Search

Deep understanding of $\gamma$-ray production from the fast neutron reaction in water is crucial for various physics studies at large-scale water Cherenkov detectors. We performed test experiments using quasi-mono energetic neutron beams ($E_n = 30$ and 250~MeV) at Osaka University's Research Center for Nuclear Physics to measure $\gamma$-rays originating from the neutron-oxygen reaction with a high-purity germanium detector. Multiple $\gamma$-ray peaks which are expected to be from excited nuclei after the neutron-oxygen reaction were successfully observed. We measured the neutron beam flux by using a liquid scintillator for the cross section measurement. With a spectral fitting analysis based on the tailored $\gamma$-ray signal and background templates, we measured cross sections for each observed $\gamma$-ray component. The results will be useful to validate neutron models employed in the on-going and future water Cherenkov experiments.

Measurements of circular polarization of $\gamma$-ray emitted from neutron capture reactions provide valuable information for nuclear physics studies. The spin and parity of excited states can be determined by measuring the circular polarization from polarized neutron capture reactions. Furthermore, the $\gamma$-ray circular polarization in a neutron capture resonance is crucial for studying the enhancement effect of parity nonconservation in compound nuclei. The $\gamma$-ray circular polarization can be measured using a polarimeter based on magnetic Compton scattering. A polarimeter was constructed, and its performance indicators were evaluated using a circularly polarized $\gamma$-ray beam. Furthermore, as a demonstration, the $\gamma$-ray circular polarization was measured in $^{32}$S($\vec{\textrm{n}}$,$\gamma$)$^{33}$S reactions with polarized neutrons., Comment: 10pages, 13 figures

JSNS$^2$ searches for short baseline neutrino oscillations with a baseline of 24~meters and a target of 17~tonnes of the Gd-loaded liquid scintillator. The correct algorithm on the event reconstruction of events, which determines the position and energy of neutrino interactions in the detector, are essential for the physics analysis of the data from the experiment. Therefore, the performance of the event reconstruction is carefully checked with calibrations using $^{252}$Cf source. This manuscript describes the methodology and the performance of the event reconstruction.

JSNS$^2$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment that is searching for sterile neutrinos via the observation of $\bar{\nu}_{\mu} \rightarrow \bar{\nu}_e$ appearance oscillations using neutrinos with muon decay-at-rest. For this search, rejecting cosmic-ray-induced neutron events by Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) is essential because the JSNS$^2$ detector is located above ground, on the third floor of the building. We have achieved 95$\%$ rejection of neutron events while keeping 90$\%$ of signal, electron-like events using a data driven likelihood method., Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2111.07482, arXiv:2308.02722

The enhancement of the parity-violating asymmetry in the vicinity of $p$-wave compound nuclear resonances was observed for a variety of medium-heavy nuclei. The enhanced parity-violating asymmetry can be understood using the $s$-$p$ mixing model. The $s$-$p$ mixing model predicts several neutron energy-dependent angular correlations between the neutron momentum $\vec k_n$, neutron spin $\vec\sigma_n$, $\gamma$-ray momentum $\vec k_\gamma$, and $\gamma$-ray polarization $\vec\sigma_\gamma$ in the $(n,\gamma)$ reaction. In this paper, the improved value of the transverse asymmetry of $\gamma$-ray emissions, corresponding to a correlation term $\vec{\sigma}_n\cdot(\vec k_n\times\vec k_\gamma)$ in the $^{139}\mathrm{La}(\vec n,\gamma)^{140}\mathrm{La}$ reaction, and the transverse asymmetries in the transitions to several low excited states of $^{140}\mathrm{La}$ are reported., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables

The existence of cosmic dark matter and neutrino properties are long-standing problems in cosmology and particle physics. These problems have been investigated by using radiation detectors. We will discuss the application of inorganic crystal scintillators to studies on dark matter and neutrino properties. A large volume and high-purity inorganic crystal is a promising detector for investigating dark matter and neutrino.

Neutron transmission experiments can offer a new type of highly sensitive search for time-reversal invariance violating (TRIV) effects in nucleon-nucleon interactions via the same enhancement mechanism observed for large parity violating (PV) effects in neutron-induced compound nuclear processes. In these compound processes, the TRIV cross-section is given as the product of the PV cross-section, a spin-factor $\kappa$, and a ratio of TRIV and PV matrix elements. We determined $\kappa$ to be $0.59\pm0.05$ for $^{139}$La+$n$ using both $(n, \gamma)$ spectroscopy and ($\vec{n}+^{139}\vec{\rm La}$) transmission. This result quantifies for the first time the high sensitivity of the $^{139}$La 0.75~eV $p$-wave resonance in a future search for P-odd/T-odd interactions in ($\vec{n}+^{139}\vec{\rm La}$) forward transmission.

