Anomalous spin precession systematic effects in the search for a muon EDM using the frozen-spin technique

At the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), we are currently working on the development of a high-precision apparatus with the aim of searching for the muon electric dipole moment (EDM) with unprecedented sensitivity. The underpinning principle of this experiment is the frozen-spin technique, a method that suppresses the spin precession due to the anomalous magnetic moment, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for EDM signals. This increased sensitivity facilitates measurements that would be difficult to achieve with conventional $g - 2$ muon storage rings. Given the availability of the $p = 125$ MeV/$c$ muon beam at PSI, the anticipated statistical sensitivity for the EDM after a year of data collection is $6\times 10^{-23}e\cdot$cm. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to meticulously analyse and mitigate any potential spurious effects that could mimic EDM signals. In this study, we present a quantitative methodology to evaluate the systematic effects that might arise in the context of employing the frozen-spin technique within a compact storage ring. Our approach entails the analytical derivation of equations governing the motion of the muon spin in the electromagnetic (EM) fields intrinsic to the experimental setup, validated through subsequent numerical simulations. We also illustrate a method to calculate the cumulative geometric (Berry's) phase. This work complements ongoing experimental efforts to detect a muon EDM at PSI and contributes to a broader understanding of spin-precession systematic effects.Comment: submitted to The European Physical Journal

Patterns and correlates of claims for brown bear damage on a continental scale

Wildlife damage to human property threatens human-wildlife coexistence. Conflicts arising from wildlife damage in intensively managed landscapes often undermine conservation efforts, making damage mitigation and compensation of special concern for wildlife conservation. However, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of damage and claims at large scales are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the patterns of damage caused by brown bears Ursus arctos and its ecological and socio-economic correlates at a continental scale. We compiled information about compensation schemes across 26 countries in Europe in 2005-2012 and analysed the variation in the number of compensated claims in relation to (i) bear abundance, (ii) forest availability, (iii) human land use, (iv) management practices and (v) indicators of economic wealth. Most European countries have a posteriori compensation schemes based on damage verification, which, in many cases, have operated for more than 30 years. On average, over 3200 claims of bear damage were compensated annually in Europe. The majority of claims were for damage to livestock (59%), distributed throughout the bear range, followed by damage to apiaries (21%) and agriculture (17%), mainly in Mediterranean and eastern European countries. The mean number of compensated claims per bear and year ranged from 0·1 in Estonia to 8·5 in Norway. This variation was not only due to the differences in compensation schemes; damage claims were less numerous in areas with supplementary feeding and with a high proportion of agricultural land. However, observed variation in compensated damage was not related to bear abundance. Synthesis and applications. Compensation schemes, management practices and human land use influence the number of claims for brown bear damage, while bear abundance does not. Policies that ignore this complexity and focus on a single factor, such as bear population size, may not be effective in reducing claims. To be effective, policies should be based on integrative schemes that prioritize damage prevention and make it a condition of payment of compensation that preventive measures are applied. Such integrative schemes should focus mitigation efforts in areas or populations where damage claims are more likely to occur. Similar studies using different species and continents might further improve our understanding of conflicts arising from wildlife damage

Status of the search for a muon EDM using the frozen-spin technique

Despite the many successes of the Standard Model of particle physics, there are still several physical observations that it cannot explain, such as the matter-antimatter asymmetry, non-zero neutrino masses, and the microscopic nature of dark matter. To address these limitations, extensions to the standard model are necessary, and searches for electric dipole moments (EDMs) of leptons are valuable test. The search for a muon EDM is the only search on a bare lepton of the second generation, complementing the searches for an EDM of the electron using polar molecules. A non-zero EDM of the muon would indicate Charge-Parity symmetry violation beyond the standard model. A dedicated experimental search for the muon EDM is being set up at PSI using the frozen-spin technique. In this technique, the anomalous spin precession of the muons in a storage ring is suppressed by applying an electric field in the radial direction. The muon EDM experiment will take place in two phases: the first phase will demonstrate the frozen-spin technique using a precursor experiment with 28 MeV/c muons, while the second phase will make use of 125 MeV/c muons, which could search for the muon EDM with a sensitivity of 6 × 10-23 e·cm. In this talk, we describe the precursor experiment at PSI and provide an update on the status of the experiment

