Search

We report the first observation of the parity-violating gamma-ray asymmetry A_{γ}^{np} in neutron-proton capture using polarized cold neutrons incident on a liquid parahydrogen target at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A_{γ}^{np} isolates the ΔI=1, ^{3}S_{1}→^{3}P_{1} component of the weak nucleon-nucleon interaction, which is dominated by pion exchange and can be directly related to a single coupling constant in either the DDH meson exchange model or pionless effective field theory. We measured A_{γ}^{np}=[-3.0±1.4(stat)±0.2(syst)]×10^{-8}, which implies a DDH weak πNN coupling of h_{π}^{1}=[2.6±1.2(stat)±0.2(syst)]×10^{-7} and a pionless EFT constant of C^{^{3}S_{1}→^{3}P_{1}}/C_{0}=[-7.4±3.5(stat)±0.5(syst)]×10^{-11} MeV^{-1}. We describe the experiment, data analysis, systematic uncertainties, and implications of the result.

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 $\sim10^9$ neutrons per second per cm$^2$ and a cross sectional area of 10$\times$12~cm$^2$. 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 $^{3}$He 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 $^{3}$He 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 $\gamma$-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., Comment: 13 pages, 14 figures, 2 tables

We describe a detection system designed for precise measurements of angular correlations in neutron $\beta$ decay. The system is based on thick, large area, highly segmented silicon detectors developed in collaboration with Micron Semiconductor, Ltd. The prototype system meets specifications for $\beta$ electron detection with energy thresholds below 10 keV, energy resolution of $\sim$3 keV FWHM, and rise time of $\sim$50 ns with 19 of the 127 detector pixels instrumented. Using ultracold neutrons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, we have demonstrated the coincident detection of $\beta$ particles and recoil protons from neutron $\beta$ decay. The fully instrumented detection system will be implemented in the UCNB and Nab experiments, to determine the neutron $\beta$ decay parameters $B$, $a$, and $b$., Comment: Copyright 2016. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

The “Nab” and “UCNB” collaborations have proposed to measure the correlation parameters in neutron β-decay at Oak Ridge and Los Alamos National Laboratory, using a novel detector design. Two large area, thick, hexagonal-segmented silicon detectors containing 127 pixels per detector will be used to detect the proton and electron from neutron decay. Both silicon detectors are connected by magnetic field lines of a few Tesla field strength, and set on an electrostatic potential, such that protons can be accelerated up to 30 keV in order to be detected. Characteristics of the detector response to low energy conversion electrons and protons from 15 keV to 35 keV, including the evaluation of the dead layer thickness and other contributions to the pulse height defect for proton detection are presented for Si detectors of 0.5 mm and 1 mm of thickness.

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.

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 ( A γ ) . The estimated size of A γ 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.

Neutron beta decay is one of the most fundamental processes in nuclear physics and provides sensitive means to uncover the details of the weak interaction. Neutron beta decay can evaluate the ratio of axial-vector to vector coupling constants in the standard model, $\lambda = g_A / g_V$, through multiple decay correlations. The Nab experiment will carry out measurements of the electron-neutrino correlation parameter $a$ with a precision of $\delta a / a = 10^{-3}$ and the Fierz interference term $b$ to $\delta b = 3\times10^{-3}$ in unpolarized free neutron beta decay. These results, along with a more precise measurement of the neutron lifetime, aim to deliver an independent determination of the ratio $\lambda$ with a precision of $\delta \lambda / \lambda = 0.03\%$ that will allow an evaluation of $V_{ud}$ and sensitively test CKM unitarity, independent of nuclear models. Nab utilizes a novel, long asymmetric spectrometer that guides the decay electron and proton to two large area silicon detectors in order to precisely determine the electron energy and an estimation of the proton momentum from the proton time of flight. The Nab spectrometer is being commissioned at the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Lab. We present an overview of the Nab experiment and recent updates on the spectrometer, analysis, and systematic effects., Comment: Presented at PPNS2018

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 (LH2), 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 LH2 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.

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.