The dark matter observation claim by the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration has been a long-standing puzzle within the particle physics community. Efforts of other research groups to verify the claim have been insufficient by significant radioactivity of present NaI(Tl) crystals. PICOLON (Pure Inorganic Crystal Observatory for LOw-energy Neut(ra)lino) experiment conducts independent search for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) using NaI(Tl) crystals. Our NaI(Tl) crystal manufactured in 2020 (Ingot #85) reached the same purity level as DAMA/LIBRA crystals. In this report, we describe the radiopurity of the new Ingot #94 crystal produced using the same purification technique as Ingot #85. The $\alpha$-ray events were selected by pulse-shape discrimination method. The impurities in the Ingot #94, $^{232}$Th, $^{226}$Ra and $^{210}$Po radioactivity were $4.6\pm 1.2~\mathrm{\mu Bq/kg}$, $7.9\pm 4.4~\mathrm{\mu Bq/kg}$, and $19\pm 6~\mathrm{\mu Bq/kg}$, which are equivalent to those of the DAMA/LIBRA crystals. The background rate in the energy region of 2-6 keV , was 2-5 events/d/kg/keV without applying a veto trigger., Comment: 14pages, 16 figures

We measured the spin dependence in a neutron-induced $p$-wave resonance by using a polarized epithermal neutron beam and a polarized nuclear target. Our study focuses on the 0.75~eV $p$-wave resonance state of $^{139}$La+$n$, where largely enhanced parity violation has been observed. We determined the partial neutron width of the $p$-wave resonance by measuring the spin dependence of the neutron absorption cross section between polarized $^{139}\rm{La}$ and polarized neutrons. Our findings serve as a foundation for the quantitative study of the enhancement effect of the discrete symmetry violations caused by mixing between partial amplitudes in the compound nuclei.

The JSNS$^{2}$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment designed for the search for sterile neutrinos. The experiment is currently at the stage of the second phase named JSNS$^{2}$-II with two detectors at near and far locations from the neutrino source. One of the key components of the experiment is an acrylic vessel, that is used for the target volume for the detection of the anti-neutrinos. The specifications, design, and measured properties of the acrylic vessel are described.

JSNS$^2$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment which searches for sterile neutrinos via the observation of $\bar{\nu}_{\mu} \to \bar{\nu}_{e}$ appearance oscillations using muon decay-at-rest neutrinos. The data taking of JSNS$^2$ have been performed from 2021. In this manuscript, a study of the accidental background is presented. The rate of the accidental background is (9.29$\pm 0.39) \times 10^{-8}$ / spill with 0.75 MW beam power and comparable to the number of searching signals., Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2111.07482

\item[Background] The nuclear responses for antineutrinos associated with double beta decays (DBDs) and astro-antineutrino interactions are studied by measuring ordinary muon capture (OMC) rates. \item[Purpose]The experimental studies of absolute OMC rates and their mass number dependence for $^{100}$Mo and the natural Mo are currently of interest in astro-antineutrinos and DBDs. \item[Method]The OMC rates were obtained experimentally by measuring the time spectrum of the trapped muon's decay into electrons to obtain the half-lives of the trapped muons. \item[Results]The OMC rate for the enriched isotope of $^{100}$Mo is $\Lambda$($^{100}$Mo)=(7.07$\pm$0.32)$\times10^{6}$ s$^{-1}$, while that for the natural Mo is $\Lambda$($^{\rm nat}$Mo)=(9.66$\pm$0.44)$\times10^{6}$ s$^{-1}$, i.e., $\Lambda$($^{100}$Mo) is about 27$\%$ of $\Lambda$($^{\rm nat}$Mo), reflecting the blocking effect of the excess neutrons for the proton-to-neutron transformation in OMC. The present experimental observation is consistent with the predictions using Goulard-Primakoff's (GPs) and Primakoff's (Ps) empirical equations. \item[Conclusions] The absolute OMC rates for $^{100}$Mo and $^{\rm nat}$Mo were measured. The large neutron excess in $^{100}$Mo gives a much lower OMC rate than $^{\rm nat}$Mo. On both $^{100}$Mo and $^{\rm nat}$Mo, consistent OMC rates with the GP and P values are observed., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables

A neutron-energy dependent angular distribution was measured for individual $\gamma$-rays from the 3.2 eV $p$-wave resonance of $^{131}$Xe+$n$, that shows enhanced parity violation owing to a mixing between $s$- and $p$-wave amplitudes. The $\gamma$-ray transitions from the $p$-wave resonance were identified, and the angular distribution with respect to the neutron momentum was evaluated as a function of the neutron energy for 7132 keV $\gamma$-rays, which correspond to a transition to the 1807 keV excited state of $^{132}$Xe. The angular distribution is considered to originate from the interference between $s$- and $p$-wave amplitudes, and will provide a basis for a quantitative understanding of the enhancement mechanism of the fundamental parity violation in compound nuclei.

Largely enhanced parity-violating effects observed in compound resonances induced by epithermal neutrons are currently attributed to the mixing of parity-unfavored partial amplitudes in the entrance channel of the compound states. Furthermore, it is proposed that the same mechanism that enhances the parity-violation also enhances the breaking of time-reversal-invariance in the compound nucleus. The entrance-channel mixing induces energy-dependent spin-angular correlations of individual $\gamma$-rays emitted from the compound nuclear state. For a detailed study of the mixing model, a $\gamma$-ray yield in the reaction of $^{117}$Sn(n,$\gamma$)$^{118}$Sn was measured using the pulsed beam of polarized epithermal neutrons and Ge detectors. An angular dependence of asymmetric $\gamma$-ray yields for the orientation of the neutron polarization was observed., Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures

The neutron energy-dependent angular distribution of $\gamma$ rays from $^{117}{\rm Sn}(n,\gamma)$ reaction was measured with germanium detectors and a pulsed neutron beam. The angular distribution was clearly observed in $\gamma$-ray emissions with an energy of 9327 keV which corresponds to the transition from a neutron resonance of $^{117}{\rm Sn}+n$ to the ground state of $^{118}{\rm Sn}$. The angular distribution causes an angular-dependent asymmetric resonance shape. An asymmetry $A_{\rm LH}$ was defined as $(N_{\rm L}-N_{\rm H})/(N_{\rm L}+N_{\rm H})$, where $N_{\rm L}$ and $N_{\rm H}$ are integrated values for lower- and higher-energy regions of a neutron resonance, respectively. We found that the $A_{\rm LH}$ has the angular dependence of $(A \cos \theta_\gamma +B)$, where $\theta_\gamma$ is the $\gamma$-ray emission angle with respect to the incident neutron momentum, with $A=0.394 \pm 0.073$ and $B = 0.118 \pm 0.029$ in the 1.33 eV p-wave resonance., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures

PICOLON (Pure Inorganic Crystal Observatory for LOw-energy Neutr(al)ino) aims to search for cosmic dark matter by high purity NaI(Tl) scintillator. We developed extremely pure NaI(Tl) crystal by hybrid purification method. The recent result of $^{210}$Pb in our NaI(Tl) is less than 5.7 $\mu$Bq/kg. We will report the test experiment in the low-background measurement at Kamioka Underground Laboratory. The sensitivity for annual modulating signals and finding dark matter particles will be discussed., Comment: To be published in the Proceedings of TAUP2021. (Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS),)

JSNS$^2$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment that is searching for sterile neutrinos via the observation of $\bar{\nu}_{\mu} \to \bar{\nu}_{e}$ appearance oscillations using muon decay-at-rest neutrinos. Before dedicated data taking in the first-half of 2021, we performed a commissioning run for 10 days in June 2020. Using the data obtained in this commissioning run, in this paper, we present an estimate of the correlated background which imitates the $\bar{\nu}_{e}$ signal in a sterile neutrino search. In addition, in order to demonstrate future prospects of the JSNS$^2$ experiment, possible pulse shape discrimination improvements towards reducing cosmic ray induced fast neutron background are described., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures

A dark matter search project needs and extremely low background radiation detector since the expected event rate of dark matter is less than a few events in one year in one tonne of the detector mass. The authors developed a highly radiopure NaI(Tl) crystal to search for dark matter. The best combination of the purification methods was developed, resulting $^{\mathrm{nat}}$K and $^{210}$Pb were less than 20 ppb and 5.7 $\mu$Bq/kg, respectively. The authors will construct a large volume detector system with high-purity NaI(Tl) crystals. The design and the performance of the prototype detector module will be reported in this article., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, RADIATION DETECTORS AND THEIR USES Proceedings of the 35th Workshop on Radiation Detectors and Their Uses in KEK

The JSNS^2 (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) experiment aims to search for oscillations involving a sterile neutrino in the eV^2 mass-splitting range. The experiment will search for the appearance of electron antineutrinos oscillated from muon antineutrinos. The electron antineutrinos are detected via the inverse beta decay process using a liquid scintillator detector. A 1MW beam of 3 GeV protons incident on a spallation neutron target produces an intense and pulsed neutrino source from pion, muon, and kaon decay at rest. The JSNS^2 detector is located 24 m away from the neutrino source and began operation from June 2020. The detector contains 17 tonnes of gadolinium (Gd) loaded liquid scintillator (LS) in an acrylic vessel, as a neutrino target. It is surrounded by 31 tonnes of unloaded LS in a stainless steel tank. Optical photons produced in LS are viewed by 120 R7081 Hamamatsu 10-inch Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs). In this paper, we describe the JSNS^2 detector design, construction, and operation., Comment: 41 pages, 29 figures

A neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an anti-neutrino through the beta-decay process. The decay lifetime ($\sim$880 s) is an important parameter in the weak interaction. For example, the neutron lifetime is a parameter used to determine the |$V_{\rm ud}$| parameter of the CKM quark mixing matrix. The lifetime is also one of the input parameters for the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, which predicts light element synthesis in the early universe. However, experimental measurements of the neutron lifetime today are significantly different (8.4 s or 4.0$\sigma$) depending on the methods. One is a bottle method measuring surviving neutron in the neutron storage bottle. The other is a beam method measuring neutron beam flux and neutron decay rate in the detector. There is a discussion that the discrepancy comes from unconsidered systematic error or undetectable decay mode, such as dark decay. A new type of beam experiment is performed at the BL05 MLF J-PARC. This experiment measured neutron flux and decay rate simultaneously with a time projection chamber using a pulsed neutron beam. We will present the world situation of neutron lifetime and the latest results at J-PARC., Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, Proceedings of J-PARC Symposium 2019

The highly radiopure NaI(Tl) was developed to search for particle candidates of dark matter. The optimized methods were combined to reduce various radioactive impurities. The $^{40}$K was effectively reduced by the re-crystallization method. The progenies of the decay chains of uranium and thorium were reduced by appropriate resins. The concentration of natural potassium in NaI(Tl) crystal was reduced down to 20 ppb. Concentrations of alpha-ray emitters were successfully reduced by appropriate selection of resin. The present concentration of thorium series and 226Ra were $1.2 \pm1.4$ $\mu$Bq/kg and $13\pm4$ $\mu$Bq/kg, respectively. No significant excess in the concentration of $^{210}$Pb was obtained, and the upper limit was 5.7 $\mu$Bq/kg at 90% C. L. The achieved level of radiopurity of NaI(Tl) crystals makes construction of a dark matter detector possible., Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, accepted to Progress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics

Neutron energy-dependent angular distributions were observed for individual $\gamma$-rays from the 0.74 eV p-wave resonance of $^{139}$La+$n$ to several lower excited states of $^{140}$La. The $\gamma$-ray signals were analyzed in a two dimensional histogram of the $\gamma$-ray energy, measured with distributed germanium detectors, and neutron energy, determined with the time-of-flight of pulsed neutrons, to identify the neutron energy dependence of the angular distribution for each individual $\gamma$-rays. The angular distribution was also found for a photopeak accompanied with a faint p-wave resonance component in the neutron energy spectrum. Our results can be interpreted as interference between s- and p-wave amplitudes which may be used to study discrete symmetries of fundamental interactions., Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures

This article describes the goal and expected sensitivity of the JSNS$^2$-II experiment at J-PARC Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF). The JSNS$^2$-II experiment is the second phase of the JSNS$^2$ experiment (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) with two detectors which are located in 24 m (an existing detector) and 48 m (new one) baselines to improve the sensitivity of the search for sterile neutrinos, especially in the low $\Delta m^2$ region, which has been indicated by the global fit of the appearance mode. The new second detector has a similar structure as the existing JSNS$^2$ detector, which is already working. To compensate for the reduction of the neutrino flux due to the distance from the mercury target, the target mass of the Gd-loaded liquid scintillator which is the Linear AlkylBenzene (LAB) based liquid scintillator inside the acrylic vessel is 35 tons. To keep the same photo-coverage of the detector as the first detector, we will surround the acrylic vessel with 240 PMTs. With this experimental setup and 5 years (times 1 MW beam power) exposure, the sensitivity of the JSNS$^2$-II is significantly improved compared to the current JSNS$^2$, especially in the low $\Delta m^2$ oscillation parameter region. The JSNS$^2$-II can also confirm or refute the most of the oscillation parameters' space preferred by the previous experiments with 3 sigma C.L.. Considering these situations and world wide status of the sterile neutrino searches, we are eager to start the data taking with the two detector configuration from 2023. The fund to build the second detector was already secured.

In this study, we evaluate and compare the pulse shape discrimination (PSD) performance of multipixel photon counters (MPPCs, also known as silicon photomultiphers - SiPMs) with that of a typical photomultiplier tube (PMT) when testing using CsI(Tl) scintillators. We use the charge comparison method, whereby we discriminate different types of particles by the ratio of charges integrated within two time-gates (the delayed part and the entire digitized waveform). For a satisfactory PSD performance, a setup should generate many photoelectrons (p.e.) and collect their charges efficiently. The PMT setup generates more p.e. than the MPPC setup does. With the same digitizer and the same long time-gate (the entire digitized waveform), the PMT setup is also better in charge collection. Therefore, the PMT setup demonstrates better PSD performance. We subsequently test the MPPC setup using a new data acquisition (DAQ) system. Using this new DAQ, the long time-gate is extended by nearly four times the length when using the previous digitizer. With this longer time-gate, we collect more p.e. at the tail part of the pulse and almost all the charges of the total collected p.e. Thus, the PSD performance of the MPPC setup is improved significantly. This study also provides an estimation of the short time-gate (the delayed part of the digitized waveform) that can give a satisfactory PSD performance without an extensive analysis to optimize this gate.

The neutron lifetime has been measured by comparing the decay rate with the reaction rate of $^3$He nuclei of a pulsed neutron beam from the spallation neutron source at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). The decay rate and the reaction rate were determined by simultaneously detecting electrons from the neutron decay and protons from the $^3$He(n,p)$^3$H reaction using a gas chamber of which working gas contains diluted $^3$He. The measured neutron lifetime was $898\,\pm\,10\,_{\rm stat}\,^{+15}_{-18}\,_{\rm sys}\,$s., Comment: 28 pages, 20 figures, will be submitted to PTEP

The JSNS$^{2}$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) experiment aims to search for neutrino oscillations over a 24 m short baseline at J-PARC. The JSNS$^{2}$ inner detector is filled with 17 tons of gadolinium(Gd)-loaded liquid scintillator (LS) with an additional 31 tons of unloaded LS in the intermediate $\gamma$-catcher and an optically separated outer veto volumes. A total of 120 10-inch photomultiplier tubes observe the scintillating optical photons and each analog waveform is stored with the flash analog-to-digital converters. We present details of the data acquisition, processing, and data quality monitoring system. We also present two different trigger logics which are developed for the beam and self-trigger., Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures

The JSNS$^{2}$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) experiment aims to search for neutrino oscillations over a 24\,m short baseline at J-PARC. The JSNS$^{2}$ inner detector is filled with 17 tons of gadolinium-loaded liquid scintillator (LS) and both the intermediate $\gamma$-catcher and the optically separated outer veto are filled with un-loaded LS. Optical photons from scintillation are observed by 120 Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs). A total of 130 PMTs for the JSNS2 experiment were both donated by other experiments and purchased from Hamamatsu. Donated PMTs were purchased around 10 years ago, therefore JSNS$^{2}$ did pre-calibration of the PMTs including the purchased PMTs. 123 PMTs demonstrated acceptable performance for the JSNS$^{2}$ experiment, and 120 PMTs were installed in the detector.

