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Most theoretical approaches used in nuclear astrophysics to model the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements incorporate the so-called statistical model in order to describe the excitation and decay properties of atomic nuclei. One of the basic assumptions of this model is the validity of the Brink–Axel hypothesis and the related concept of so-called photon strength functions to describe γ-ray transition probabilities. We present a novel experimental approach that allows for the first time to experimentally determine the photon strength function simultaneously in two independent ways by a unique combination of quasi-monochromatic photon beams and a newly implemented γ–γ coincidence setup. This technique does not assume a priori the validity of the Brink–Axel hypothesis and sets a benchmark in terms of the detection sensitivity for measuring decay properties of photo-excited states below the neutron separation energy. The data for the spherical off-shell nucleus $^{128}$Te were obtained for γ-ray beam-energy settings between 3 MeV and 9 MeV in steps of 130 keV for the lower beam energies and in steps of up to 280 keV for the highest beam settings. We present a quantitative analysis on the consistency of the derived photon strength function with the Brink–Axel hypothesis. The data clearly demonstrate a discrepancy of up to a factor of two between the photon strength functions extracted from the photoabsorption and photon emission process, respectively. In addition, we observe that the photon strength functions are not independent of the excitation energy, as usually assumed. Thus, we conclude, that the Brink–Axel hypothesis is not strictly fulfilled in the excitation-energy region below the neutron separation threshold (Sn=8.78MeV) for the studied case of $^{128}$Te.

New measurements of the neutron-neutron quasifree scattering cross section in neutron-deuteron breakup at an incident neutron energy of 10.0 MeV are reported. The experiment setup was optimized to evaluate the technique for determining the integrated beam-target luminosity in neutron-neutron coincidence cross-section measurements in neutron-deuteron breakup. The measurements were carried out with a systematic uncertainty of $\pm 5.6 \%$. Our data are in agreement with theoretical calculations performed using the CD-Bonn nucleon-nucleon potential in the Faddeev formalism. The measured integrated cross section over the quasifree peak is $20.5 \pm 0.5 \text{(stat)} \pm 1.1 \text{(sys)}$ mb/sr$^2$ in comparison with the theory prediction of 20.1 mb/sr$^{2}$. These results validate our technique for determining the beam-target luminosity in neutron-deuteron breakup measurements., 23 pages, 12 figures, published in Physical Review C

Experiments are underway at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) that provide data for evaluating calculations based on low-energy QCD theories, e.g., effective field theory formulations of two-nucleon and three-nucleon interactions, chiral-perturbation theory, and Lattice QCD. Few-nucleon reaction measurements are carried out using the monoenergetic polarized gamma-ray beam at the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HI\(\gamma \)S) and the neutron beams at the tandem laboratory. Experiments in nucleon structure are performed at HI\(\gamma \)S. In this paper we present the status of recent few-nucleon experiments that measure the cross sections for neutron-neutron quasifree scattering in neutron-deuteron breakup and for photodisintegration of \(^3\)He.

Fission product yields (FPY) are one of the most fundamental quantities that can be measured for a fissioning nucleus and are important for basic and applied nuclear physics. Recent measurements using mono-energetic and pulsed neutron beams generated using Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory’s tandem accelerator and employing a dual fission chamber setup have produced self-consistent, high-precision data critical for testing fission models for the neutron-induced fission of 235,238U and 239Pu between neutron energies of 0.5 to 15.0 MeV. These data have elucidated a low-energy dependence of FPY for several fission products using irradiations of varying lengths and neutron energies. This paper will discuss new measurements just beginning utilizing a RApid Belt-driven Irradiated Target Transfer System (RABITTS) to measure shorterlived fission products and the time dependence of fission yields, expanding the measurements from cumulative towards independent fission yields. The uniqueness of these FPY data and the impact on the development of fission theory will be discussed.

The Bohr hypothesis, one of the most fundamental assumptions in nuclear fission theory, states that the decay of a compound nucleus with a given excitation energy, spin and parity is independent of its formation. Using fission product yields (FPYs) as a sensitive probe, we have performed new high precision test of the combined effects of the entrance channel, spin and parity on the fission process. Two different reactions were used in a self-consistent manner to produce a compound 240Pu nucleus with the same excitation energy: neutron induced fission of 239Pu at En = 4.6 MeV and photon-induced fission of 240Pu at Eγ = 11.2 MeV. The FPYs from these two reactions were measured using quasimonoenergetic neutron beams from the TUNL's FN tandem Van de Graaff accelerator and quasimonenergetic photon beams from the High Intensity γ-ray Source (HlγS) facility. The first results comparing the FPYs from these two reactions will be presented. Implications for validating the Bohr hypothesis will be discussed.

