Light charged particle emission and fission in238U+238U collisions at 1,740 MeV

Inclusive⁴He and⁴H energy spectra and heavy fragment coincidence correlations have been measured for reactions of 7.31 MeV/u²³⁸U with²³⁸U and^?197Au targets. The H/He production cross sections are in the range 15–26 mb, and their emission spectra are very similar for the two systems. The observed strong kinematic shifts with angle are reproduced in shape and magnitude by Monte Carlo simulations of particle evaporation from projectile-like and target-like fragments, indicating competition between charged particle emission and sequential fission. No evidence is found for high energy charged particle emission associated with ultra-highZ composite systems. Heavy fragment measurements indicate an abundance of quasielastic and deeply inelastic reaction fragments, as well as sequential fission of target and projectile nuclei. For²³⁸U nuclei, the fission occurs predominantly in an asymmetric mode, reminiscent of fission at low excitation energy. For²³⁸+²³⁸U reactions in the vicinity of the grazing angle, the frequency of single sequential fission (with survival of the partner fragment) is twice as large as double sequential fission in which both the target and projectile undergo fission. In²³⁸U+¹⁹⁷Au reactions, the survival probability of the heavy fragments is even greater. The surprisingly high survival probabilities of high-Z fragments imply a preponderance of very soft collisions in these very-heavy-ion reactions, at least at energies not very far over the Coulomb barrier.     

Spin-dependent phonon Raman scattering in CdCr2Se4

Influences of ferromagnetic ordering on the phonon Raman scattering are studied for CdCr₂Se₄ through the intensity measurements of Raman spectra between 25 and 300 K with various wavelengths of excitation light (488.0–676.4 nm). Spin-dependent enhancements of Raman cross section are observed for optical phonon lines D(168 cm^?1) and F(238 cm^?1) with excitation wavelengths of about 630 and 550 nm, respectively. This kind of phenomenon in spinel-type chalcogen chromites seems to originate in spin-dependent intermediate interactions in the excited states of specific electronic transitions with which the incident or scattered light is resonant.     

Magnetism of ErAgSn studied by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy

Antiferromagnetic ErAgSn compound was investigated in detail by ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy in a temperature range between 2.2 and 300 K. The ¹¹⁹Sn spectra recorded below 4.2 K can be well fitted with a single main magnetic component in agreement with recent neutron diffraction studies [1]. A broad distribution of magnetic hyperfine fields observed above 4.2 K and enhanced spin correlations among Er³⁺ ions at T > T _N = 5.6 K are the remarkable features of the investigated system.     

Radiationless transition probabilities in muonic208Pb,232Th,and238U

The probabilities for non-radiative (n.r.) excitationsP _n.r. in the muonic nuclides²⁰⁸Pb,²³²Th, and²³⁸U have been determined from (μ^?,γγ)-measurements by comparing the intensities of muonic X-ray transitions in single and coincidence spectra. The value ofP _n.r. (3p→1s), measured for the first time, is about 90% for the actinides²³²Th and²³⁸U, but only about 8% for²⁰⁸Pb. The value ofP _n.r. (3d→1s) is found to be 10 % for²³³Th, 13% for²³⁸U, and about 4% for²⁰⁸Pb. For²⁰⁸Pb a vanishing strength of the n.r. decay of the 2p-level is found, while for²³²Th and for²³⁸U n.r. strengths of about 20% and 26%, respectively, are observed. By regarding two subcomplexes of the 2p→1s transitions leading to different mean excitation energies the n.r. transition probabilities were found to be different for²³⁸U only, 21.6% and 31.1.%, respectively.     