The JSNS$^2$ experiment is aimed to search for sterile neutrino oscillations using a neutrino beam from muon decays at rest. The JSNS$^2$ detector contains 17 tons of 0.1\% gadolinium (Gd) loaded liquid scintillator (LS) as a neutrino target. Detector construction was completed in the spring of 2020. A slow control and monitoring system (SCMS) was implemented for reliable control and quick monitoring of the detector operational status and environmental conditions. It issues an alarm if any of the monitored parameters exceed a preset acceptable range. The SCMS monitors the high voltage (HV) of the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), the LS level in the detector, possible LS overflow and leakage, the temperature and air pressure in the detector, the humidity of the experimental hall, and the LS flow rate during filling and extraction. An initial 10 days of data-taking with a neutrino beam was done following a successful commissioning of the detector and SCMS in June 2020. In this paper, we present a description of the assembly and installation of the SCMS and its performance., Comment: 12 pages, 11 figures

A correlation term ${{ \sigma}_{n} }\cdot ({ k_{n}\times k_\gamma}) $ in the ${}^{139}{\rm La}(\vec{n},\gamma)$ reaction has been studied utilizing epithermal polarized neutrons and germanium detectors. The transverse asymmetry for single $\gamma$-ray transition was measured to be $0.60\pm0.19$ in the $p$-wave resonance.

Muon capture isotope production (MuCIP) using negative ordinary muon capture reactions (OMC) is used to efficiently produce various kinds of nuclear isotopes for both fundamental and applied science studies. The large capture probability of muon into a nucleus, together with the high intensity muon beam, make it possible to produce nuclear isotopes in the order of 10^{9-10} per second depending on the muon beam intensity. Radioactive isotopes (RIs) produced by MuCIP are complementary to those produced by photon and neutron capture reactions and are used for various science and technology applications. MuCIP on ^{Nat}Mo by using the RCNP MuSIC \muon beam is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of MuCIP. Nuclear isotopes produced by MuCIP are evaluated by using a pre-equilibrium (PEQ) and equilibrium (EQ) proton neutron emission model. Radioactive $^{99}$Mo isotopes and the metastable ^{99m}Tc isotopes, which are used extensively in medical science, are produced by MuCIP on ^{Nat}Mo and ^{100}Mo., Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures

In a neutron lifetime measurement at the Japan Proton Accelerator Complex, the neutron lifetime is calculated by the neutron decay rate and the incident neutron flux. The flux is obtained due to counting the protons emitted from the neutron absorption reaction of ${}^{3}{\rm He}$ gas, which is diluted in a mixture of working gas in a detector. Hence, it is crucial to determine the amount of ${}^{3}{\rm He}$ in the mixture. In order to improve the accuracy of the number density of the ${}^{3}{\rm He}$ nuclei, we suggested to use the ${}^{14}{\rm N}({\rm n},{\rm p}){}^{14}{\rm C}$ reaction as a reference because this reaction involves similar kinetic energy as the ${}^{3}{\rm He}({\rm n},{\rm p}){}^{3}{\rm H}$ reaction and a smaller reaction cross section to introduce reasonable large partial pressure. The uncertainty of the recommended value of the cross section, however, is not satisfied with our requirement. In this paper, we report the most accurate experimental value of the cross section of the ${}^{14}{\rm N}({\rm n},{\rm p}){}^{14}{\rm C}$ reaction at a neutron velocity of 2200 m/s, measured relative to the ${}^{3}{\rm He}({\rm n},{\rm p}){}^{3}{\rm H}$ reaction. The result was 1.868 $\pm$ 0.003 (stat.) $\pm$ 0.006 (sys.) b. Additionally, the cross section of the ${}^{17}{\rm O}({\rm n},{\rm \alpha}){}^{14}{\rm C}$ reaction at the neutron velocity is also redetermined as 249 $\pm$ 6 mb., Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures

Understanding of $\gamma$-ray production via neutron interactions on oxygen is essential for the study of neutrino neutral-current quasielastic interactions in water Cherenkov detectors. A measurement of $\gamma$-ray production from such reactions was performed using a 77~MeV quasi-monoenergetic neutron beam. Several $\gamma$-ray peaks, which are expected to come from neutron-${\rm ^{16}O}$ reactions, are observed and production cross sections are measured for nine $\gamma$-ray components of energies between 2 and 8~MeV. These are the first measurements at this neutron energy using a nearly monoenergetic beam., Comment: 17 pages, 20 figures, 5 tables