A large area polarized 3He neutron spin filter has been developed and tested in long-term operation. The polarizer cells have area 50 cm2 and larger allowing access to a large area neutron beam. Polarization of 3He up to 57 ± 1 % was measured by monitoring the neutron transmission through the 3He. The polarization was maintained over the course of several weeks, but the maximum attainable polarization declined over the course of a year-long run as the cell degraded, possibly due to long-term exposure to the neutron beam at high temperatures. The resulting neutron polarization and transmission are velocity dependent and are optimized for 5 A. Cell construction, polarizer design, performance, and polarimetry are described in this paper.

Liquid hydrogen is a dense Bose fluid whose equilibrium properties are both calculable from first principles using various theoretical approaches and of interest for the understanding of a wide range of questions in many body physics. Unfortunately, the pair correlation function $g(r)$ inferred from neutron scattering measurements of the differential cross section $d\sigma \over d\Omega$ from different measurements reported in the literature are inconsistent. We have measured the energy dependence of the total cross section and the scattering cross section for slow neutrons with energies between 0.43~meV and 16.1~meV on liquid hydrogen at 15.6~K (which is dominated by the parahydrogen component) using neutron transmission measurements on the hydrogen target of the NPDGamma collaboration at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The relationship between the neutron transmission measurement we perform and the total cross section is unambiguous, and the energy range accesses length scales where the pair correlation function is rapidly varying. At 1~meV our measurement is a factor of 3 below the data from previous work. We present evidence that these previous measurements of the hydrogen cross section, which assumed that the equilibrium value for the ratio of orthohydrogen and parahydrogen has been reached in the target liquid, were in fact contaminated with an extra non-equilibrium component of orthohydrogen. Liquid parahydrogen is also a widely-used neutron moderator medium, and an accurate knowledge of its slow neutron cross section is essential for the design and optimization of intense slow neutron sources. We describe our measurements and compare them with previous work., Comment: Edited for submission to Physical Review B

The NPDGamma γ-ray detector has been built to measure, with high accuracy, the size of the small parity-violating asymmetry in the angular distribution of gamma rays from the capture of polarized cold neutrons by protons. The high cold neutron flux at the Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center (LANSCE) spallation neutron source and control of systematic errors require the use of current mode detection with vacuum photodiodes and low-noise solid-state preamplifiers. We show that the detector array operates at counting statistics and that the asymmetries due to B4C and (27)Al are zero to with- in 2 × 10(-6) and 7 × 10(-7), respectively. Boron and aluminum are used throughout the experiment. The results presented here are preliminary.

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.

An apparatus for measuring parity-violating asymmetries in gamma-ray emission following polarized cold neutron capture was constructed as a 1/10th scale test of the design for the forthcoming n → + p → d + γ experiment at LANSCE. The elements of the polarized neutron beam, including a polarized 3 He neutron spin filter and a radio frequency neutron spin rotator, are described. Using CsI(Tl) detectors and photodiode current mode readout, measurements were made of asymmetries in gamma-ray emission following neutron capture on 35 Cl , 113 Cd , and 139 La targets. Upper limits on the parity-allowed asymmetry s n ·( k γ × k n ) were set at the level of 7×10 −6 for all three targets. Parity-violating asymmetries s n · k γ were observed in 35 Cl , A γ =(−29.1±6.7)×10 −6 , and 139 La , A γ =(−15.5±7.1)×10 −6 , values consistent with previous measurements.

We have measured the brightness of the Flight Path 12 upstream/back-scattering partially coupled cold hydrogen moderator at LANSCE. This measurement was performed in the neutron energy range of 0.8–76.9 meV by using a time-of-flight technique in conjunction with a two-pinhole collimator system. Cold neutrons were observed with a redundant 6Li-loaded glass scintillation detector having an efficiency of close to unity. The detector viewed an area of 0.93 cm2 on the center of the 12×12 cm2 moderator surface. A maximum brightness of 1.25×108 neutrons s−1 sr−1 cm−2 meV−1 μA−1 was measured at 3.3-meV neutron energy. Statistical and systematic errors of the measurement are 3% and 7%, respectively. The measured brightness is compared to the result of a model calculation and there is a significant disagreement, by a factor of 1.5 at the peak. The performance of the m=3 supermirror neutron guide system on Flight Path 12 was also studied with the two pinhole-detector system.