Fission product yields (FPYs) are a uniquely sensitive probe of the fission process, with well established dependence on the species of nucleus undergoing fission, its excitation energy and spin. Thus FPYs are well suited for testing Bohr’s hypothesis in the context of nuclear fission, which states that the decay of a compound nucleus with a given excitation energy, spin and parity is independent of its formation. Using FPYs, we have performed a new highprecision test of the combined effects of the entrance channel, spin and parity on the fission process from two of the most commonly used particles to induce fission neutrons and photons. The 239 Pu(n,f) reaction at En = 4.6 MeV and the 240 Pu(γ,f) reaction at Eγ = 11.2 MeV were used to produce a 240 Pu∗ compound nucleus with the same excitation energy. The FPYs from these two reactions were measured using quasimonoenergetic neutron beams from the TUNL’s FN tandem Van de Graaff accelerator and quasimonenergetic photon beams from the High Intensity γ-ray Source (HIγS) facility. The FPYs from these two reactions are compared quantitatively for the first time.

Journal of physics / G 49(1), 010502 (2022). doi:10.1088/1361-6471/ac2827, Published by IOP Publ., Bristol

A high-resolution study of the electromagnetic response of 206Pb below the neutron separation energy is performed using a γ→,γ′) experiment at the HIγ→S facility. Nuclear resonance fluorescence with 100% linearly polarized photon beams is used to measure spins, parities, branching ratios, and decay widths of excited states in 206Pb from 4.9 to 8.1 MeV. The extracted ΣB(E1)↑ and ΣB(M1)↑ values for the total electric and magnetic dipole strength below the neutron separation energy are 0.9±0.2 e2fm2 and 8.3±2.0μN 2, respectively. These measurements are found to be in very good agreement with the predictions from an energy-density functional (EDF) plus quasiparticle phonon model (QPM). Such a detailed theoretical analysis allows to separate the pygmy dipole resonance from both the tail of the giant dipole resonance and multi-phonon excitations. Combined with earlier photonuclear experiments above the neutron separation energy, one extracts a value for the electric dipole polarizability of 206Pb of αD=122±10 mb/MeV. When compared to predictions from both the EDF+QPM and accurately calibrated relativistic EDFs, one deduces a range for the neutron-skin thickness of Rskin 206=0.12–0.19 fm and a corresponding range for the slope of the symmetry energy of L=48–60 MeV. This newly obtained information is also used to estimate the Maxwellian-averaged radiative cross section Pb205(n,γ)Pb206 at 30 keV to be σ=130±25 mb. The astrophysical impact of this measurement—on both the s-process in stellar nucleosynthesis and on the equation of state of neutron-rich matter—is discussed., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background: The low-lying electric dipole strength provides insights into the parameters of the nuclear equation of state via its connection with the pygmy dipole resonance and nuclear neutron skin thickness.Purpose: The aim was to complement the systematic of the pygmy dipole resonance and first study its behavior across the $N=28$ neutron shell closure.Methods: Photon-scattering cross sections of states of $^{50,54}\mathrm{Cr}$ were measured up to an excitation energy of 9.7 MeV via the nuclear resonance fluorescence method using $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray beams from bremsstrahlung and Compton backscattering.Results: Transitions strengths, spin and parity quantum number, and average branching ratios for 55 excited states, 44 of which were observed for the first time, were determined. The comparison between the total observed strengths of the isotopes $^{50,52,54}\mathrm{Cr}$ shows a significant increase above the shell closure.Conclusions: The evolution of the pygmy dipole resonance is heavily influenced by the shell structure.

Fission product yields (FPYs) are an important source of information that are used for basic and applied physics. They are essential observables to address questions relevant to nucleosynthesis in the cosmos that created the elements from iron to uranium, for example, in energy generating processes from fission recycling in binary neutron star mergers; resolving the reactor neutrino anomaly; decay heat release in nuclear reactors; and many national security applications. While new applications will require accurate energy-dependent FPY data over a broad set of incident neutron energies, the current evaluated FPY data files contain only three energy points: thermal, fast, and 14-MeV incident energies.Recent measurements using mono-energetic and pulsed neutron beams at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) tandem accelerator and employing a dual fission ionization chambers setup have produced self-consistent, high-precision data critical for testing fission models for the neutron-induced fission of the major actinide nuclei. This paper will present new campaign just beginning utilizing a RApid Belt-driven Irradiated Target Transfer System (RABITTS) to measure shorter-lived fission products and the time dependence of fission yields, expanding the measurements from cumulative towards independent fission yields.

Measurements of fission product yields play an important role for the understanding of fundamental aspects of the fission process. Recently, neutron-induced fission product-yield data of $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ at energies below 4 MeV revealed an unexpected energy dependence of certain fission fragments. In order to investigate whether this observation is prerogative to neutron-induced fission, a program has been initiated to measure fission product yields in photoinduced fission. Here we report on the first ever photofission product yield measurement with monoenergetic photons produced by Compton back-scattering of FEL photons. The experiment was performed at the High-Intensity Gamma-ray Source at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory on $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ at ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=11$ MeV. In this exploratory study the yield of eight fission products ranging from $^{91}\mathrm{Sr}$ to $^{143}\mathrm{Ce}$ has been obtained.

