provides a necessary link between understanding of the appearance of quasi-stable α-cluster structures and quasi-stable shapes appearing in mean-field calculations.

First TPymT-Ln complexes (TPymT = 2,4,6-Tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine; Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy): Solvothermal synthesis, structure, magnetic and photoluminescent properties

Four novel mononuclear lanthanide complexes, [Ln(TPymT)(NO3)3(H2O)2] (Ln: Eu3+ (1), Gd3+ (2), Tb3+ (3) and Dy3+ (4)), have been solvothermally synthesized using multidentate 2,4,6-tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPymT). Compounds 1–3 have been characterized by means of elemental analysis, FT-IR, and single-crystal/powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 4 was structurally characterized. The Ln3+ ion in 1–4 is ten-coordinated, where TPymT serves as an N3 donor in an isostructural series. The alternating-current magnetic studies showed frequency dependence below ca. 10 K for 3, as an indication of a single-ion magnet. The activation energy for the magnetization reorientation was estimated as Ueff/kB = 95(9) K after applying a dc bias field 2000 Oe for 3. The photoluminescent studies clarified that 1 and 3 behaved as red and green light emitters with quantum yields as high as 17 and 39 %, respectively. The TD-DFT calculation supports the energy level scheme of ground and excited states of TPymT together with the reference compound 4′-phenyl-2,2’:6′,2″-terpyridine. The present work suggests a broad chance and motivation to apply TPymT to the field of 4f coordination chemistry.

Nuclear Data Sheets for A=30

Evaluated spectroscopic data and level schemes from radioactive decay and nuclear reaction studies are presented for 30F, 30Ne, 30Na, 30Mg, 30Al, 30Si, 30P, 30S, 30Cl, and 30Ar. The recommended values for the level energies and their percentage decay modes, level lifetimes, γ energies, γ branching ratios, transition probabilities, etc. are presented. Among these nuclides, 30F is unobserved and most likely particle unbound. Additional experimental data are required for firm spin-parity assignments of the low-lying excited levels of 30Ne. The most well studied nuclide is 30Si followed by 30P. The data for the most proton-rich nuclide 30Ar are presented following the recent work of 2018Xu04 and 2015Mu13. This evaluation for A=30 supersedes the previous one, 2010Ba29.

PERSONALIZED APPROACHES TO DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ COGNITIVE ACTIVITY IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING SPECIALIZED SUBJECTS

The article talks about the level scheme of distribution of personality-oriented approaches in the development of cognitive activity of students in the process of teaching specialized subjects, the theoretical foundations of personality-centered education. The student’s activity in the learning process, self-change, self-development activities, active human interaction with the outside world, as well as the main ideas of didactic approaches are also presented.

Inter-laboratory variation for urine albumin among laboratories in a Swedish external quality assessment scheme 2005–2023

IntroductionIncreased albuminuria is associated with elevated mortality. Urine albumin (U-ALB) above 20 mg/L or albumin-to-creatinine ratio (U-ACR) of 3 g/mol are indicative of moderately increased albuminuria. Due to limited standardization among U-ALB methods, diagnosis of increased albuminuria might prove difficult. Materials and methodsData from Equalis’s external quality assessment scheme for low U-ALB levels during 2005–2023 were categorized according to manufacturer and divided into central laboratory (CLAB) and point-of-care testing (POCT) methods. Manufacturer median values were compared to total group mean consensus values and manufacturer CV% was compared at different U-ALB levels. ResultsCLAB was generally closer to consensus values and had lower CV% than POCT at U-ALB levels around 20 mg/L. For CLAB, Roche methods were approximately equal to consensus U-ALB, Abbott 4 % above, and Siemens 5 % below. For POCT, HemoCue was 1 % below, Siemens 7 % above, and Abbott 8 % below. For U-Creatinine, all manufacturers generally had a good agreement differing on average by 1–4 % from consensus. ConclusionsAlthough U-ALB methods generally meet The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) recommendations of method bias less than 13 % and imprecision less than 30 %, differences among manufacturers have increased over the last years, with 2023 showing the largest differences between methods. This highlights the need for guidelines for albuminuria and ACR to take method differences into consideration, but also for implementation of suitable urine reference materials.