Measurements of discrete γ-ray spectra have been carried out as a function of incident-neutron energy for nuclei populated in 238U(n, xnγ (x ≤ 4) reactions. The GEANIE spectrometer, comprised of 26 Ge detectors (11 planar and 15 coaxial), was used to detect γ-rays. Neutrons were provided by the “white” neutron source of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center’s WNR facility. The energy of the incident neutrons was determined using the time-of-flight technique. Absolute cross sections were determined for emission of several γ-rays from low-lying states of 235-238U isotopes (spin up to 10ħ and excitation energy up to ~1 MeV) as a function of incident-neutron energy (1 MeV < En 100 MeV). Uncertainties associated with the spectroscopic analysis of the data are discussed. Predictions of partial γ-ray cross sections from GNASH calculations up to neutron energy En = 30 MeV are compared to the experimental results and are generally in good agreement. Combining the experimental results with the predictions of the nu...

Absolute partial γ-ray cross sections for discrete γ-ray production in the 239Pu(n,2nγi)238Pu reaction have been measured. The experiments were performed at LANSCE/WNR on the 60R neutron flight path. Reaction γ-rays were measured using the large-scale Compton-suppressed array of Ge detectors, GEANIE. The motivation for this experiment, an overview of the partial γ-ray cross-section measurement, and an introduction to the main experimental issues will be presented. The energy resolution of the Ge detectors allowed identification of reaction γ rays above the background of sample radioactivity and fission γ rays. The use of planar Ge detectors with their reduced sensitivity to neutron interactions and improved line shape was also important to the success of this experiment. Absolute partial γ-ray cross sections are presented for the 61+ → 41+ member of the ground state rotational band in 238Pu, together with miscellaneous other γ-ray partial cross sections. The n,2n reaction cross section shape and magnitude...

The Nab experiment will measure the correlation a between the momenta of the beta particle and antineutrino in neutron decay as well as the Fierz term b which distorts the beta spectrum.

We report on polarized beam--polarized target measurements of the spin-dependent neutron-proton total cross-section differences in longitudinal and transverse geometries ( $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{L}$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}$, respectively) between ${E}_{n}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}5$ and 20 MeV. Single-parameter phase-shift analyses were performed to extract the phase-shift mixing parameter ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}$, which characterizes the strength of the nucleon-nucleon tensor interaction at low energies. Consistent with the trend of previous determinations at ${E}_{n}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}25$ and 50 MeV, our values for ${\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}_{1}$ imply a stronger tensor force than predicted by meson-exchange nucleon-nucleon potential models and nucleon-nucleon phase-shift analyses.

Discrete {gamma}-ray spectra have been measured as a function of incident neutron energy for nuclei produced in the {sup 196}Pt(n,xn{gamma}) reactions. Spectroscopy was done using the large-scale Compton suppressed Ge {gamma}-ray spectrometer GEANIE. The {open_quotes}white{close_quotes} source neutron beam was produced at the Los Alamos Neutron Science WNR facility. Reaction neutron energy was determined using the time-of-flight technique. Reaction-channel yields were inferred from the measured intensity sum of the 2{sub 1}{sup +}{r_arrow}0{sub 1}{sup +} and the 2{sub 2}{sup +}{r_arrow}0{sub 1}{sup +} transitions for the {sup 196}Pt(n,xn) reactions for x{le}15. Weisskopf-Ewing calculations (including precompound) done with the HMS-ALICE code correctly predict the bulk of the (n,xn) reaction products for low multiplicity. However, they do not accurately predict yield ratios of the different (n,xn) reactions for x{ge}9. In addition, there is no consistent experimental indication of charged-particle reaction channels (n,pxn) for incident neutron energies above 60 MeV where they are predicted to account for approximately 1/3 of the total reaction cross section. Several possible causes are discussed for these discrepancies. Finally, the region of E-J phase space populated in this reaction is probed for several of the strongest reaction channels through the observation of relative yields for different yrast and off-yrast states. {copyright}more » {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}« less

We have constructed a 0.4 mole solid 3 He target, cryogenically polarized at 12 mK in a field of 7 T. The 0.04 atoms/b target reached a polarization of 38% in 35 h. Such a target may be applied to any experiment which is tolerant of the large ambient magnetic field and which produces target heating of less than a microwatt. High energy neutron and photon scattering experiments meet these requirements. The target's figure of merit for neutron transmission measurement exceeds that of polarized gas targets by greater than 35. At the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory we have used the target to measure the total cross section differences Δσ T and Δσ L for incident polarized neutrons of energies 2–8 MeV. The cross section difference is sensitive to the excited state structure of the n- 3 He system. The results have been compared to a recent R-matrix analysis of R = 4 scattering and reaction data, and provide support for the 4 He level scheme derived from that analysis.