Brown bear attacks on humans : a worldwide perspective

The increasing trend of large carnivore attacks on humans not only raises human safety concerns but may also undermine large carnivore conservation efforts. Although rare, attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos are also on the rise and, although several studies have addressed this issue at local scales, information is lacking on a worldwide scale. Here, we investigated brown bear attacks (n = 664) on humans between 2000 and 2015 across most of the range inhabited by the species: North America (n = 183), Europe (n = 291), and East (n = 190). When the attacks occurred, half of the people were engaged in leisure activities and the main scenario was an encounter with a female with cubs. Attacks have increased significantly over time and were more frequent at high bear and low human population densities. There was no significant difference in the number of attacks between continents or between countries with different hunting practices. Understanding global patterns of bear attacks can help reduce dangerous encounters and, consequently, is crucial for informing wildlife managers and the public about appropriate measures to reduce this kind of conflicts in bear country.Peer reviewe

Recent work with electronic radon detectors for continious Radon-222 monitoring

A paraître dans Journal of the European radon association (10.35815/radon.v3.8844)International audienceBackground: Sensitive electronic radon detectors can be an advantageous solution for continuous monitoring of radon dynamics in dwellings and workplaces. In order to investigate their applicability, such detectors must be subjected to adequate metrological assurance and their performance in field conditions must be tested and evaluated. Objectives: To perform laboratory and field tests in order to evaluate the applicability of RadonEye+$^2$ instruments for continuous radon monitoring Results: In this work we have performed laboratory tests of 36 RadonEye+$^2$ detectors, which appear to have linear response for $^{222}$Rn concentrations below 3.5 kBq/m$^3$ and a non-linear response (<15%) in the interval from 3.5 to 7 kBq/m$^3$ . Their response to $^{222}$Rn at 4.7 kBq/m$^3$ is within 15% to the reference. In experiments with sharp variation of the $^{222}$Rn concentration, the detectors show fast response within two hours. For the application of the detectors in dwellings and workplaces we have developed a database, which collects, stores and visualises the RadonEye data. The database proved to be very useful tool, not only for data analysis, but also for identification of interruptions in the detectors operation and/or their connection to the internet. In a pilot 10-month-long study with three detectors located in different dwellings, we have observed more than 91 % uptime of the online data collection from the detectors and more than 96% uptime of the data recording in the internal memory of the instruments. Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the RadonEye+operation and/or their connection to the internet. In a pilot 10-month-long study with three detectors located in different dwellings, we have observed more than 91 % uptime of the online data collection from the detectors and more than 96% uptime of the data recording in the internal memory of the instruments. Conclusions: Overall, the results show that the RadonEye+2 instruments are very suitable for continuous radon monitoring and may be useful for follow-up of radon dynamics in long-term measurement campaigns in homes and workplaces instruments are very suitable for continuous radon monitoring and may be useful for follow-up of radon dynamics in long-term measurement campaigns in homes and workplace

Anomalous spin precession systematic effects in the search for a muon EDM using the frozen-spin technique

At the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), we are currently working on the development of a high-precision apparatus with the aim of searching for the muon electric dipole moment (EDM) with unprecedented sensitivity. The underpinning principle of this experiment is the frozen-spin technique, a method that suppresses the spin precession due to the anomalous magnetic moment, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for EDM signals. This increased sensitivity facilitates measurements that would be difficult to achieve with conventional $g - 2$ muon storage rings. Given the availability of the $p = 125$ MeV/$c$ muon beam at PSI, the anticipated statistical sensitivity for the EDM after a year of data collection is $6\times 10^{-23}e\cdot$cm. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to meticulously analyse and mitigate any potential spurious effects that could mimic EDM signals. In this study, we present a quantitative methodology to evaluate the systematic effects that might arise in the context of employing the frozen-spin technique within a compact storage ring. Our approach entails the analytical derivation of equations governing the motion of the muon spin in the electromagnetic (EM) fields intrinsic to the experimental setup, validated through subsequent numerical simulations. We also illustrate a method to calculate the cumulative geometric (Berry's) phase. This work complements ongoing experimental efforts to detect a muon EDM at PSI and contributes to a broader understanding of spin-precession systematic effects

Results of the CCRI(II)-K2. H-3 key comparison 2018: measurement of the activity concentration of a tritiated-water source

International audienceA comparison of the activity concentration measurement of a $^3H_2$O solution was organized by the LNE-LNHB under the auspices of the CCRI(II). The solution was sent to thirteen laboratories and eleven measurement reports were received. The results, as well as relevant information on the measurement techniques, are presented and analysed in this paper. All results are consistent within uncertainties. As the solution was traceable to the solution used in the CCRI(II)-K2.H-3 comparison in 2009, the results of both comparisons are also presented