NPDGamma Research Articles

Measurement of the parity-odd angular distribution of γ rays from polarized neutron capture on Cl35

We report a measurement of two energy-weighted γ cascade angular distributions from polarized slow neutron capture on the Cl35 nucleus, one parity-odd correlation proportional to sn⃗·kγ⃗ and one parity-even correlation proportional to sn⃗·kn⃗×kγ⃗. A parity-violating asymmetry can appear in this reaction due to the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction, which mixes opposite parity S- and P-wave levels in the excited compound Cl36 nucleus formed upon slow neutron capture. If parity-violating (PV) and parity-conserving (PC) terms both exist, the measured differential cross section can be related to them via dσdΩ∝1+Aγ,PVcosθ+Aγ,PCsinθ. The PV and PC asymmetries for energy-weighted γ cascade angular distributions for polarized slow neutron capture on Cl35 averaged over the neutron energies from 2.27–9.53 meV were measured to be Aγ,PV=(−23.9±0.7)×10−6 and Aγ,PC=(0.1±0.7)×10−6. These results are consistent with previous experimental results. Systematic errors were quantified and shown to be small compared to the statistical error. These asymmetries in the angular distributions of the γ rays emitted from the capture of polarized neutrons in Cl35 were used to verify the operation and data analysis procedures for the NPDGamma experiment, which measured the parity-odd asymmetry in the angular distribution of γs from polarized slow neutron capture on protons.5 MoreReceived 1 October 2021Accepted 17 May 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.106.015504©2022 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasNuclear spin & parityNuclear tests of fundamental interactionsPolarization phenomenaRadiative captureProperties20 ≤ A ≤ 38TechniquesParticle sources & targetsNuclear Physics

Monte Carlo calculation of the average neutron depolarization for the NPDGamma experiment

The NPDGamma experiment measures the asymmetry in $\gamma$-ray emission in the capture of polarized neutrons on liquid parahydrogen. The beam polarization is measured using $^3$He spin analysis, but this measurement does not account for the contribution of depolarization from spin-flip scattering primarily due to orthohydrogen in the bulk liquid. This is a systematic effect that dilutes the experimental asymmetry and is modeled using Monte Carlo. Methods for tracking neutron spin in MCNPX were developed in order to calculate the average neutron polarization upon capture for use as a multiplicative correction to the measured beam polarization for the NPDGamma experiment.

Monte Carlo calculation and verification of the geometrical factors for the NPDGamma experiment

The NPDGamma experiment measures the parity-violating asymmetry in γ-ray emission in the capture of polarized neutrons on liquid parahydrogen. The sensitivity to the asymmetry for each detector in the array is used as a parameter in the extraction of the physics asymmetry from the measured data. The detector array is approximately cylindrically symmetric around the target and a step-wise sinusoidal function has been used for the sensitivity in the previous iteration of the NPDGamma experiment, but deviations from cylindrical symmetry necessitate the use of a Monte Carlo model to determine corrections to the geometrical factors. For the calculations, source code modifications to MCNPX were done in order to calculate the sensitivity of each cesium iodide detector to the physics asymmetry. We describe the MCNPX model and results from calculations and how the results are validated through measurement of the parity violating asymmetry of γ-rays from neutron capture on chlorine.

Measurement of the absolute neutron beam polarization from a supermirror polarizer and the absolute efficiency of a neutron spin rotator for the NPDGamma experiment using a polarized 3He neutron spin-filter

Accurately measuring the neutron beam polarization of a high flux, large area neutron beam is necessary for many neutron physics experiments. The Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline (FnPB) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is a pulsed neutron beam that was polarized with a supermirror polarizer for the NPDGamma experiment. The polarized neutron beam had a flux of ∼109 neutrons per second per cm2 and a cross sectional area of 10 × 12 cm2. The polarization of this neutron beam and the efficiency of a RF neutron spin rotator installed downstream on this beam were measured by neutron transmission through a polarized 3He neutron spin-filter. The pulsed nature of the SNS enabled us to employ an absolute measurement technique for both quantities which does not depend on accurate knowledge of the phase space of the neutron beam or the 3He polarization in the spin filter and is therefore of interest for any experiments on slow neutron beams from pulsed neutron sources which require knowledge of the absolute value of the neutron polarization. The polarization and spin-reversal efficiency measured in this work were done for the NPDGamma experiment, which measures the parity violating γ-ray angular distribution asymmetry with respect to the neutron spin direction in the capture of polarized neutrons on protons. The experimental technique, results, systematic effects, and applications to neutron capture targets are discussed.