A program has been initiated to measure the energy dependence of selected high-yield fission products used in the analysis of nuclear test data. We present out initial work of neutron activation using a dual-fission chamber with quasi-monoenergetic neutrons and gamma-counting method. Quasi-monoenergetic neutrons of energies from 0.5 to 15 MeV using the TUNL 10 MV FM tandem to provide high-precision and self-consistent measurements of fission product yields (FPY). The final FPY results will be coupled with theoretical analysis to provide a more fundamental understanding of the fission process. To accomplish this goal, we have developed and tested a set of dual-fission ionization chambers to provide an accurate determination of the number of fissions occurring in a thick target located in the middle plane of the chamber assembly. Details of the fission chamber and its performance are presented along with neutron beam production and characterization. Also presented are studies on the background issues associated with room-return and off-energy neutron production. We show that the off-energy neutron contribution can be significant, but correctable, while room-return neutron background levels contribute less than 1 % to the fission signal.

We report the measurements of the analyzing power Ay(θ) of n-3He elastic scattering with unprecedented accuracy and angular coverage at five incident neutron energies between 1.60 and 5.54 MeV. To this end, we employed the polarization-transfer reactions 3H(p, n)3He and 2H(d, n)3He at 0° for neutron generation and a recently developed high-pressure 3He gas scintillator as an active target, enabling neutron-time-of-flight and 3He recoil-energy determinations. We obtained simultaneously the neutron polarization with a 4He-based polarimeter, capitalizing on the well-known n-4He Ay(θ). Our n-3He Ay(θ) data are compared to rigorous four-nucleon calculations using high-precision nucleon–nucleon potential models. The agreement between data and calculations is fair at the lower energies and becomes less satisfactory with increasing neutron energy. However, in comparison to the pure isotriplet p-3He system in the same energy region, the agreement between measured and calculated Ay is much better for the mixed (isotriplet and isosinglet) n-3He system, indicating large and somewhat counterintuitive isospin effects. We note that the incorporation of a Δ-mediated three-nucleon force in calculations of n-3He scattering was found to affect Ay(θ) negligibly, suggesting the need for the reconsideration of fundamental interactions in resolving the four-nucleon analyzing power puzzle first established about a decade ago in p-3He scattering.

Background: Two-phonon excitations originating from the coupling of two collective one-phonon states are of great interest in nuclear structure physics. One possibility to generate low-lying $E1$ excitations is the coupling of quadrupole and octupole phonons.Purpose: In this work, the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-decay behavior of candidates for the ${({2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}{3}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}})}_{{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ state in the doubly magic nucleus $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ and in the heavier and semimagic nucleus $^{140}\mathrm{Ce}$ is investigated.Methods: $(\stackrel{P\vec}{\ensuremath{\gamma}},{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ experiments have been carried out at the High Intensity $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray Source $(\mathrm{HI}\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{S})$ facility in combination with the high-efficiency $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy setup ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{3}$ consisting of HPGe and ${\mathrm{LaBr}}_{3}$ detectors. The setup enables the acquisition of $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence data and, hence, the detection of direct decay paths.Results: In addition to the known ground-state decays, for $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ the decay into the ${3}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state was observed, while for $^{140}\mathrm{Ce}$ the direct decays into the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ and the ${0}_{2}^{+}$ state were detected. The experimentally deduced transition strengths and excitation energies are compared to theoretical calculations in the framework of EDF theory plus QPM approach and systematically analyzed for $N=82$ isotones. In addition, negative parities for two $J=1$ states in $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ were deduced simultaneously.Conclusions: The experimental findings together with the theoretical calculations support the two-phonon character of the ${1}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ excitation in the light-to-medium-mass nucleus $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ as well as in the stable even-even $N=82$ nuclei.

The low-lying $M1$-strength of the open-shell nucleus $^{50}$Cr has been studied with the method of nuclear resonance fluorescence up to 9.7 MeV, using bremsstrahlung at the superconducting Darmstadt linear electron accelerator S-DALINAC and Compton backscattered photons at the High Intensity $\gamma$-ray Source (HI$\gamma$S) facility between 6 and 9.7 MeV of the initial photon energy. Fifteen $1^{+}$ states have been observed between 3.6 and 9.7 MeV. Following our analysis, the lowest $1^{+}$ state at 3.6 MeV can be considered as an isovector orbital mode with some spin admixture. The obtained results generally match the estimations and trends typical for the scissors-like mode. Detailed calculations within the Skyrme Quasiparticle Random-Phase-Approximation method and the Large-Scale Shell Model justify our conclusions. The calculated distributions of the orbital current for the lowest $1^{+}$-state suggest the schematic view of Lipparini and Stringari (isovector rotation-like oscillations inside the rigid surface) rather than the scissors-like picture of Lo Iudice and Palumbo. The spin M1 resonance is shown to be mainly generated by spin-flip transitions between the orbitals of the $fp$-shell.