Decay of a microsecond seniority 3 isomeric state in Hf155

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nuclide Hf155 have been investigated in experiments performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The Hf155 nuclei were produced in fusion-evaporation reactions induced by beams of 295 and 315 MeV Ni58 ions bombarding an isotopically enriched Pd102 target and separated using the recoil mass separator MARA. An isomeric state having a half-life of 510(30) ns was discovered and is interpreted as a seniority υ=3, (πh11/22⊗νf7/2)27/2− configuration. The γ-ray transitions emitted in the deexcitation of the isomeric state to the ground state were identified and a level scheme was constructed, from which the excitation energy of the isomer was determined to be 2581.5(10) keV. A B(E2) value of 0.45(3) W.u. was deduced for the 105.4 keV transition depopulating the isomeric state. The deduced level scheme and B(E2) value are compared with systematics and shell-model calculations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Anisotropic magnetic and quadrupolar H−T phase diagram of CeRh2As2

The tetragonal heavy-fermion compound CeRh2As2 has intriguing low-temperature symmetry-breaking phases whose nature is unclear. The unconventional superconducting phase is complemented by other normal-state phases which presumably involve ordering of 4f electron multipoles supported by the Kramers doublets split by the tetragonal crystal electric field (CEF). The most striking aspect is the pronounced anisotropic H−T phase boundary for in-plane and out-of plane field directions. Using a localized 4f CEF model we demonstrate that its essential features can be understood as the result of competing low-field easy-plane magnetic order and field-induced quadrupolar order of xy type. We present calculations based on coupled multipole random phase approximation response function approach as well as molecular field treatment in the ordered regime. We use an analytical approach for a reduced quasiquartet model and numerical calculations for the complete CEF level scheme. We discuss the quantum critical properties as function of multipolar control parameters and explain the origin of a pronounced ac anisotropy of the H−T phase diagram. Finally, the field and temperature evolution of multipolar order parameters is derived and the high-field phase diagram is predicted. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Detailed structure of Sn131 populated in the β decay of isomerically purified In131 states

The excited structure of the single-hole nucleus Sn131 populated by the β− decay of In131 was investigated in detail at the ISOLDE facility at CERN. This new experiment took advantage of isomeric purification capabilities provided by resonant ionization, making it possible to independently study the decay of each isomer for the first time. The position of the first-excited νh11/2 neutron-hole state was confirmed via an independent mass spectroscopy experiment performed at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility at the University of Jyväskylä. The level scheme of Sn131 was notably expanded with the addition of 31 new γ-ray transitions and 22 new excited levels. The γ-emitting excited levels above the neutron separation energy in Sn131 were investigated, revealing a large number of states, which in some cases decay by transitions to other neutron-unbound states. Our analysis showed the dependence between the population of these states in Sn131 and the β-decaying In131 state feeding them. Profiting from the isomer selectivity, it was possible to estimate the direct β feeding to the 3/2+ ground and 11/2− isomeric states, disentangling the contributions from the three indium parent states. This made possible to resolve the discrepancies in logft for first-forbidden transitions observed in previous studies, and to determine the β-delayed neutron decay probability (Pn) values of each indium isomers independently. The first measurement of subnanosecond lifetimes in Sn131 was performed in this work. A short T1/2=18(4)−ps value was measured for the 1/2+ neutron single-hole 332-keV state, which indicates an enhanced l-forbidden M1 behavior for the ν3s1/2−1→ν3d3/2−1 transition. The measured half-lives of high-energy states populated in the β decay of the (21/2+) second isomeric state (In131m2) provided valuable information on transition rates, supporting the interpretation of these levels as core-excited states analogous to those observed in the doubly-magic Sn132. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Investigating the level structure of 206Rn: evolution from seniority regime to collective dynamics* *Supported partially by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(10975191, U1867210, 11375023, 11475014, 11575018, 12075169 , 12322506), and the National Key R&D program of China (2016YFA0400504)

Excited states of have been examined via the ( , 5n) fusion reaction at a beam energy of 78 MeV. A number of transitions and levels are identified by the γ-γ coincidence measurement, further enriching the level scheme of . The full configuration shell model and nucleon-pair approximation (NPA) were utilized to investigate the single-particle configurations and seniority structures in . The results of these two calculations suggest that and states exhibit only a 50% component of a seniority-two state associated with a broken neutron pair. The collectivity of these two states primarily arises from configuration mixing due to residual proton-neutron interactions. Furthermore, and states are predominantly characterized by a seniority-two state marked by a broken proton pair.

A Linear Optimization for Slope Leveling of Ground-Mounted Centralized Photovoltaic Sites

Slope leveling is essential for the successful implementation of ground-mounted centralized photovoltaic (PV) plants, but currently, there is a lack of optimization methods available. To address this issue, a linear programming approach has been proposed to optimize PV slope leveling. This method involves dividing the field into blocks and grids and using hyperbolic paraboloids to simulate the design surface. By programming in MATLAB, the globally optimal solution for PV slope leveling can be calculated. Engineering case studies have demonstrated that this optimization method can achieve significant cut-and-fill volume savings ranging from 58% to 78%, when compared to the traditional segmented plane method. Additionally, the effectiveness of the optimization method improves with larger site areas and more complex terrains. A parameter analysis considering slope ratio, grid size, and block size reveals that grid size has a minimal impact on cut-and-fill volume, while slope ratio and block size have a significant influence. For typical PV projects, the recommended ranges of slope ratio, grid size, and block size are 3–7%, 5–20 m, and 30–50 m, respectively, for slope leveling design. In summary, the proposed linear optimization method provides an optimal slope leveling scheme for ground-mounted centralized PV plants, with convenient operation and fast computation.