Status of the NPDGamma experiment

The NPDGamma experiment measures the parity-violating (PV) gamma asymmetry from polarized cold neutrons captured on protons at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The (PV) neutron spin asymmetry A γ of photons from polarized cold neutron capture on protons is proportional to the ΔI=1 long range weak meson coupling $h_{\pi }^{1}$ between nucleons in the hadronic weak interaction (HWI). Liquid para-hydrogen production data taking concluded in April 2014 and once the background aluminum asymmetry measurements are complete, the PV asymmetry A γ can be extracted. Preliminary results of the analysis of A γ are presented.

Hadronic Weak Interaction Studies at the SNS

Neutrons have been a useful probe in many fields of science, as well as an important physical system for study in themselves. Modern neutron sources provide extraordinary opportunities to study a wide variety of physics topics. Among them is a detailed study of the weak interaction. An overview of studies of the hadronic weak (quark-quark) as well as semi-leptonic (quark-lepton) interactions at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is presented. These measurements, done in few-nucleon systems, are finally letting us gain knowledge of the hadronic weak interaction without the contributions from nuclear effects. Forthcoming results from the NPDGamma experiment will, due to the simplicity of the neutron, provide an unambiguous measurement of the long range pion-nucleon weak coupling (often referred to as h π ), which will finally test the theoretical predictions. Results from NPDGamma and future results from the n + 3 He experiment will need to be complemented by additional measurements to completely describe the hadronic weak interaction.

Analysis and Preliminary Results of The NPDGamma Experiment

Analysis and Preliminary Results of The NPDGamma Experiment

Measurement of the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction by polarized cold neutron capture on protons

The NPDGamma Experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is measuring the parity-odd correlation between the neutron spin and the direction of the emitted photon in the capture of polarized cold neutrons on protons. A parity violating asymmetry from this process is directly related to the strength of the hadronic weak interaction between nucleons. The experiment was run first with heavier nuclear targets to check systematic e ects, false asymmetries, and backgrounds. Since early 2012 the experiment has been collecting data with a 16-liter liquid parahydrogen target. Data taking will continue through 2013 until statistics for a 10 8 asymmetry mea- surement are expected. The experiment performance will be discussed as well as the status of the asymmetry measurements.

Status of the NPDGamma Experiment at the SNS

The main goal of the NPDGamma experiment is to measure the gamma-ray asymmetry with respect to the neutron spin direction in the nuclear reaction $\overrightarrow{n}+ p \rightarrow d + \gamma$ . The up-down asymmetry A γ has a predicted size of the order of 5 ·10 − 8 , and the NPDGamma experiment is designed to measure it with an uncertainty of about 10 − 8. To test the entire apparatus the gamma-ray asymmetry from neutron capture was measured using a Cl target followed by measurements on Al to establish the relevant background levels. At present the experiment is taking data with a liquid H 2 target to measure the parity violation on the $\overrightarrow{n} + p \rightarrow d + \gamma$ reaction and extract the ΔI = 1 part of the hadronic weak interaction.

The implementation of a super mirror polarizer at the SNS fundamental neutron physics beamline

A new bender supermirror polarizer is used to polarize the cold neutron beam at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source. We present the design of a compensation magnet that was built around the polarizer to minimize the polarizer fringe fields that could compromise the magnetic field requirements of the NPDGamma experiment for the field uniformity in the spin rotator and the field direction in the liquid hydrogen target located downstream from the polarizer. The entire magnetic field environment of the experiment has been analyzed using a finite-element model. Measurements of the magnetic field gradients and field direction have been carried out and the results are less than the upper limits required in the experiment. According to the results the compensated fields meet the stringent magnetic field requirements of the experiment defined by the systematic errors that have to be well below the statistical uncertainty of 10−8 in our main observable, the gamma asymmetry in neutron capture on hydrogen. We describe the design of the magnetic field, the construction of the compensation magnet, and we compare results of the field measurements with the results from the model.