The neutron-deuteron (nd ) breakup reaction provides a rich environment for testing theoretical models of the neutron-neutron (nn ) interaction. Current theoretical predictions based on rigorous ab-initio calculations agree well with most experimental data for this system, but there remain a few notable discrepancies. The cross section for nn quasifree (QFS) scattering is one such anomaly. Two recent experiments reported cross sections for this particular nd breakup configuration that exceed theoretical calculations by almost 20% at incident neutron energies of 26 and 25 MeV [1, 2]. The theoretical values can be brought into agreement with these results by increasing the strength of the 1 S0 nn potential matrix element by roughly 10%. However, this modification of the nn effective range parameter and/or the 1 S0 scattering length causes substantial charge-symmetry breaking in the nucleon-nucleon force and suggests the possibility of a weakly bound di-neutron state [3].We are conducting new measurements of the cross section for nn QFS in nd breakup. The measurements are performed at incident neutron beam energies below 20 MeV. The neutron beam is produced via the 2 H(d , n )3 He reaction. The target is a deuterated plastic cylinder. Our measurements utilize time-of-flight techniques with a pulsed neutron beam and detection of the two emitted neutrons in coincidence. A description of our initial measurements at 10 MeV for a single scattering angle will be presented along with preliminary results. Also, plans for measurements at other energies with broad angular coverage will be discussed.

In order to confirm or refute the present discrepancy between data and calculation for the neutron–neutron quasi-free scattering cross section in the neutron–deuteron breakup reaction, we describe a new experimental approach currently being pursued at TUNL.

Measurements of the 2H(d, n)3He transverse vector polarization-transfer coefficient $${K^{y'}_{y}}$$ at 0° are reported for 29 outgoing neutron energies between 3.94 and 8.47 MeV. Our new results determine $${K^{y'}_{y}(0^{\circ})}$$ more accurately than previous data, especially for neutron energies below 5 MeV. Low-energy data for this reaction are important both as a high-intensity source of highly polarized neutrons for nuclear physics studies with polarized neutron beams, and as a test of the emerging theoretical descriptions of the four-body system, where recently substantial progress has been made.

The methods employed and the results obtained from measurements and calculations of the detection efficiency for the neutron detectors used at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) in the simultaneous determination of the 1S0 neutron–neutron and neutron–proton scattering lengths a nn and a np , respectively, are described. Typical values for the detector efficiency were 0.3. Very good agreement between the different experimental methods and between data and calculation has been obtained in the neutron energy range below E n = 13 MeV .

Measurements are reported on the yield of neutrons from protons in the energy range from 7 to 17 MeV striking a stopping-length target of deuterium gas. This combination of beam and target is being...

The High Intensity γ -ray Source (HI γ S) is a joint project between the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) and the Duke Free Electron Laser Laboratory (DFELL). This facility utilizes intra-cavity back-scattering of the FEL light in order to produce intense γ -ray beams. An upgrade which allows for the production of γ -rays up to energies of about 100 MeV having total intensities in excess of 10 8 /s is essentially complete. The primary component of the upgrade is a 1.2 GeV booster-injector which makes it possible to replace lost electrons at full energy. In addition, an upgrade of the present linear undulator to a helical system has made it possible to produce nearly 100% linear and circularly polarized beams. The full system was commissioned in the early part of 2007. A nuclear physics research program using beams at energies below 50 MeV commenced in the fall of 2007. The proposed experimental program includes low-energy studies of nuclear reactions of importance in nuclear astrophysics as well as studies of nuclear structure using the technique of nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF). Few-body nuclear physics problems will also be addressed by studying photodisintegration of d, 3 He and 4 He. Future double-polarization experiments include a study of the Gerasimov–Drell–Hearn Sum Rule for the deuteron and 3 He, and an extensive Compton scattering program designed to probe the internal structure of the nucleon. A major focus of these studies will be the measurement of the electric and magnetic polarizabilities as well as the spin-polarizabilities of the proton and the neutron. This review will describe the principles of operation of the upgraded facility, followed by a description of the performance which has been achieved to date, and a projection of the performance anticipated in the near future. Following this, we will review several of the research areas of nuclear physics which are accessible using this facility, and describe both the results to date and proposed experiments being developed for the future.