I.R. reflection and transmission properties of KH2PO4

The i.r. a-axis reflection spectrum of KDP at 125K has been examined in the range 360-60 cm^?1, and the a — and c-axis reflection spectra have been measured at 290K in the range 700-10 cm^?1. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constants (?′ and ?″) have been obtained from the reflectivity measurements by Kramers-Kronig analyses. The low-frequency values of ?′ at 290K agree well with microwave values. The transmission spectra of thin KDP films at 290,125 and 110K have been examined and are found to be closely correlated with the ?″ spectra. We conclude that the films behave as if they contain crystallites of large surface area. A tentative identification of the lowest-frequency c-axis polar mode has been made in the 125K transmission spectrum.     

Optical spectra of CsI,CsBr, ZuGeP2, and SbSI

We report here the study of the normal reflectivity spectra R and the corresponding derivative spectra (1/R) dR/dE of SbSI between 2 and 6 eV. The spectra show very strong anisotropy. We have also tried to use the change of the wavelength modulation spectrum to monitor the change in the band structure of SbSI due to the phase transition at 292 °C (D_2h¹⁶→C_2v⁹). Careful examination of the spectra at various temperatures around T_c shows no observable change. We report also the wavelength-modulated reflectivity spectra of the chalcopyrite crystal ZnGeP₂ at 5 K between 2 and 6 eV, for E∥ C and E⊥ C. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical band structure calculation by de Alvarez and Cohen. We also present measurements on CsBr, CsI in the vacuum uv (between 5 and 8 eV) at 1.8K, showing noticeable difference with previous reflectivity measurements at 77 K.     

Fluorescence and absorption spectra of 9, 10-diazaphenanthrene solutions at 77°K

The S₁(n, √^*) ? S₀ fluorescence and absorption spectra of 9, 10-diazaphenanthrene solutions in hydrocarbons possess at 77°K a quasilinear structure (Shpolskii effect). In the frozen n-hexane matrix (c = 10^-4 M) the fluorescence spectrum displays a triplet structure (22 181, 22 169 and 22 149 cm^-1 for the O-O transition). The spectra of 9, 10-diazaphenanthrene solution are shifted towards the red compared with those of the single crystal (～ 900 cm^-1). A good agreement between the calculated and experimental values of this shift is obtained. A strong concentration effect on the structure of the spectra is discussed. A quasilinear structure is observed also in the second absorption band.     

Temperature dependence of the anomalous emission line intensities in57Co:LiTaO3-initial population and relaxation

Mössbauer spectra of⁵⁷Co: LiTaO₃ single crystals were recorded in an external longitudinal magnetic field of 6 T at different temperatures between 4.2 K and 150 K. The spectra were taken at two different orientations of the crystallographicc-axis relative to the magnetic field. The line intensities of the Fe³⁺-subspectra show a temperature dependent anomalous population of the three Kramers doublets of the Fe³⁺ spinS=5/2 ground state. A relaxation broadening is observed at higher temperatures, which cannot successfully be reproduced within a relaxation model taking into account only the six lowest lying electronic states.     

Infrared absorption in In-doped degenerate Hg1−xCdxTe

The infrared absorption spectra, including absorption edge spectra and below-gap absorption spectra, were investigated both experimentally and theoretically for an In-doped degenerate HgCdTe sample with an electron concentration N_e = 7.0 × 10¹⁷ cm^-3 for wavelengths 7 μm<L<17 μm at the temperatures 77 K <T< 300 K. The possibility of applying free-carrier absorption theory developed for InSb to HgCdTe is discussed. It is concluded that the virtual crystal approximation works fairly well for HgCdTe and that the two-mode Callen effective charge should be used in the calculation of free-carrier absorption coefficients to account for the two-mode character of the optical phonons of HgCdTe. Good agreement between theory and experiment in the below-gap absorption spectra was obtained. The concentration of ionized impurities was found to be N_imp=3.4 × 10¹⁸ cm^-3. A good account of the behaviour of absorption edge in the light of Burstein-Moss effect has also been given.     