Gamma-ray spectroscopy of 55Sc

The N = 34 isotope 55Sc has been investigated using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Spectra from the direct (p, pn) reaction as well as indirect reaction channels have been investigated. γ rays with energies 496(10), 570(12), 682(14), 1510(30), 1780(36), 2345(57) and 2470(50) keV have been observed. A level scheme was constructed based on γ γ coincidence analysis and relative intensities. The results have been compared to the level scheme already reported in literature, as well as to large-scale shell model calculations in the sd − pf model space. A new level at 1510keV, decaying directly to the ground state, has been proposed and spin-parity J π = 7/2− was tentatively assigned. The effect of including the ν g 9/2 orbital is discussed. It can be concluded that the main low-energy properties of 55Sc seem to be included in the original sd − pf model space.

High-resolution spectroscopy of LaAlO3-Pr3+ pseudo-cubic perovskite single crystals: Crystal-field parameters, hyperfine and deformation splittings

We report high-resolution measurements and analysis of the optical transmission and emission spectra of a concentration series of La(1-x)PrxAlO3 (x = 10−3, 9 ⋅ 10−3, and 2 ⋅ 10−2) single crystals in a wide frequency range ((2-27) ⋅ 103 cm−1) at temperatures 5–300 K, below the structural phase transition from the cubic Pm3‾m to the rhombohedral R3‾c phase. Pr3+ ions substitute for La3+ ions at sites with point symmetry D3. All recorded spectral lines are assigned to specific initial and final crystal-field (CF) energy levels, the scheme of CF levels is constructed and described by an appropriate set of CF parameters. The structural phase transition is accompanied by shear strains and the formation of ferroelastic twin domains of four types compressed along one of the four C3 axes in the parent cubic crystal lattice. Specific features of the measured spectra, namely, anomalous broadening of spectral lines and doublet structure of some lines corresponding to transitions between CF singlets and doublets, are considered as a result of interaction of 4f electrons with the field of random shear deformations competing at the boundaries of twin domains. Modeling of the observed line shapes was performed taking into account both hyperfine interactions and random lattice strains, as well as the effect of temperature. The width (6.6 ± 0.7)⋅10− 4 of the introduced two-dimensional distribution function of random strains was found from a comparison of simulated and measured profiles of the split spectral lines. The results of this work can be applied for quantitative assessment of crystal quality.

Electronic properties of polyethylene naphthalate as derived from photo-stimulated discharge, luminescence experiments and quantum chemical calculation

The electronic properties of thin films of poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)—PEN, are investigated based on their photo-physical (optical absorption, photoluminescence) and electrical (space charge distribution, photo-stimulated discharge) behavior. Photo-stimulated currents are associated with optical absorption of the material leading to space charge dissipation as demonstrated by space charge distribution measurement. Based on this set of experimental results and quantum chemical calculation performed on PEN macromolecular system, we propose a new scheme for the electronic levels of PEN. This scheme allows understanding the mechanisms at play in photo-stimulated discharge. One of the main conclusions of our work is that photo-stimulated current measurements do not probe the energy level of traps. Detrapping of charges results from a two-step process where the photon energy is absorbed by chromophores that restitute a part of this energy to trapped charges through various mechanisms. Moreover, the new scheme allows discussing the components of the luminescence excited under different stresses, being electric field, electronic and UV irradiation, charge recombination and thermal activation.

Aero-ZnS prepared by physical vapor transport on three-dimensional networks of sacrificial ZnO microtetrapods.

Aeromaterials represent a class of increasingly attractive materials for various applications. Among them, aero-ZnS has been produced by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on sacrificial ZnO templates consisting of networks of microtetrapods and has been proposed for microfluidic applications. In this paper, a cost-effective technological approach is proposed for the fabrication of aero-ZnS by using physical vapor transport with Sn2S3 crystals and networks of ZnO microtetrapods as precursors. The morphology of the produced material is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while its crystalline and optical qualities are assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. We demonstrate possibilities for controlling the composition and the crystallographic phase content of the prepared aerogels by the duration of the technological procedure. A scheme of deep energy levels and electronic transitions in the ZnS skeleton of the aeromaterial was deduced from the PL analysis, suggesting that the produced aerogel is a potential candidate for photocatalytic and sensor applications.