Measurements of polarized-neutron--polarized${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}^{3}$He scattering are reported. The target consisted of cryogenically polarized solid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, with thickness 0.04 atom/b and polarization \ensuremath{\sim}0.4. Polarized neutrons were produced via the $^{3}\mathrm{H}$(p\ensuremath{\rightarrow},n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${)}^{3}$He or $^{2}\mathrm{H}$(d\ensuremath{\rightarrow},n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${)}^{3}$He polarization-transfer reactions. The longitudinal and transverse total cross-section differences \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{L}}$ and \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{T}}$ were measured for incident neutron energies 2--8 MeV. The results are compared to phase-shift predictions based on four different analyses of n${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}^{3}$He scattering. The best agreement is obtained with a recent R-matrix analysis of A=4 scattering and reaction data, lending strong support to the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ level scheme obtained in that analysis. Discrepancies with other phase-shift parametrizations of n${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}^{3}$He scattering exist, attributable in most instances to one or two particular partial waves. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

The spin-dependent total cross-section difference {Delta}{sigma}{sub {ital T}} has been measured at energies of 7.43, 9.57, and 11.60 MeV for neutrons, polarized transverse to the beam momentum, transmitted through a transversely polarized proton target. In addition, the energy at which {Delta}{sigma}{sub {ital T}} crosses through zero has been determined in the energy range 3.65--6.25 MeV. The measurements were carried out with a polarized TiH{sub 2} target and polarized neutrons from the {sup 3}H(p,n){sup 3}He and {sup 2}H(d,n){sup 3}He reactions. The cross-section differences {Delta}{sigma}{sub {ital T}} are sensitive to the strength of the {sup 3}{ital S}{sub 1}--{sup 3}{ital D}{sub 1} mixing parameter {epsilon}{sub 1}. Phase-shift analyses are used to determine {epsilon}{sub 1} values from the data. The values are in good in agreement with {ital NN} potential models and do not support the low {epsilon}{sub 1} values found in previous studies around 15--20 MeV.

Precision measurements in neutron beta decay serve to determine the coupling constants of beta decay and allow for several stringent tests of the standard model. This paper discusses the design and the expected performance of the Nab spectrometer., Submitted to Proceedings of the Conference CIPANP12, St.Petersburg, Florida, May 2012

Measurements have been made of \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{T}}$ for polarized neutrons incident on a polarized-proton target from 3.65 to 11.60 MeV. In the energy range near 10 MeV, \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{T}}$ is very sensitive to the nucleon-nucleon tensor interaction. Comparison of the data to potential-model predictions indicate that the tensor interaction is weak, resulting in values of the $^{3}$${\mathit{S}}_{1}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}^{3}$${\mathit{D}}_{1}$ mixing parameter ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{1}$ which are smaller than predicted by any nucleon-nucleon potential model. A smaller tensor force will bring the predictions of local potential models for the triton binding energy into closer agreement with the experimental value.

We have observed depolarization effects when high intensity cold neutron beams are incident on alkali-metal-spin-exchange polarized He-3 cells used as neutron spin filters. This was first observed as a reduction of the maximum attainable He-3 polarization and was attributed to a decrease of alkali-metal polarization, which led us to directly measure alkali-metal polarization and spin relaxation over a range of neutron fluxes at LANSCE and ILL. The data reveal a new alkali-metal spin-relaxation mechanism that approximately scales as the square root of the neutron capture-flux density incident on the cell. This is consistent with an effect proportional to the recombination-limited ion concentration, but is much larger than expected from earlier work., submitted to Physical Review Letters