Neutron emission from the reaction 232Th(n, xn′f)

The energy distributions of neutrons accompanying the fission of ²³²Th are measured by the time-of-flight technique at the bombarding-neutron energies of E _n=14.6 and 17.7 MeV. The data obtained in this way are compared with the results of previous investigations. An excess of soft neutrons that was observed in the experimental spectra of neutrons from ²³⁸U fission at E _n=13.2, 14.7, 16.0, and 17.7 MeV in relation to the results of the calculations based on the model of two sources is also present in the spectra for ²³²Th. The discrepancy between the results of the calculations and experimental data disappears as soon as one assumes the presence of a third source that is related to neutron emission from nonaccelerated fragments.     

Possible observation of light neutron nuclei in the alpha-particle-induced fission of 238U

Searches for nuclear-stable multineutrons among products originating from the fission of ²³⁸U nuclei that is induced by 62-MeV alpha particles were performed by the activation method. The reaction involving the transfer of four neutrons and occurring on the isotope ⁸⁸Sr, ⁸⁸Sr( ^x n, (x ? 4) n)⁹²Sr??⁹²Y, was used to identify nuclear-stable multineutrons. A line at the energy of E = 1384 keV was found in the measured gamma-ray spectra of irradiated samples. This line, together with the measured time dependence of the decrease in its activity, is indicative of the formation of the beta-active nucleus ⁹²Sr. This result was reproduced in repeated measurements. It suggests the possible existence of nuclear-stable multineutrons ( ^x n) for x ?? 6. The differential cross section for the ^x n yield at an angle of 30° in the alpha-particle-induced fission of ²³⁸U was about 6 × 10^?2 mb/sr.     

Electron-hole liquid in GaP

Cathodoluminescence spectra of very pure GaP are recorded between 4.2 and 20 K. A new large and broad band, which rapidly grows with excitation level, is observed. This band which completely disappears near 20 K is attributed to recombination radiation of metallized droplets of electrons and holes. The critical density and the condensation enery are estimated: n_c = 1.57 × 10¹⁹; Φ/k ? 70 K.     

Portable gamma spectrometry with cerium-doped lanthanum bromide scintillators: Suitability assessments for luminescence and electron spin resonance dating applications

Cerium-doped lanthanum bromide (LaBr₃:Ce) crystals offer a range of improved scintillation properties over traditional NaI:Tl crystals for in situ gamma spectrometry. At present, however, it remains unclear whether the internal radioactivity of LaBr₃:Ce detectors compromises their suitability for low-level activity radioisotope measurements of natural sedimentary deposits, such as those required in luminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. In this study we investigate the suitability of a commercial LaBr₃:Ce detector for measuring individual concentrations of ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th using predefined ‘energy windows’ from gamma ray spectra. Performance tests have been undertaken using reference materials with well-constrained radioisotope concentrations (the Oxford calibration blocks) and compared with results obtained for a NaI:Tl detector of the same geometry. These tests reveal that the LaBr₃:Ce detector has a non-negligible intrinsic activity that needs to be accurately quantified prior to measuring any gamma ray spectra in the field. Compared to the NaI:Tl detector, the energy resolution of the LaBr₃:Ce detector is improved by a factor of two, or more, for the main indicator isotope photopeaks in the ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th decay series. Signal-to-noise ratios for the LaBr₃:Ce detector show a 25-35% improvement over those of the NaI:Tl detector. In addition, the LaBr₃:Ce detector is characterised by suitable energy linearity over the full spectral range of interest for the ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th decay series. Replicate gamma ray measurements made with the LaBr₃:Ce and NaI:Tl detectors for 20 natural sedimentary samples from the Lower Tejo River basin, Portugal, and the Duero River basin, Spain, yield consistent radioisotope concentrations and gamma dose rate estimates. These results are encouraging and suggest that LaBr₃:Ce detectors can provide suitable estimates of individual radioisotope concentrations in low-level activity (0.5-1.5 Gy/ka) environments, providing that their intrinsic activity is adequately measured and subtracted from field spectra. Our comparison also reveals that subtraction of the intrinsic activity from LaBr₃:Ce spectra produces a significant reduction in the precision with which radionuclide concentrations can be determined using the ‘energy windows’ approach. This shortcoming necessitates longer counting times in natural sedimentary environments and overshadows the practical advantages that LaBr₃:Ce detectors might otherwise offer for luminescence and ESR dating applications.     

