Angular analysis of bremsstrahlung in alpha decay

A new quantum electrodynamical method of calculations of bremsstrahlung spectra in the $\alpha$-decay of heavy nuclei taking into account the angle between the directions of $\alpha$-particle motion (or its tunneling) and photon emission is presented. The angular bremsstrahlung spectra for $^{210}{Po}$ have been obtained for the first time. According to calculations, the bremsstrahlung in the $\alpha$-decay of this nucleus depends extremely weakly on the angle. Taking into account nuclear forces, such dependence is not changed visibly. An analytical formula of the angular dependence of the bremsstrahlung spectra is proposed and gives its harmonic behavior. The extremal values of the angle, at which the bremsstrahlung has maximal and minimal values, has been found.Comment: 15 pages, 1 file of figure in EPS format, LaTeX v.2e with EPJ style. In the new variant of the paper: 1) more attention is given to a convergence problem of computer calculations of the bremsstrahlung spectra; 2) a new section with inclusion of Woods-Saxon component in construction of the total realistic $\alpha$-nucleus potential into our model (with our first brermsstrahlung spectra for $^{210}{Po}$ at such potential) is included into the paper; 3) possible ways of further improvement of the quantum-mechanical models are pointed ou

Radiative corrections to low energy neutrino reactions

We show that the radiative corrections to charged current (CC) nuclear reactions with an electron(positron) in the final state are described by a universal function. The consistency of our treatment of the radiative corrections with the procedure used to extract the value of the axial coupling constant $g_A$ is discussed. To illustrate we apply our results to (anti)neutrino deuterium disintegration and to $pp$ fusion in the sun. The limit of vanishing electron mass is considered, and a simple formula valid for E_{obs}\gsim 1 MeV is obtained. The size of the nuclear structure-dependent effects is also discussed. Finally, we consider CC transitions with an electron(positron) in the initial state and discuss some applications to electron capture reactions.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figure

Bremsstrahlung emission during α\alpha-decay of 226Ra^{226}{\rm Ra}

We obtained the spectrum of probability of the bremsstrahlung emission accompanying the $\alpha$-decay of $^{226}{\rm Ra}$ (E$_{\alpha}$=4.8 MeV) by measuring the $\alpha$-$\gamma$ coincidences and using the model presented in our previous study on the $\alpha-$decay of $^{214}{\rm Po}$ (E$_{\alpha}$=7.7 MeV). We compare the experimental data with the quantum mechanical calculation and find a good agreement between theory and experiment. We discuss the differences between the photon spectra connected with the $\alpha$-decay of the $^{226}{\rm Ra}$ and $^{214}{\rm Po}$ nuclei. For the two mentioned nuclei we analyze the bremsstrahlung emission contributions from the tunneling and external regions of the nucleus barrier into the total spectrum, and we find the destructive interference between these contributions. We also find that the emission of photons during tunneling of the $\alpha$-particle gives an important contribution to the bremsstrahlung spectrum in the whole E$_{\gamma}$ energy range of the studied $^{226}$Ra nucleus

Standard Neutrino Spectrum from B-8 Decay

We present a systematic evaluation of the shape of the neutrino energy spectrum produced by beta-decay of $^8$B. We place special emphasis on determining the range of uncertainties permitted by existing laboratory data and theoretical ingredients (such as forbidden and radiative corrections). We review and compare the available experimental data on the $^8$B$(\beta^+){}^8$Be$(2\alpha)$ decay chain. We analyze the theoretical and experimental uncertainties quantitatively. We give a numerical representation of the best-fit (standard-model) neutrino spectrum, as well as two extreme deviations from the standard spectrum that represent the total (experimental and theoretical) effective $\pm3\sigma$ deviations. Solar neutrino experiments that are currently being developed will be able to measure the shape of the $^8$B neutrino spectrum above about 5 MeV. An observed distortion of the $^8$B solar neutrino spectrum outside the range given in the present work could be considered as evidence, at an effective significance level greater than three standard deviations, for physics beyond the standard electroweak model. We use the most recent available experimental data on the Gamow--Teller strengths in the $A=37$ system to calculate the $^8$B neutrino absorption cross section on chlorine: $\sigma_{\rm Cl}=(1.14\pm0.11)\times10^{-42}$~cm$^2$ ($\pm3\sigma$ errors). The chlorine cross section is also given as a function of the neutrino energy. The $^8$B neutrino absorption cross section in gallium is $\sigma_{\rm Ga}=(2.46^{+2.1}_{-1.1})\times10^{-42}$ cm$^2$ ($\pm3\sigma$ errors).Comment: Revised version, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Multipolar model of bremsstrahlung accompanying proton-decay of nuclei

Emission of bremsstrahlung photons accompanying proton decay of nuclei is studied. The new improved multipolar model describing such a process is presented. The angular formalism of calculations of the matrix elements is stated in details. The bremsstrahlung probabilities for the $^{157}{\rm Ta}$, $^{161}{\rm Re}$, $^{167}{\rm Ir}$ and $^{185}{\rm Bi}$ nuclei decaying from the $2s_{1/2}$ state, the $^{109}_{53}{\rm I}_{56}$ and $^{112}_{55}{\rm Cs}_{57}$ nuclei decaying from the $1d_{5/2}$ state, the $^{146}_{69}{\rm Tm}_{77}$ and $^{151}_{71}{\rm Lu}_{80}$ nuclei decaying from the $0h_{11/2}$ state are predicted. Such spectra have orders of values similar to the experimental data for the bremsstrahlung photons emitted during the $\alpha$-decay. This indicates on real possibility to study bremsstrahlung photons during proton decay experimentally and perform further measurements.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

Electromagnetic fields: biological and clinical aspects.

Our entire biosphere is immersed in a sea of man-made electromagnetic fields (EMF). Occupational and public health data suggest that these fields may be a health hazard, possibly involving cancer and fetal loss. This paper reviews the history and pertinent physics of electromagnetic fields and presents evidence from the authors' work, and that of others, of biological interaction with living systems. Epidemiological data suggesting EMF hazards are reviewed including a discussion of possible risks associated with Hawaii's Lualualei transmitter site, TV and FM antennas in high-density population areas, fields surrounding electric power transmission and computer terminals, and the plan to route a major highway through the near-field of an operating Omega signal-source. In the face of current public fear and controversial research reports about long-term EMF exposure, suggestions are presented for public policy about these local sources of concern, as well as for the EMF risks common to any similarly developed areas