13,797 research outputs found
X-ray absorption branching ratio in actinides: LDA+DMFT approach
To investigate the x-ray absorption (XAS) branching ratio from the core 4d to
valence 5f states, we set up a theoretical framework by using a combination of
density functional theory in the local density approximation and Dynamical Mean
Field Theory (LDA+DMFT), and apply it to several actinides. The results of the
LDA+DMFT reduces to the band limit for itinerant systems and to the atomic
limit for localized f electrons, meaning a spectrum of 5f itinerancy can be
investigated. Our results provides a consistent and unified view of the XAS
branching ratio for all elemental actinides, and is in good overall agreement
with experiments.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure
Nucleosynthesis in the Early Galaxy
Recent observations of r-process-enriched metal-poor star abundances reveal a
non-uniform abundance pattern for elements . Based on non-correlation
trends between elemental abundances as a function of Eu-richness in a large
sample of metal-poor stars, it is shown that the mixing of a consistent and
robust light element primary process (LEPP) and the r-process pattern found in
r-II metal-poor stars explains such apparent non-uniformity. Furthermore, we
derive the abundance pattern of the LEPP from observation and show that it is
consistent with a missing component in the solar abundances when using a recent
s-process model. As the astrophysical site of the LEPP is not known, we explore
the possibility of a neutron capture process within a site-independent
approach. It is suggested that scenarios with neutron densities
or in the range best
explain the observations.Comment: 28 pages, 7 Postscript figures. To be published in The Astrophysical
Journa
In Situ Characterisation of Permanent Magnetic Quadrupoles for focussing proton beams
High intensity laser driven proton beams are at present receiving much
attention. The reasons for this are many but high on the list is the potential
to produce compact accelerators. However two of the limitations of this
technology is that unlike conventional nuclear RF accelerators lasers produce
diverging beams with an exponential energy distribution. A number of different
approaches have been attempted to monochromise these beams but it has become
obvious that magnetic spectrometer technology developed over many years by
nuclear physicists to transport and focus proton beams could play an important
role for this purpose. This paper deals with the design and characterisation of
a magnetic quadrupole system which will attempt to focus and transport
laser-accelerated proton beams.Comment: 20 pages, 42 figure
Spin-Echo Measurements for an Anomalous Quantum Phase of 2D Helium-3
Previous heat-capacity measurements of our group had shown the possible
existence of an anomalous quantum phase containing the zero-point vacancies
(ZPVs) in 2D He. The system is monolayer He adsorbed on graphite
preplated with monolayer He at densities () just below the 4/7
commensurate phase (). We carried out
pulsed-NMR measurements in order to examine the microscopic and dynamical
nature of this phase. The measured decay of spin echo signals shows the
non-exponential behaviour. The decay curve can be fitted with the double
exponential function, but the relative intensity of the component with a longer
time constant is small (5%) and does not depend on density and temperature,
which contradicts the macroscopic fluid and 4/7 phase coexistence model. This
slowdown is likely due to the mosaic angle spread of Grafoil substrate and the
anisotropic spin-spin relaxation time in 2D systems with respect to the
magnetic field direction. The inverse value deduced from the major echo
signal with a shorter time constant, which obeys the single exponential
function, decreases linearly with decreasing density from , supporting the
ZPV model.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure
Progress of the Felsenkeller shallow-underground accelerator for nuclear astrophysics
Low-background experiments with stable ion beams are an important tool for
putting the model of stellar hydrogen, helium, and carbon burning on a solid
experimental foundation. The pioneering work in this regard has been done by
the LUNA collaboration at Gran Sasso, using a 0.4 MV accelerator. In the
present contribution, the status of the project for a higher-energy underground
accelerator is reviewed. Two tunnels of the Felsenkeller underground site in
Dresden, Germany, are currently being refurbished for the installation of a 5
MV high-current Pelletron accelerator. Construction work is on schedule and
expected to complete in August 2017. The accelerator will provide intense, 50
uA, beams of 1H+, 4He+, and 12C+ ions, enabling research on astrophysically
relevant nuclear reactions with unprecedented sensitivity.Comment: Submitted to the Proceedings of Nuclei in the Cosmos XIV, 19-24 June
2016, Niigata/Japa
Mapping Exoplanets
The varied surfaces and atmospheres of planets make them interesting places
to live, explore, and study from afar. Unfortunately, the great distance to
exoplanets makes it impossible to resolve their disk with current or near-term
technology. It is still possible, however, to deduce spatial inhomogeneities in
exoplanets provided that different regions are visible at different
times---this can be due to rotation, orbital motion, and occultations by a
star, planet, or moon. Astronomers have so far constructed maps of thermal
emission and albedo for short period giant planets. These maps constrain
atmospheric dynamics and cloud patterns in exotic atmospheres. In the future,
exo-cartography could yield surface maps of terrestrial planets, hinting at the
geophysical and geochemical processes that shape them.Comment: Updated chapter for Handbook of Exoplanets, eds. Deeg & Belmonte. 17
pages, including 6 figures and 4 pages of reference
Strong valence fluctuation in the quantum critical heavy fermion superconductor beta-YbAlB4: A hard x-ray photoemission study
Electronic structures of the quantum critical superconductor beta-YbAlB4 and
its polymorph alpha-YbAlB4 are investigated by using bulk-sensitive hard x-ray
photoemission spectroscopy. From the Yb 3d core level spectra, the values of
the Yb valence are estimated to be ~2.73 and ~2.75 for alpha- and beta-YbAlB4,
respectively, thus providing clear evidence for valence fluctuations. The
valence band spectra of these compounds also show Yb2+ peaks at the Fermi
level. These observations establish an unambiguous case of a strong mixed
valence at quantum criticality for the first time among heavy fermion systems,
calling for a novel scheme for a quantum critical model beyond the conventional
Doniach picture in beta-YbAlB4.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, revised version accepted for publication in PR
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