We present the most accurate and complete data set for the analyzing power Ay(theta) in neutron-proton scattering. The experimental data were corrected for the effects of multiple scattering, both in the center detector and in the neutron detectors. The final data at En = 12.0 MeV deviate considerably from the predictions of nucleon-nucleon phase-shift analyses and potential models. The impact of the new data on the value of the charged pion-nucleon coupling constant is discussed in a model study., Six pages, four figures, one table, to be published in Physics Letters B

Using dual-fission chambers each loaded with a thick $(200--400\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{mg}/\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{2})$ actinide target of ${}^{235,238}\mathrm{U}$ or $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ and two thin $(\ensuremath{\sim}10--100\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{2})$ reference foils of the same actinide, the cumulative yields of fission products ranging from $^{92}\mathrm{Sr}$ to $^{147}\mathrm{Nd}$ have been measured at ${E}_{n}=8.9\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$. The $^{2}\mathrm{H}(d,n)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ reaction provided the quasimonoenergetic neutron beam. The experimental setup and methods used to determine the fission product yield (FPY) are described, and results for typically eight high-yield fission products are presented. Our FPYs for $^{235}\mathrm{U}(n,f), ^{238}\mathrm{U}(n,f)$, and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(n,f)$ at 8.9 MeV are compared with the existing data below 8 MeV from Glendenin et al. [Phys. Rev. C 24, 2600 (1981)], Nagy et al. [Phys. Rev. C 17, 163 (1978)], Gindler et al. [Phys. Rev. C 27, 2058 (1983)], and those of Mac Innes et al. [Nucl. Data Sheets 112, 3135 (2011)] and Laurec et al. [Nucl. Data Sheets 111, 2965 (2010)] at 14.5 and 14.7 MeV, respectively. This comparison indicates a negative slope for the energy dependence of most fission product yields obtained from $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$, whereas for $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ the slope issue remains unsettled.

In stable and weakly bound neutron-rich nuclei, a resonance-like concentration of dipole states has been observed for excitation energies below the neutron-separation energy. This clustering of strong dipole states has been named the Pygmy Dipole Resonance (PDR) in contrast to the Giant Dipole Resonance (GDR) that dominates the E1 response. Understanding the PDR is presently of great interest in nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. High-sensitivity studies of E1 and M1 transitions in closed-shell nuclei using monoenergetic and 100% linearly-polarized photon beams are presented.

The Direct Investigation of a nn Association (DIANNA) is finalizing the design of a direct measurement of the nn-scattering length to be performed at the YAGUAR reactor in Snezhinsk, Russia. Extensive modeling of the neutron field, nn-scattering kinematics, and sources of detector background have verified the plan for a 3% measurement of a nn . Measurements of the neutron flux support the neutron field modeling. Initial test measurements of the neutron field inside the underground channel have confirmed calculations of the thermal neutron background.

A direct measurement of nn-scattering by colliding free neutrons has never been performed. Indirect measurements continue to provide inconsistent results, leaving the issue of charge symmetry in the nuclear force unresolved. At present the Russian pulsed reactor YAGUAR is the best neutron source for such a measurement. A neutron moderator is installed in the central through channel and the scattered neutrons are detected at a distance of 12 m from the reactor. An instantaneous value of 1.1 × 1018/cm2s was obtained for the thermal neutron flux density. The experiment will be performed by the DIANNA Collaboration as ISTC project No. 2286.

A direct neutron–neutron scattering length, ann, measurement with the goal of 3% accuracy (0.5 fm) is under preparation at the aperiodic pulsed reactor YAGUAR. A direct measurement of ann will not only help resolve conflicting results of ann by indirect means, but also in comparison to the proton–proton scattering length, app, shed light on the charge-symmetry of the nuclear force. We discuss in detail the analysis of the nn-scattering data in terms of a simple analytical expression. We also discuss calibration measurements using the time-of-flight spectra of neutrons scattered on He and Ar gases and the neutron activation technique. In particular, we calculate the neutron velocity and time-of-flight spectra after scattering neutrons on neutrons and after scattering neutrons on He and Ar atoms for the proposed experimental geometry, using a realistic neutron flux spectrum—Maxwellian plus epithermal tail. The shape of the neutron spectrum after scattering is appreciably different from the initial spectrum, due to collisions between thermal–thermal and thermal–epithermal neutrons. At the same time, the integral over the Maxwellian part of the realistic scattering spectrum differs by only about 6 per cent from that of a pure Maxwellian nn-scattering spectrum.

The photon analyzing power for the photodisintegration of the deuteron was measured for seven gamma-ray energies between 2.39 and 4.05 MeV using the linearly polarized gamma-ray beam of the High-Intensity Gamma-ray Source at the Duke Free-Electron Laser Laboratory. The data provide a stringent test of theoretical calculations for the inverse reaction, the neutron-proton radiative capture reaction at energies important for Big-Bang nucleosynthesis. Our data are in excellent agreement with potential model and effective field theory calculations.