The Nab collaboration will perform a precise measurement of 'a', the electron-neutrino correlation parameter, and 'b', the Fierz interference term in neutron beta decay, in the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the SNS, using a novel electric/magnetic field spectrometer and detector design. The experiment is aiming at the 10^{-3} accuracy level in (Delta a)/a, and will provide an independent measurement of lambda = G_A/G_V, the ratio of axial-vector to vector coupling constants of the nucleon. Nab also plans to perform the first ever measurement of 'b' in neutron decay, which will provide an independent limit on the tensor weak coupling., Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures, 1 table, talk presented at the International Workshop on Particle Physics with Slow Neutrons, Grenoble, 29-31 May 2008; to appear in Nucl. Instrum. Meth. in Physics Research A

High precision fundamental neutron physics experiments have been proposed for the intense pulsed spallation neutron beams at JSNS, LANSCE, and SNS to test the standard model and search for new physics. Certain systematic effects in some of these experiments have to be controlled at the few ppb level. The NPD Gamma experiment, a search for the small parity-violating {gamma}-ray asymmetry A{sub Y} in polarized cold neutron capture on parahydrogen, is one example. For the NPD Gamma experiment we developed a radio-frequency resonant spin rotator to reverse the neutron polarization in a 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm pulsed cold neutron beam with high efficiency over a broad cold neutron energy range. The effect of the spin reversal by the rotator on the neutron beam phase space is compared qualitatively to rf neutron spin flippers based on adiabatic fast passage. We discuss the design of the spin rotator and describe two types of transmission-based neutron spin-flip efficiency measurements where the neutron beam was both polarized and analyzed by optically polarized {sup 3}He neutron spin filters. The efficiency of the spin rotator was measured at LANSCE to be 98.8 {+-} 0.5% for neutron energies from 3 to 20 meV over the full phasemore » space of the beam. Systematic effects that the rf spin rotator introduces to the NPD Gamma experiment are considered.« less

Parity-odd asymmetries in the electromagnetic decays of compound nuclei can sometimes be amplified above values expected from simple dimensional estimates by the complexity of compound nuclear states. In this work we use a statistical approach to estimate the root mean square (RMS) of the distribution of expected parity-odd correlations $\vec{s_{n}} \cdot \vec{k_{\gamma}}$, where $\vec {s_{n}}$ is the neutron spin and $\vec{k_{\gamma}}$ is the momentum of the gamma, in the integrated gamma spectrum from the capture of cold polarized neutrons on Al, Cu, and In and we present measurements of the asymmetries in these and other nuclei. Based on our calculations, large enhancements of asymmetries were not predicted for the studied nuclei and the statistical estimates are consistent with our measured upper bounds on the asymmetries., Comment: 22 pages, 6 figures

Experiments that place strict limits on the electric dipole moment of the neutron (n‐EDM) represent one of the most promising opportunities to search for physics beyond the standard model. Over the last several years, a collaboration based at Los Alamos National Laboratory has been working toward the development of an apparatus that is expected to improve the current n‐EDM limit by two orders of magnitude. A key feature of the proposed experiment involves the detection of ultraviolet scintillation light produced as a result of neutron capture on 3He in superfluid liquid 4He (l‐4He). Typically such events give rise to a large prompt flash of light followed by a train of delayed photons (‘after‐pulses’). We recently performed an experiment to examine correlations between the amplitude of the initial light pulse and the number of after‐pulses that are produced when a dilute mixture of 3He in l‐4He is irradiated with a neutron beam. Data from this experiment suggest that events associated with reaction products from neutron capture on 3He can be distinguished from background events associated with other forms of ionizing radiation such as gamma rays. A sample of data from our experiment is presented.

The NPDGamma collaboration has constructed and commissioned an apparatus on flight path 12 at LANSCE to measure with a high precision, 5×10−9, the small parity‐violating gamma‐ray asymmetry, Aγ, in polarized neutron capture on protons. This asymmetry can be determined unambiguously the weak pion‐nucleon coupling constant. To study the hadronic weak interaction at low energy, the collaboration has used the NPDGamma apparatus to measure parity‐violating gamma‐ray asymmetries in compound nuclei with cold neutrons. Using the statistical model of compound nuclei and spectroscopic information of the target nuclei, we can set upper limit on the spreading width of the hadronic weak interaction for intermediate‐mass nuclei. We describe the experiment and the preliminary results of measured gamma‐ray asymmetries of Al, Sc, Ti, Mn, and Co.