The influence of excavation support construction on the settlement of adjacent structures

The paper presents an examination of the subsoil settlement in the neighbourhood of a deep excavation with particular reference to the excavation support construction method. Analysis was carried out for a selected deep excavation with a residential building in the vicinity. The most used technologies were considered, i.e., sheet pile walls, soldier pile walls, bored pile walls, and diaphragm walls. A total of 14 wall variants were examined to investigate the differences that certain characteristics have on the surrounding area. The impact of excavation support was assessed for two anchorage level schemes, taking into account three excavation phases. On this basis, the settlement profile next to the excavation wall was determined, and the settlement of the adjacent building was calculated. A key factor identified was the trench wall support scheme. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between the stiffness of the wall and the maximum settlement observed.

Dark resonance spectra of trapped ions under the influence of micromotion

We study the influence of micromotion on the spectrum of trapped ions with a lambda-type level scheme, leading to dark resonances due to coherent population trapping. We work with calcium ions trapped in a ring-shaped Paul trap, in which one can compensate excess micromotion for only one ion of the crystal. We observe that micromotion affects the shapes of the dark resonances and causes the appearance of “echoes” separated by intervals given by the drive frequency. We present a theoretical model that provides good fits to the measurements and can be used to estimate the amplitude of the micromotion modulation of the atomic motion. We estimate an effective temperature of the ions from the spectra and observe clear micromotion heating as well as impaired cooling for sufficiently large excess micromotion.

Experimental and numerical study to optimize building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof structure

The study addresses the issue of heat dissipation in Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) roofs by proposing a novel PV module and establishing its testbed in Beijing, China, which is extended to more structures by the validated numerical model. The validation reveals MBD (mean bias difference）values of 10.24% for electricity production and 9.32% for temperature, accompanied by corresponding RMSD (root mean square difference) values of 23.97% and 10.46%, respectively. Taguchi method and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation were employed to design and simulate orthogonal schemes, optimizing BIPV roof structure for the first time by considering three factors: air gap thickness, PV panel spacing and heating power. The results indicate that the air gap thickness impacts most on PV panel temperature, followed by meteorological parameters and PV panel spacing. The optimal BIPV roof structure, featured an air gap of 68 mm and a PV panel spacing of 30 mm, exhibits a 25.35% reduction in PV panel temperature, an 8.78% increase in signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and a 2.49% growth in electricity production compared to the performance of the intermediate level scheme.

Fragmentation of employment relationships, fragmentation of working time: the nature of work and employment of platform takeaway riders and implications for decent work in China

This paper critically examines the notion of working time flexibility of platform takeaway riders and its impact on them in China. Drawing on 25 interviews with platform and takeaway delivery company managers and takeaway riders as well as secondary data, the study finds that the management model adopted by the platform companies and their agency companies often encourages riders to extend their working hours by being designed into the rider's earning system, status level and various incentive schemes. Driven by profits, takeaway delivery platform companies pursue speed and impose harsh punishments for poor customer reviews. Severe competition and the platforms' aggressive pricing and commissioning practices mean that takeaway riders' remuneration is tightly squeezed, with no subsidies or overtime payment, and with rules for bonuses that make it increasingly difficult to earn. Working excessively long and intense hours is the only way that riders can increase their income, which suggests that rider‐oriented working time flexibility is virtually non‐existent. We propose the notion of fragmented employment relationships and fragmented working time to conceptualise working time flexibility in the takeaway delivery context in China. We accentuate the need to examine the quality of working time flexibility when examining this practice. We call for state interventions to provide a greater level of social protection than the takeaway riders are currently experiencing to advance the decent work agenda as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Level structures of 96Tc and their microscopic description

High spin states in the 96Tc nucleus were populated in the 75As(28Si, 4p3n) fusion-evaporation reaction at E lab = 120 MeV and the de-excitations were investigated through in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques using indian national gamma array spectrometer consisting of 18 clover Ge detectors. The present level scheme of the 96Tc nucleus has been extended substantially with the addition of about forty five new γ transitions. The level structures in 96Tc have been established up to excitation energy ∼10 MeV and angular momentum ∼25ℏ. Level structures of 96Tc nucleus are discussed in the framework of triaxial projected shell model calculations.

New Physical Insight into High-Spin Physics: Double Helix Level Scheme A nuclear structure data approach

To present a new nuclear structure data concept of a level scheme, we redesign the high-spin level scheme of 171Yb nucleus. We start with the description of the property of repeatability of the Eγ data based on which Eγ can be parametrized by the 2c(2I + k − 1) formula with I the nuclear spin and k an integer band offset different from band to band. This describes a beam of parallel and equidistant lines whose 2c average slope and k numbers can be determined by a least-squares fit to the experimental bands, which characterize the average rotational behavior of the experimental bands. Based on repeatability the level scheme of 171Yb nucleus can be shaped as a discrete 3D double helix structure, with the experimental bands superimposed as decay paths. Double helix suggests that semiclassically nuclear rotation can be seen as a vortex motion.