New results for the neutron-deuteron analyzing power Ay(θ) at En = 1.2 and 1.9 MeV and their comparison to proton-deuteron data reveal a sizeable and unexpected difference which increases with decreasing center-of-mass energy. This finding calls for the theoretical treatment of a subtle electromagnetic effect presently not incorporated in rigorous three-nucleon scattering calculations, before it is justified to invoke charge-dependent three-nucleon forces and/or other new physics.

New results for the neutron–deuteron analyzing power A y ( θ ) at E n =1.2 and 1.9 MeV and their comparison to proton–deuteron data reveal a sizeable and unexpected difference which increases with decreasing center-of-mass energy. This finding calls for the theoretical treatment of a subtle electromagnetic effect presently not incorporated in rigorous three-nucleon scattering calculations, before it is justified to invoke charge-dependent three-nucleon forces and/or other new physics.

We propose to perform the first measurement of the neutron–neutron scattering cross section in the through-channel of the pulsed aperiodic reactor YAGUAR (Snezhinsk, Russia). Such a measurement directly determines the neutron–neutron scattering length, and by comparison with the proton–proton scattering length bears upon the issue of charge symmetry of the nuclear force. The proposed experimental set-up, as well as modelling of the neutron density and of the frequency of neutron–neutron collisions is described. Experimental results are reported on the formation and optimization of the thermal neutron field inside the through-channel of the reactor YAGUAR. The instantaneous value of 1.1 × 1018 cm−2 s−1 obtained for the thermal neutron flux density is large enough to perform the first direct neutron–neutron scattering length measurement.

Using the existing high-accuracy data for proton-deuteron and deuteron-proton elastic scattering, a phase-shift analysis has been performed in the laboratory proton energy range from E p = 4 to 10 MeV. The AV18-based proton-deuteron phase shifts were used as starting values in the phase-shift search procedure. The low-partial wave phase shifts, especially the 4 P J phase shifts have been determined very precisely, thus providing valuable guidance for theoretical approaches to tackle the quest for a successful description of three-nucleon bound-state and continuum observables in a more efficient and consistent way. Furthermore, it was found that the phase shift and the mixing parameter determined in the present analysis cannot be generated by nucleon-nucleon interactions which are consistent with two-nucleon analyzing power data. Therefore, three-nucleon forces must play an essential role in resolving the long-standing three-nucleon analyzing-power puzzle.

Two different experimental approaches were combined to study the electric dipole strength in the doubly-magic nucleus 48Ca below the neutron threshold. Real-photon scattering experiments using bremsstrahlung up to 9.9 MeV and nearly mono-energetic linearly polarized photons with energies between 6.6 and 9.51 MeV provided strength distribution and parities, and an (\alpha,\alpha'\gamma) experiment at E_{\alpha}=136 MeV gave cross sections for an isoscalar probe. The unexpected difference observed in the dipole response is compared to calculations using the first-order random-phase approximation and points to an energy-dependent isospin character. A strong isoscalar state at 7.6 MeV was identified for the first time supporting a recent theoretical prediction., Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures, as accepted in Phys. Lett. B

We present measurements of $n$-$d$ analyzing power, ${A}_{y}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, at ${E}_{n}=22.5$ MeV. The experiment uses a shielded neutron source which produced polarized neutrons via the ${}^{2}$H($\stackrel{P\vec}{d}$,$\stackrel{P\vec}{n}$)${}^{3}$He reaction. It also uses a deuterated liquid-scintillator center detector and six pairs of liquid-scintillator neutron side detectors. Elastic neutron scattering events are identified by using time-of-flight techniques and by setting a window in the center detector pulse-height spectrum. The beam polarization is monitored by using a high-pressure helium gas cell and an additional pair of liquid-scintillator side detectors. The $n$-$d$ ${A}_{y}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ data were corrected for finite-geometry and multiple-scattering effects using a Monte Carlo simulation of the experiment. The 22.5-MeV data demonstrate that the three-nucleon analyzing power puzzle also exists at this energy. They show a significant discrepancy with predictions of high-precision nucleon-nucleon potentials alone or combined with Tucscon-Melbourne or Urbana IX three-nucleon forces, as well as currently available effective-field theory based potentials of next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order.

This paper reports high-accuracy cross-section data taken for identical kinematic conditions of the neutron-proton $(\mathrm{np})$ and neutron-neutron $(\mathrm{nn})$ final-state interactions in the ${}^{2}\mathrm{H}(n,nnp)$ reaction at an incident mean neutron energy of 13.0 MeV. These data were analyzed with rigorous three-nucleon calculations to determine the ${}^{1}{S}_{0}$ $\mathrm{np}$ and $\mathrm{nn}$ scattering lengths, ${a}_{\mathrm{np}}$ and ${a}_{\mathrm{nn}}$. Our results are ${a}_{\mathrm{nn}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ensuremath{-}18.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6\mathrm{fm}$ and ${a}_{\mathrm{np}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ensuremath{-}23.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8\mathrm{fm}$. The value obtained for ${a}_{\mathrm{nn}}$ in the present work is in agreement with that from ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}d$ measurements but disagrees with values obtained from earlier neutron-deuteron breakup studies.