The abBA collaboration is developing a new type of field‐expansion spectrometer to measure neutron beta decay angular parameters, a, b, B, and A, to the 0.1% precision level. This precision will be achieved by combining three new technical approaches; a pulsed cold neutron beam, a 3He neutron spin filter, and segmented large‐area thin‐dead layer silicon detectors. Both the electron and proton resulting from the decay will be guided by electric and magnetic fields and detected in coincidence by two 2π solid‐angle silicon detectors. For the neutron polarization‐dependent observables A and B, a novel precision neutron polarimetry technique has been developed. The parameters a and b will be obtained from the proton time‐of‐flight and the measured electron energy spectrum. Measurement of the four parameters in the same apparatus provides a redundant determination of parameter λ=gA/gV, providing a test of the standard electroweak interaction.

The NPDGamma experiment will measure with a high precision, 5×10−9, the small parity‐violating gamma‐ray asymmetry, Aγ, in polarized cold neutron capture in a para‐hydrogen target to determine unambiguously the weak pion‐nucleon coupling constant Hπ1. For the experiment the collaboration has built a new high‐flux pulsed cold neutron beam line at LANSCE. In 2004, we first commissioned the beam line and then the apparatus with exception of the hydrogen target. The sensitivity of the apparatus was tested by measuring Aγ on Al, B, Cl, Cu, and In. The Cl has a well‐known large parity‐violating gamma‐ray asymmetry that was used to verify the performance of the apparatus. The other nuclei that were studied during the commissioning run are present in materials used for construction of the experiment and are, therefore, possible sources of the false asymmetries since backgrounds are expected to be about 10% of the signal from the neutron capture on hydrogen. We measured Aγ≈0 for these nuclei except for Cl. We repo...

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 control of systematic errors at the ppb level, and the use of current‐mode γ‐ray detection with vacuum photo diodes and low‐noise solid‐state preamplifiers. 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 show that the detector array operates at counting statistics and present asymmetry results for B4C , CCl4 , 27Al, Cu, and In. B4C , 27Al, Cu, and In are used throughout the experiment...

A new pulsed cold neutron beam line, flight path 12, has been commissioned at LANSCE by the NPDGamma collaboration. The beam line was designed for fundamental nuclear physics experiments. We present the measured brightness of the unique backscattering moderator viewed by the flight path 12 neutron guide and report results for guide performance measurements. The peak neutron flux out of the guide is dN/dE= 2.4×105 neutrons/meV/cm2/s/μA at 2 meV neutron energy.

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.

We have developed a new type of field-expansion spectrometer to measure the neutron beta decay correlations (a, b, B, and A). A precision measurement of these correlations places stringent requirements on charged particle detectors. The design employs large area segmented silicon detectors to detect both protons and electrons in coincidence. Other requirements include good energy resolution (< 5 keV), a thin dead layer to allow observation of 30-keV protons, fast timing resolution (~1 ns) to reconstruct electron-backscattering events, and nearly unity efficiency. We report results of testing commercially available surface-barrier silicon detectors for energy resolution and timing performance, and measurement of the dead-layer thickness of ion-implanted silicon detectors with a 3.2 MeV alpha source.

We have built a CsI(Tl) gamma-ray detector array for the NPDGamma experiment to search for a small parity-violating directional asymmetry in the angular distribution of 2.2 MeV gamma-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 gamma-ray detection with vacuum photo diodes 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 gamma 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., Comment: 33 pages, 20 figures, 2 tables

Rotational bands in {sup 175}Lu have been extended through investigation with the (n,n{prime}{gamma}) reaction. Spallation neutrons bombarded Lu samples, and the resulting {gamma} rays were detected in a large-scale Compton-suppressed Ge detector array. Prompt- and delayed-{gamma}{gamma} coincidences have been used to extend most of the existing known bands, and to tentatively assign a new band, based on the 7/2{sup -}[523] configuration, from its band head to spin 13/2. The 3-quasiparticle K{sup {pi}} = 19/2{sup +} isomer is confirmed and its half life determined to be 984 {+-} 13(stat.) {+-} 30(sys.) {micro}s, in agreement with previous results.