The photo-neutron cross sections of $^{162,163}\rm{Dy}$ have been measured for the first time in an energy region from the neutron threshold ($S_n$) up to $\approx$ $13$~MeV. The ($\gamma$,n) reaction was induced with quasi-monochromatic laser Compton-scattered $\gamma$ rays, produced at the NewSUBARU laboratory. The corresponding $\gamma$-ray strength functions ($\gamma$SF) have been calculated from the photo-neutron cross sections. The data are compared to reanalyzed $\gamma$SFs of $^{160-164}\rm{Dy}$, which are measured below $S_n$. The excellent agreement with the photo-neutron data at $S_n$ confirms the principle of detailed balance. Thus, a complete $\gamma$SF is established covering in total the energy region of 1 MeV $\leq$ E$_{\gamma}$ $\leq$ 13 MeV. These mid-shell well-deformed dysprosium isotopes all show scissors resonances with very similar structures. We find that our data predict the same integrated scissors strength as ($\gamma,\gamma^\prime$) data when integrated over the same energy range, which shows that the scissors mode very likely is consistent with the generalized Brink hypothesis. Finally, using the $\gamma$SFs as input in the reaction code TALYS, we have deduced radiative neutron-capture cross sections and compared them to direct measurements. We find a very good agreement within the uncertainties, which gives further support to the experimentally determined $\gamma$SFs.

The negative-muon capture reaction (MCR) on the enriched $^{100}Mo$ isotope was studied for the first time to investigate neutrino nuclear response for neutrino-less double beta decays and supernova neutrino nuclear interactions. MCR on $^{100}Mo$ proceeds mainly as $^{100}Mo(mu,xn)^{100-x}Nb$ with $x$ being the number of neutrons emitted from MCR. The Nb isotope mass distribution was obtained by measuring delayed gamma-rays from radioactive $^{100-x}Nb$. By using the neutron emission model after MCR, the neutrino response (the strength distribution) for MCR was derived. Giant resonance (GR)-like distribution at the peak energy around 11-14 MeV, suggests concentration of the MCR strength at the muon capture GR region., Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures

In this document, the technical details of the JSNS$^2$ (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC Spallation Neutron Source) experiment are described. The search for sterile neutrinos is currently one of the hottest topics in neutrino physics. The JSNS$^2$ experiment aims to search for the existence of neutrino oscillations with $\Delta m^2$ near 1 eV$^2$ at the J-PARC Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF). A 1 MW beam of 3 GeV protons incident on a spallation neutron target produces an intense neutrino beam from muon decay at rest. Neutrinos come predominantly from $\mu^+$ decay: $\mu^{+} \to e^{+} + \bar{\nu}_{\mu} + \nu_{e}$. The experiment will search for $\bar{\nu}_{\mu}$ to $\bar{\nu}_{e}$ oscillations which are detected by the inverse beta decay interaction $\bar{\nu}_{e} + p \to e^{+} + n$, followed by gammas from neutron capture on Gd. The detector has a fiducial volume of 17 tons and is located 24 meters away from the mercury target. JSNS$^2$ offers the ultimate direct test of the LSND anomaly. In addition to the sterile neutrino search, the physics program includes cross section measurements with neutrinos with a few 10's of MeV from muon decay at rest and with monochromatic 236 MeV neutrinos from kaon decay at rest. These cross sections are relevant for our understanding of supernova explosions and nuclear physics.

The dark matter search project by means of ultra high purity NaI(Tl) scintillator is now underdevelopment. An array of large volume NaI(Tl) detectors whose volume is 12.7 cm$\phi\times$12.7 cm is applied to search for dark matter signal. To remove radioactive impurities in NaI(Tl) crystal is one of the most important task to find small number of dark matter signals. We have developed high purity NaI(Tl) crystal which contains small amounts of radioactive impurities, $<4$ ppb of $^{nat}$K, 0.3 ppt of Th chain, 58 $\mu$Bq/kg of $^{226}$Ra and 30 $\mu$Bq/kg of $^{210}$Pb. Future prospects to search for dark matter by means of a large volume and high purity NaI(Tl) scintillator is discussed., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures. Proceedings of 31st Workshop on Radiation Detector and Their Uses, January 23-25, 2017. KEK, JAPAN