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.

It is shown that the \(\) neutron-proton (proton-proton) phase shifts cannot be determined to less than \(\)% (\(\)%) uncertainty at low energies (\(\) MeV), even if high-accuracy nucleon-nucleon data were to become available for currently inaccessible observables. For a more accurate determination, appropriate theoretical constraints have to be invoked, but their accuracy can be judged only from the comparison of rigorous three-nucleon continuum calculations with particular three-nucleon observables.

The current status of the three-nucleon analyzing power puzzle is reviewed. Applying tight constraints on the allowed deviations between calculated predictions and accepted values for relevant nucleon-nucleon observables reveals that energy independent correction factors applied to the 3Pj nucleon-nucleon interactions can not solve the puzzle. Furthermore, using the same constraints, charge-independence breaking in the 3Pj nucleon-nucleon interactions can be ruled out as a possible tool to improve the agreement between three-nucleon calculations and data. The study of the energy dependence of the three-nucleon analyzing power puzzle gives clear evidence that the 3Pj nucleon-nucleon interaction obtained from phase-shift analyses and used in potential models are correct above about 25 MeV, i.e., the 3Pj nucleon-nucleon interactions have to be modified only at lower energies in order to solve the three-nucleon analyzing power puzzle, unless new three-nucleon forces can be found that account for the three-nucleon analyzing power puzzle without destroying the beautiful agreement between rigorous three-nucleon calculations and a large body of accurate three-nucleon data.

The neutron-neutron and neutron-proton 1 S 0 scattering lengths a nn and a np , respectively, were determined simultaneously from the neutron-deuteron breakup reaction. Their comparison with the recommended values obtained from “two-body” reactions gives a measure of the importance of three-nucleon force effects in the three-nucleon continuum. In order to check on the result obtained for a nn from the “two-body” π − - d capture reaction, a new measurement was performed at LANL. Preliminary results of the three experiments are given.

We have performed single-energy phase-shift analyses of proton-deuteron elastic scattering data in the proton energy range from 3.5 to 10 MeV. The resulting values for the 2 S 1 2 and 4 P 1 2 , 4 P 3 2 , and 4 P 5 2 phase shifts are important benchmark values for three-nucleon calculations based on nucleon-nucleon potential models (with and without three-nucleon forces) aimed at describing the triton binding energy and at resolving the nucleon-deuteron A y (θ) and i T 11 (θ) puzzles, respectively.

The ${}^{4}{P}_{J}$ waves in nucleon-deuteron scattering were analyzed using proton-deuteron and neutron-deuteron data at ${E}_{N}$=3 MeV. New sets of nucleon-nucleon ${}^{3}{P}_{j}$ phase shifts were obtained that may lead to a better understanding of the long-standing ${A}_{y}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ puzzle in nucleon-deuteron elastic scattering. However, these sets of ${}^{3}{P}_{j}$ phase shifts are quite different from the ones determined from both global phase-shift analyses of nucleon-nucleon data and nucleon-nucleon potential models.

We have carried out photodisintegration cross-section measurements on 86Kr using monoenergetic photon beams ranging from the neutron separation energy, S(n) = 9.86 MeV, to 13 MeV. We combine our experimental 86Kr(γ,n)85Kr cross section with results from our recent 86Kr(γ,γ') measurement below the neutron separation energy to obtain the complete nuclear dipole response of 86Kr. The new experimental information is used to predict the neutron capture cross section of 85Kr, an important branching point nucleus on the abundance flow path during s-process nucleosynthesis. Our new and more precise 85Kr(n,γ)86Kr cross section allows us to produce more precise predictions of the 86Kr abundance from s-process models. In particular, we find that the models of the s process in asymptotic giant branch stars of mass

The electromagnetic dipole strength below the neutron-separation energy has been studied for the xenon isotopes with mass numbers A = 124, 128, 132 and 134 in nuclear resonance fluorescence experiments using the ELBE bremsstrahlung facility at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the HIgS facility at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory Durham. The systematic study gained new information about the influence of the neutron excess as well as of nuclear deformation on the strength in the region of the pygmy dipole resonance. The results are compared with those obtained for the chain of molybdenum isotopes and with predictions of a random-phase approximation in a deformed basis. It turned out that the effect of nuclear deformation plays a minor role compared with the one caused by neutron excess. A global parametrization of the strength in terms of neutron and proton numbers allowed us to derive a formula capable of predicting the summed E1 strengths in the pygmy region for a wide mass range of nuclides.