Prompt γ rays from the neutron-induced fission of 235U have been studied using the GEANIE spectrometer situated at the LANSCE/WNR “white” neutron facility. Gamma-ray production cross sections for 29 ground-state-band transitions in 18 even-even fission fragments were obtained as a function of incident neutron energy, using the time-of-flight technique. Independent yields were deduced from these cross sections and fitted with standard formulations of the fragment charge and mass distributions to study the transition from asymmetric to symmetric fission. The results are interpreted in the context of the disappearance of shell structure at high excitation energies.

The ${}^{239}\mathrm{Pu}{(n,2n)}^{238}\mathrm{Pu}$ cross section has been deduced using a combination of measured partial $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cross sections and enhanced Hauser-Feshbach reaction modeling from threshold to ${E}_{n}l~20 \mathrm{MeV}.$ Eight ${}^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(n,2n\ensuremath{\gamma}{)}^{238}\mathrm{Pu}$ partial $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cross sections were measured using the GEANIE spectrometer, the time-of-flight technique, and energetic neutrons produced at the LANSCE/WNR facility. The $(n,2n)$ cross section was obtained by multiplying the sum of observed noncoincident partial $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cross sections by the calculated ratio of the $(n,2n)$ cross section divided by the sum of the same partial $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cross sections. A comparison between the data and model calculations indicates potential deficiencies in the modeling of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray cascade.

Prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the neutron-induced fission of ${}^{235}\mathrm{U}$ have been studied using the GEANIE spectrometer situated at the LANSCE/WNR ``white'' neutron facility. Transitions characteristic of specific fission fragments were identified using a combination of single-fold and coincidence $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray analysis. Gamma-ray production cross sections were obtained as a function of incident neutron energy using the time-of-flight technique. Yields were extracted for 206 $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays produced by 56 distinct fission fragments for $1l~{E}_{n}(\mathrm{MeV})l~250.$ Fission-channel cross sections were deduced for a subset of 22 even-even fragments, where the measured $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray yields represent a large fraction of the full de-excitation strength of the fragment. Independent yields were deduced from these cross sections and fitted with standard formulations of the fragment charge and mass distributions. The results were used to study the transition from asymmetric to symmetric fission as a function of internal excitation energy of the fissioning system. This transition is interpreted in the context of the disappearance of shell structure at high excitation energies.

Excitation functions from the interaction of fast neutrons (up to an energy of 250 MeV) on a target of {sup 92}Mo have been measured. Yields have been determined for reaction {gamma} rays from {sup 88-92}Mo, {sup 88-92}Nb, {sup 86-91}Zr, {sup 84-86,88}Y, and {sup 80,82-86}Sr. These results are compared with model calculations using the GNASH code which takes into account compound nucleus, preequilibrium emission, multiple preequilibrium emission, and direct reaction contributions. The model calculations are in good agreement overall, but significant discrepancies emerge for some high-multiplicity, charged-particle-exit channels.