The ($^{11}$B,$^{11}$Li) double charge-exchange reaction (DCER) at $E(^{11}$B)/$A$=80 MeV was measured for the first time to demonstrate the feasibility of the reaction for studying neutrino nuclear responses for double beta decays (DBD). The $^{13}$C($^{11}$B,$^{11}$Li)$^{13}$O reaction shows strengths at the ground state and low and high excitation giant resonance regions. The $^{56}$Fe ($^{11}$B,$^{11}$Li) $^{56}$Ni reaction shows the large strengths in the possible double giant resonance region and beyond, but shows no strengths in the low excitation region below 5 MeV, suggesting strong concentration of the DBD strength at the high excitation region. The DCER is used to evaluate the spin isospin strengths relevant to DBD responses., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures

The gamma strength function and level density of 1- states in 96Mo have been extracted from a high-resolution study of the (p,p') reaction at 295 MeV and extreme forward angles. By comparison with compound nucleus $\gamma$ decay experiments, this allows a test of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis in the energy region of the Pygmy Dipole Resonance. The Brink-Axel hypothesis is commonly assumed in astrophysical reaction network calculations and states that the gamma strength function in nuclei is independent of the structure of initial and final state. The present results validiate the Brink-Axel hypothesis for 96Mo and provide independent confirmation of the methods used to separate gamma strength function and level density in $\gamma$ decay experiments., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

The JSNS$^2$ (J-PARC E56) experiment aims to search for a sterile neutrino at the J-PARC Materials and Life Sciences Experimental Facility (MLF). After the submission of a proposal to the J-PARC PAC, Stage-1 approval was granted to the JSNS$^2$ experiment on April 2015.This approval followed a series of background measurements which were performed in 2014. Recently, funding (the grant-in-aid for scientific research (S)) in Japan for building one 25~ton fiducial volume detector module was approved for the experiment. Therefore, we aim to start the experiment with one detector in JFY2018-2019. We are now working to produce precise cost estimates and schedule for construction, noting that most of the detector components can be produced within one year from the date of order. This will be reported at the next PAC meeting. In parallel to the detector construction schedule, JSNS$^2$ will submit a Technical Design report (TDR) to obtain the Stage-2 approval from the J-PARC PAC.The recent progress of the R$\&$D efforts towards this TDR are shown in this report. In particular, the R$\&$D status of the liquid scintillator, cosmic ray veto system, and software are shown. We have performed a test-experiment using 1.6~L of liquid scintillator at the 3rd floor of the MLF building in order to determine the identities of non-neutrino background particles coming to this detector location during the proton bunch. This is the so-called "MLF 2015AU0001" experiment. We briefly show preliminary results from this test-experiment.

The JSNS2 (J-PARC E56) experiment aims to search for sterile neutrinos at the J-PARC Materials and Life Sciences Experimental Facility (MLF).After the submission of a proposal to the J-PARC PAC, stage-1 approval was granted to the JSNS2 experiment. The approval followed a series of background measurements which were performed in 2014. Subsequent for stage-1 approval, the JSNS2 collaboration has made continuous efforts to write a Technical Design Report (TDR).This TDR will include two major items as discussed in the previous status report for the 20th J-PARC PAC: (1) A realistic detector location (2) Well understood and realistic detector performance using simulation studies, primarily in consideration of fast neutron rejection. Since August we have been in discussions with MLF staff regarding an appropriate detector location. We are also in the process of setting up a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation framework in order to study detector's performance in realistic conditions. In addition, we have pursued hardware R&D work for the liquid scintillator (LS) and to improve the dynamic range of the 10" photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The LS R&D works includes Cherenkov studies inside the LS, and a Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) study with a test-beam, performed at Tohoku University. We also estimate the PSD performance of a full-sized detector using a detailed MC simulation. In this status report, we describe progress on this work.

The PICO-LON project aims at search for cold dark matter by means of highly radio-pure and large volume NaI(Tl) scintillator. The NaI powder was purifed by chemical processing to remove lead isotopes and selecting a high purity graphite crucible. The concentrations of radioactive impurities of $^{226}$Ra and $^{228}$Th were effectively reduced to 58$\pm$4 $\mu$Bq/kg and 1.5$\pm$1.9 $\mu$Bq/kg, respectively. It should be remarked that the concentration of $^{210}$Pb, which is crucial for the sensitivity to dark matter, was reduced to 24$\pm$2 $\mu$Bq/kg. The total background rate at 10 keVee was as low as 8 keV$^{-1}$kg$^{-1}$day$^{-1}$, which was sufficiently low to search for dark matter. Further purification of NaI(Tl) ingot and future prospect of PICO-LON project is discussed., Comment: Submitted to Proceedings of TAUP 2015