Simultaneous ion sputter polishing and deposition

Results of experiments to study ion beam sputter polishing in conjunction with simultaneous deposition as a mean of polishing copper surfaces are presented. Two types of simultaneous ion sputter polishing and deposition were used in these experiments. The first type utilized sputter polishing simultaneous with vapor deposition, and the second type utilized sputter polishing simultaneous with sputter deposition. The etch and deposition rates of both techniques were studied, as well as the surface morphology and surface roughness

Particle physics origin of the 5 MeV bump in the reactor antineutrino spectrum?

One of the most puzzling questions in neutrino physics is the origin of the excess at 5 MeV in the reactor antineutrino spectrum. In this paper, we explore the excess via the reaction $^{13}$C$(\overline{\nu}, \overline{\nu}^\prime n)^{12}$C$^*$ in organic scintillator detectors. The de-excitation of $^{12}$C$^*$ yields a prompt $4.4$ MeV photon, while the thermalization of the product neutron causes proton recoils, which in turn yield an additional prompt energy contribution with finite width. Together, these effects can mimic an inverse beta decay event with around 5 MeV energy. We consider several non-standard neutrino interactions to produce such a process and find that the parameter space preferred by Daya Bay is disfavored by measurements of neutrino-induced deuteron disintegration and coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. While non-minimal particle physics scenarios may be viable, a nuclear physics solution to this anomaly appears more appealing.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, matches published versio

Prospects for Finding Sterile Neutrino Dark Matter at KATRIN

We discuss under what circumstances a signal in upcoming laboratory searchesfor keV-scale sterile neutrinos would be compatible with those particles beinga sizable part or all of dark matter. In the parameter space that will beexperimentally accessible by KATRIN/TRISTAN, strong X-ray limits need to berelaxed and dark matter overproduction needs to be avoided. We discusspostponing the dark matter production to lower temperatures, a reduced sterileneutrino contribution to dark matter, and a reduction of the branching ratio inphotons and active neutrinos through cancellation with a new physics diagram.Both the Dodelson-Widrow and the Shi-Fuller mechanisms for sterile neutrinodark matter production are considered. As a final exotic example, potentialconsequences of CPT violation are discussed.<br

Neutrino Self-Interactions: A White Paper

Neutrinos are the Standard Model (SM) particles which we understand theleast, often due to how weakly they interact with the other SM particles.Beyond this, very little is known about interactions among the neutrinos, i.e.,their self-interactions. The SM predicts neutrino self-interactions at a levelbeyond any current experimental capabilities, leaving open the possibility forbeyond-the-SM interactions across many energy scales. In this white paper, wereview the current knowledge of neutrino self-interactions from a vast array ofprobes, from cosmology, to astrophysics, to the laboratory. We also discusstheoretical motivations for such self-interactions, including neutrino massesand possible connections to dark matter. Looking forward, we discuss thecapabilities of searches in the next generation and beyond, highlighting thepossibility of future discovery of this beyond-the-SM physics.<br

Dark Sector Studies with Neutrino Beams

An array of powerful neutrino-beam experiments will study the fundamentalproperties of neutrinos with unprecedented precision in the coming years. Alongwith their primary neutrino-physics motivations, there has been growingrecognition that these experiments can carry out a rich program of searches fornew, light, weakly-coupled particles that are part of a dark sector. In thiswhite paper, we review the diverse theoretical motivations for dark sectors andthe capabilities of neutrino beam experiments to probe a wide range of modelsand signatures. We also examine the potential obstacles that could limit theseprospects and identify concrete steps needed to realize an impactful darksector search program in this and coming decades.<br

Dark Sector Studies with Neutrino Beams

An array of powerful neutrino-beam experiments will study the fundamentalproperties of neutrinos with unprecedented precision in the coming years. Alongwith their primary neutrino-physics motivations, there has been growingrecognition that these experiments can carry out a rich program of searches fornew, light, weakly-coupled particles that are part of a dark sector. In thiswhite paper, we review the diverse theoretical motivations for dark sectors andthe capabilities of neutrino beam experiments to probe a wide range of modelsand signatures. We also examine the potential obstacles that could limit theseprospects and identify concrete steps needed to realize an impactful darksector search program in this and coming decades.<br

Theory of Neutrino Physics -- Snowmass TF11 (aka NF08) Topical Group Report

This is the report for the topical group Theory of Neutrino Physics (TF11/NF08) for Snowmass 2021. This report summarizes the progress in the field of theoretical neutrino physics in the past decade, the current status of the field, and the prospects for the upcoming decade.Comment: 26 pages, 5 figure

Genus Viburnum: Therapeutic Potentialities and Agro-Food- Pharma Applications

The genus Viburnum (Adoxaceae, Dipsacales) is of scientific interest due to the chemical components and diverse biological activities found across species of the genus, which includes more than 230 species of evergreen, semievergreen, or deciduous shrubs and small trees. Although frequently used as an ornament, the Viburnum species show biological properties with health-promoting effects. Fruits, flowers, and barks of certain species are used for pharmaceutical purposes or as cooking ingredients, hence containing biochemical compounds with health-promoting activity such are carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. However, its taxonomical determination is difficult, due to its wide distribution and frequent hybridizations; therefore, an objective classification would allow us to understand its biological activity based on its phytochemical components. More than sixty phytochemical compounds have been reported, where vibsanin-type diterpenes and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and twigs of V. dilatatum contain the largest number of phytochemicals among the genus. Through preclinical evidence, this study provides insight regarding antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities of genus Viburnum