Search

A quantitative and predictive microscopic theoretical framework that can describe reactions induced by α particles (4He nuclei) and heavier projectiles is currently lacking. Such a framework would contribute to reducing uncertainty in the modeling of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis and provide the basis for achieving a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of nuclear clustering (the organization of protons and neutrons into distinct substructures within a nucleus). We have developed an efficient and general configuration-interaction framework for the description of low-energy reactions and clustering in light nuclei. The new formalism takes full advantage of powerful second-quantization techniques, enabling the description of α-α scattering and an exploration of clustering in the exotic 12Be nucleus. We find that the 4He(α,α)4He differential cross section computed with non-locally regulated chiral interactions is in good agreement with experimental data. Our results for 12Be indicate the presence of strongly mixed helium-cluster states consistent with a molecular-like picture surviving far above the 6He+6He threshold, and reveal the strong influence of neutron decay in both the 12Be spectrum and in the 6He(6He,α)8He cross section. We expect that this approach will enable the description of helium burning cross sections and provide insight on how three-nucleon forces influence the emergence of clustering in nuclei.

We, the QUARTET Collaboration, propose an experiment to measure the nuclear charge radii of light elements with up to 20 times higher accuracy. These are essential both for understanding nuclear physics at low energies, and for experimental and theoretical applications in simple atomic systems. Such comparisons advance the understanding of bound-state quantum electrodynamics and are useful for searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The energy levels of muonic atoms are highly susceptible to nuclear structure, especially to the mean square charge radius. The radii of the lightest nuclei (with the atomic number, Z=1,2) have been determined with high accuracy using laser spectroscopy in muonic atoms, while those of medium mass and above were determined using X-ray spectroscopy with semiconductor detectors. In this communication, we present a new experiment, aiming to obtain precision measurements of the radii of light nuclei 3≤Z≤10 using single-photon energy measurements with cryogenic microcalorimeters; a quantum-sensing technology capable of high efficiency with outstanding resolution for low-energy X-rays.

Thermonuclear fusion of nuclei of deuterium and tritium may provide the energy for the future and spin polarization is a potential mechanism for enhancing the nuclear reaction. Here the authors predict the enhanced DT fusion rate using chiral effective field theory and ab initio calculations.