Determination of the parahydrogen fraction in a liquid hydrogen target using energy-dependent slow neutron transmission

The NPDGamma collaboration is performing a measurement of the very small parity-violating asymmetry in the angular distribution of the 2.2 MeV γ-rays from the capture of polarized cold neutrons on protons (Aγ). The estimated size of Aγ is 5×10−8, and the measured asymmetry is proportional to the neutron polarization upon capture. Since the interaction of polarized neutrons with one of the two hydrogen molecular states (orthohydrogen) can lead to neutron spin-flip scattering, it is essential that the hydrogen in the target is mostly in the molecular state that will not depolarize the neutrons (≥99.8% parahydrogen). For that purpose, in the first stage of the NPDGamma experiment at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), we operated a 16-l liquid hydrogen target, which was filled in two different occasions. The parahydrogen fraction in the target was accurately determined in situ by relative neutron transmission measurements. The result of these measurements indicate that the fraction of parahydrogen in equilibrium was 0.9998±0.0002 in the first data taking run and 0.9956±0.0002 in the second. We describe the parahydrogen monitor system, relevant aspects of the hydrogen target, and the procedure to determine the fraction of parahydrogen in the target. Also assuming thermal equilibrium of the target, we extract the scattering cross-section for neutrons on parahydrogen.

NPDGamma: A measurement of the parity-violating gamma asymmetry Aγ in n-p capture

The NPDGamma Experiment measures the parity-violating correlation Aγ between neutron spin and photon momentum in the reaction n⃗ + p → d + γ. Knowledge of Aγ and other parity-violating observables in few-body nuclear systems will provide constraints for a parameterized description of ΔS = 0 parity-violating phenomena free from complications of nuclear structure. The NPDGamma experiment uses a polarized cold pulsed neutron beam, a liquid parahydrogen target, and a cylindrical array of 48 CsI(Tl) scintillation detectors operated in current mode to search for the asymmetry. NPDGamma recently completed the first phase of the program to measure Aγ at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center with the preliminary result Aγ = (−1.2 ± 2.1(stat.) ± 0.1(sys.)) × 10−7, reproducing the previous upper limit from a measurement at a reactor facility. We discuss the theoretical background and experimental method and report on preliminary analysis of the LANSCE data. The second phase of the program to measure Aγ is in progress at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

A liquid parahydrogen target for the measurement of a parity-violating gamma asymmetry in [formula omitted

A 16 l liquid parahydrogen target has been developed for a measurement of the parity-violating γ -asymmetry in the capture of polarized cold neutrons on protons in the n ⇒ + p → d + γ reaction by the NPDGamma collaboration. The target system was carefully designed to meet the stringent requirements on systematic effects for the experiment and also to satisfy hydrogen safety requirements. The target was designed to preserve the neutron polarization during neutron scattering on liquid hydrogen (LH 2), optimize the statistical sensitivity to the n ⇒ + p → d + γ reaction, minimize backgrounds coming from neutron interaction with the beam windows of the target cryostat, minimize LH 2 density fluctuations which can introduce extra noise in the gamma asymmetry signal, and control systematic effects. The target incorporates two mechanical refrigerators, two ortho–para convertors, an aluminum cryostat, an aluminum target vessel shielded with 6Li-rich plastic, a hydrogen fill/vent line with a passive recirculation loop to establish and maintain the equilibrium ortho–para ratio, a hydrogen relief system coupled to a vent stack, a gas handling system, and an alarm and interlock system. Low Z, nonmagnetic materials were used for the target vessel and cryostat. Pressure and temperature sensors monitored the thermodynamic state of the target. Relative neutron transmission measurements were used to monitor the parahydrogen fraction of the target. The target was thoroughly tested and successfully operated during the first phase of the NPDGamma experiment conducted at the FP12 beam line at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). An upgraded version of the target system will be used in the next stage of the experiment, which will be performed at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beam (FnPB) line of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Parity violation in neutron–proton capture—The NPDGamma experiment