Previous experimental efforts to measure the {sup 239}Pu(n,2n) reaction cross section have relied on the detection of evaporated neutrons [Mat72,Fre85]. These efforts were hampered by the presence of the large ({sigma} {approx} 2 barns) neutron-induced fission channel which produces on average 3-4 neutrons [How71]. This paper is one of three manuscripts that document an effort to determine the {sup 239}Pu(n,2n) channel cross section using the GErmanium Array for Neutron Induced Excitations (GEANIE) spectrometer [Bec97] at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center/Weapons Neutron Research (LANSCE/WNR) [Lis90] facility. In this document we report the measurement of several {sup 239}Pu(n,xn{gamma}){sup 240-x}Pu partial cross sections. The other two papers report results for a parallel proof-of-principle experiment using a {sup 235}U target as a surrogate for {sup 239}Pu [Youn00] and a detailed calculation and measurement of the efficiency of the GEANIE spectrometer [McN00]. Results from these two works are frequently referred to in this paper. A later report from Becker et al. will use the partial (n2n{gamma}) cross sections reported here, together with the predictions of the GNASH [Cha99,Cha00] and IDA [Ros99] reaction models, to extract a total cross section for the (n,2n) channel. The results of three experiments are reported here. Two were carriedmore » out in 1998 using a 0.010 inch (referred to as ''thin'') and 0.020 inch (referred to as ''thick'') {sup 239}Pu target. The remaining one was run in 1999 using the same thin target. This work is being carried out in parallel with a similar effort to measure (n,xn{gamma}) cross sections on a {sup 235}U target being analyzed by Younes et al., [You00]. This experiment was performed using the same {gamma}-ray spectrometer and a similar analysis approach, thereby allowing a detailed comparison between the two data sets and a check on the techniques used. The report is comprised of three portions. In the first part the experimental techniques used for all three runs will be presented. The next section will describe how the partial (n,xn{gamma}) cross sections were extracted from a combination of all three data sets, including a detailed discussion of the level spectroscopy of levels in {sup 238}Pu populated in this experiment. The last portion of the report will focus on a comparison between the observed partial cross sections and the predictions of the GNASH reaction model [Cha99,Cha00]. Several methods will be suggested in which the model predictions may be coupled with the measured partial cross sections to extract a (n,2n) channel cross section. A separate appendix will present the results from the three separate experiments individually.« less

States in {sup 92}Mo have been observed with the (n,n{sup '}{gamma}) reaction with spallation neutrons produced at the LANSCE-WNR facility. Gamma rays were detected with the GEANIE spectrometer, and the neutron energies were determined by the time-of-flight method. Combining excitation function and {gamma}{gamma} coincidence analysis, 13 new levels have been deduced. The level scheme has been extended considerably for low- to medium-spin levels below 5 MeV in excitation energy. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.

GEANIE at LANSCE/WNR combines the precision energy resolution of germanium detectors with the advantages of a white source providing neutrons with energies 1 < E{sub n}(MeV) < 250 to address a variety of topics in nuclear physics. The authors present the analysis of two data sets, n+{sup 235}U and n+{sup 92}Mo, acquired at GEANIE during the 1998 beam cycle. These data showcase the breadth of subjects under study at this facility, including the spectroscopy of stable and near-stable nuclei, reaction dynamics, fission studies, and the relative population of isomer and ground states in neutron-induced reactions.

GEANIE is the first large-scale Ge detector array used in conjunction with a high-energy neutron spallation source. GEANIE consists of eleven Compton-suppressed planar detectors, nine suppressed and six unsuppressed co-axial detectors. Spallation neutrons are provided by the LANSCE/WNR facility, and reaction neutron energies are determined via time-of-flight. neutron flux is monitored in-beam with a fission chamber. GEANIE at LANSCE/WNR currently emphasizes the measurement of partial gamma-ray cross sections as a function of neutron energy. Absolute cross section measurements require a complete understanding of array performance. Important effects include intrinsic detector efficiency, beam and detector geometry corrections, target attenuation, and deadtime. Measurements and calculations of these effects will be presented for the specific cases of iron and actinide targets. The use of radioactive targets incurs a large deadtime penalty. In order to increase data throughput they are making plans to move to a triggerless data acquisition system. These modifications and other improvements to the electronics for better timing will be discussed.

The weak pion-nucleon coupling constant Hπ1 remains poorly determined, despite many years of effort. The recent measurement of the 133Cs anapole moment has been interpreted to give a value of Hπ1 almost an order of magnitude larger than the limit established in the 18F parity doublet experiments. A measurement of the gamma ray directional asymmetry Aγ for the capture of polarized neutrons by hydrogen has been proposed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This experiment will determine Hπ1 independent of nuclear structure effects. However, since the predicted asymmetry is small, Aγ≈5×10−8, systematic effects must be reduced to

We report on new measurements of the spin-dependent neutron-proton total cross-section differences in longitudinal and transverse geometries (ΔσL and ΔσT respectively) and between 5 and 20 MeV. These transmission experiments involve a polarized neutron beam and polarized proton target. The polarized neutron beam was produced as a secondary beam via charged-particle induced neutron-production reactions. The proton target was cryogenically cooled and dynamically polarized. These data will be used to extract e1, the phase-shift parameter which characterizes the strength of the tensor interaction at low energy.