Comprehensive and high-accuracy n-3He elastic scattering analyzing power Ay(θ) angular distributions were obtained at five incident neutron energies between 1.60 and 5.54 MeV. The data are compared to rigorous four-nucleon calculations using high-precision nucleon-nucleon potential models; three-nucleon force effects are found to be very small. The agreement between data and calculations is fair at the lower energies and becomes less satisfactory with increasing neutron energy. Comparison to p-3He scattering over the same energy range exhibits unexpectedly large isospin effects.

Background: The most significant source of background in direct dark matter searches are neutrons that scatter elastically from nuclei in the detector's sensitive volume. Experimental data for the elastic scattering cross section of neutrons from argon and neon, which are target materials of interest to the dark matter community, were previously unavailable. Purpose: Measure the differential cross section for elastic scattering of neutrons from argon and neon in the energy range relevant to backgrounds from (alpha,n) reactions in direct dark matter searches. Method: Cross-section data were taken at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) using the neutron time-of-flight technique. These data were fit using the spherical optical model. Results: The differential cross section for elastic scatting of neutrons from neon at 5.0 and 8.0 MeV and argon at 6.0 MeV was measured. Optical-model parameters for the elastic scattering reactions were determined from the best fit to these data. The total elastic scattering cross section for neon was found to differ by 6% at 5.0 MeV and 13% at 8.0 MeV from global optical-model predictions. Compared to a local optical-model for 40Ar, the elastic scattering cross section was found to differ from the data by 8% at 6.0 MeV. Conclusions: These new data are important for improving Monte-Carlo simulations and background estimates for direct dark matter searches and for benchmarking optical models of neutron elastic scattering from these nuclei.

We review published analyses of the final-state-interaction enhancement observed in proton energy distributions obtained from kinematically incomplete neutron-deuteron breakup experiments. We compare the results derived from these analyses for the neutron-neutron scattering length, ann, with our results based on a rigorous treatment of the three-nucleon Faddeev equations in conjunction with the use of realistic nucleon-nucleon potentials. Our values for ann deviate outside the quoted uncertainties from the ones obtained in the previous analyses where simplified nucleon-nucleon interaction models were employed. In contrast to the previous determinations, the present results for ann are in clear disagreement with the values for ann based on π−-deuteron capture experiments. Unless inconsistencies in the experimental neutron-deuteron breakup data at low energies can be resolved and the neutron-deuteron breakup data at low energies can be resolved and the influence of possible three-nucleon-force effects can be reliably determined, we recommend that one not resort to the kinematically incomplete neutron-deuteron breakup reaction as a tool for determining a quantity as important for nuclear and particle physics as is the neutron-neutron scattering length ann.

A review of kinematically incomplete {ital n}-{ital d} breakup data and their comparison to rigorous 3{ital N} calculations using realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions revealed unexplained differences of more than 25{percent} in regions where a large number of different three-nucleon configurations contribute to the cross section. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

Data for the neutron-neutron final-state-interaction cross section obtained recently in a kinematically complete neutron-deuteron breakup experiment have been reanalyzed using rigorous solutions of the three-nucleon Faddeev equations with realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions. A discrepancy was found with respect to a recent analysis based on the W-matrix approximation to the Paris potential. We also estimate theoretical uncertainties in extracting the neutron-neutron scattering length resulting from the use of different nucleon-nucleon interactions and the possible action of the two-pion-exchange three-nucleon force. We find that there exists a certain production angle for the interacting neutron-neutron pair where the uncertainties become minimal.

The low-lying electromagnetic dipole strength of the odd-proton nuclide 205Tl has been investigated up to the neutron separation energy exploiting the method of nuclear resonance fluorescence. In total, 61 levels of 205Tl have been identified. The measured strength distribution of 205Tl is discussed and compared to those of even–even and even–odd mass nuclei in the same mass region as well as to calculations that have been performed within the quasi-particle phonon model.

The central goal of few-nucleon research at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) is to perform measurements that contribute to advancing ab-initio calculations of nuclear structure and reactions. The program aims include evaluating theoretical treatments of few-nucleon reaction dynamics through strategically comparing theory predictions to data, determining properties of the neutron-neutron interaction that are not accessible in two-nucleon reactions, and searching for evidence of longrange features of three-nucleon interactions, e.g., spin and isospin dependence. This paper will review studies of three- and four-nucleon systems at TUNL conducted using unpolarized and polarized neutron beams. Measurements of neutron-induced reactions performed by groups at TUNL over the last six years are described in comparison with theory predictions. The results are discussed in the context of the program goals stated above. Measurements of vector analyzing powers for elastic scattering in A=3 and A=4 systems, differential cross sections for neutron-deuteron elastic scattering and neutrondeuteron breakup in several final-state configurations are described. The findings from these studies and plans for the coming three years are presented in the context of worldwide activities in this front, in particular, research presented in this session.