The NPDGamma collaboration has recently completed the first phase of a measurement to determine the size of the weak nucleon–nucleon interaction from cold neutron capture on a liquid hydrogen target. In the framework of the nearly 30 year old DDH model [B. Desplanques, J.F. Donoghue, B.R. Holstein, Annals of Physics 124 (1980) 449], the measured process is explained in terms of the weak pion–nucleon coupling, while the framework of modern effective field theory parameterizes the measured process in terms of the S 1 3 - P 1 3 , long range transition (essentially the Danilov parameter ρ t ) [S.L. Zhu et al., Nuclear Physics A 748 (2005) 435; C.-P. Liu, Phys. Rev. C 75 (2007) 065501]. The couplings in terms of either model are directly proportional to the parity violating up-down asymmetry in the angular distribution of gamma rays with respect to the neutron spin direction in the reaction n ⇒ + p → d + γ . The asymmetry has a predicted size of 5 × 10 - 8 and the aim of the NPDGamma collaboration is to measure it to 20%. The first phase of the measurement was completed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Neutron Science Center Spallation Source with a preliminary result of ( - 1.1 ± 2.1 stat . ± 0.2 sys . ) × 10 - 7 . Here, we report on the measurements and the results obtained so far. The experiment is currently being installed at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for the remainder of its run time.

Measurement of Parity Violation in np Capture: the NPDGamma Experiment.

The NPDGamma experiment will measure the parity-violating directional gamma ray asymmetry A γ in the reaction [Formula: see text]. Ultimately, this will constitute the first measurement in the neutron-proton system that is sensitive enough to challenge modern theories of nuclear parity violation, providing a theoretically clean determination of the weak pion-nucleon coupling. A new beam-line at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) delivers pulsed cold neutrons to the apparatus, where they are polarized by transmission through a large volume polarized (3)He spin filter and captured in a liquid para-hydrogen target. The 2.2 MeV gamma rays from the capture reaction are detected in an array of CsI(Tl) scintillators read out by vacuum photodiodes operated in current mode. We will complete commissioning of the apparatus and carry out a first measurement at LANSCE in 2004-05, which would provide a statistics-limited result for A γ accurate to a standard uncertainty of ±5 × 10(-8) level or better, improving on existing measurements in the neutron-proton system by a factor of 4. Plans to move the experiment to a reactor facility, where the greater flux would enable us to make a measurement with a standard uncertainty of ±1 × 10(-8), are actively being pursued for the longer term.

A current mode detector array for [formula omitted]-ray asymmetry measurements

We have built a CsI(Tl) γ -ray detector array for the NPDGamma experiment to search for a small parity-violating directional asymmetry in the angular distribution of 2.2 MeV γ -rays from the capture of polarized cold neutrons by protons with a sensitivity of several ppb. The weak pion–nucleon coupling constant can be determined from this asymmetry. The small size of the asymmetry requires a high cold neutron flux, control of systematic errors at the ppb level, and the use of current mode γ -ray detection with vacuum photodiodes and low-noise solid-state preamplifiers. The average detector photoelectron yield was determined to be 1300 photoelectrons per MeV. The RMS width seen in the measurement is therefore dominated by the fluctuations in the number of γ -rays absorbed in the detector (counting statistics) rather than the intrinsic detector noise. The detectors were tested for noise performance, sensitivity to magnetic fields, pedestal stability and cosmic background. False asymmetries due to gain changes and electronic pickup in the detector system were measured to be consistent with zero to an accuracy of 10 - 9 in a few hours. We report on the design, operating criteria, and the results of measurements performed to test the detector array.

A low-noise current-mode preamplifier for gamma asymmetry measurements

The NPDGamma experiment will measure with high accuracy a very small parity-violating directional asymmetry A γ in the emission of gamma rays from the capture of polarized cold neutrons by protons. High event rates and systematic error considerations require the use of current mode detection with vacuum photo-diodes and low-noise solid-state preamplifiers. The preamplifier requirements, design, and measured properties are described.