Luminescence and crystal field analysis of Eu in Eu[Co(CN)6]·4H2O

The vibrational spectra of Eu[Co(CN)₆]·4H₂O and luminescence spectra of Eu³⁺ in this compound, using 355 nm excitation at temperatures down to 10 K, have been assigned. A clear distinction is made between the n=5 and 4 members of the Ln[M(CN)₆]·nH₂O series from the vibrational spectra. The electronic spectra show prominent vibronic structures, particularly for the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ sideband. A resonance occurs between the transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F₁(III) and ⁵D₀→⁷F₀+ν(Eu−N). A crystal field analysis of the derived energy data set is presented for Eu³⁺ in eight coordination geometry.     

Components of antineutrino emission in nuclear reactor

New ?_ee scattering experiments aimed at sensitive searches for the ν_e magnetic moment and projects to explore small mixing angle neutrino oscillations at reactors require a better understanding of the reactor antineutrino spectrum. Six components which contribute to the total ?_e spectrum generated in a nuclear reactor are considered. They are beta decays of the fission fragments of ²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu, ²³⁸U, and ²⁴¹Pu and decays of beta emitters produced as a result of neutron capture in ²³⁸U and in accumulated fission fragments which perturb the spectrum. For antineutrino energies of less than 3.5 MeV and for each of the four fissile isotopes, the time evolution of ?_e spectra is given during fuel irradiation and after the irradiation is stopped. The relevant uncertainties are estimated. Small corrections to the ILL spectra are considered.     

Electrofission of 234U, 236U and 238U: Angular distributions and E2 strength functions

The electrofission angular distributions for ²³⁴U in the energy range 5.5 to 25 MeV were measured and are analyzed together with those obtained previously for ²³⁶U and ²³⁸U. The competition between the K = 0 and K = 1 fission channels following E2 excitation is established, showing a dominance of the K = 0 channel for near-barrier fission. The E2 fission strength functions for ²³⁴U, ²³⁶U and ²³⁸U are deduced as well, and the E2 fission probabilities (at energies below the pairing gap) are estimated. A substantial concentration of E2 strength near the fission barrier is found, in good agreement with earlier photofission angular-distribution studies.     

Comparison of band model and integrated line-by-line synthetic spectra for methane in the 2.3 μm region

The 2.3 μm spectral region of methane can be used to retrieve cloud properties of planetary spectra, provided parameters for the methane spectrum are known. Two standard techniques for calculating absorption spectra in this region are compared here. A Voigt profile Mayer-Goody random band model is applied, using coefficients empirically fitted by Fink et al. to CH₄ spectra recorded with high absorping amounts at 10 cm^?1 resolution. Calculation of the absorption is also done with a line-by-line direct integration method for the same gas conditions using molecular parameters obtained by combining an older unpublished list of observed positions and estimated line strengths (derived from 0.04 cm^?1 resolution data) with quantum assignments from the literature. The molecular parameters have been evaluated for the 4180–4590 cm^?1 region by comparing new laboratory spectra with 0.01 cm^?1 resolution recorded at 296 and 153K with synthetic spectra calculated at the same conditions. The deficiencies of the molecular parameters and random band coefficients for this spectral region of CH₄ are then discussed qualitatively and demonstrated by comparing 10 cm^?1 resolution synthetic spectra calculated by both methods for the same gas conditions at 296, 153, and 55 K.Curves of growth of the total equivalent width are calculated at 296 and 55K for a pathlength of 50 cm and pressures up to 10 atm. Changing the mean line spacing in the band model gives better agreement between the spectra calculated by the two techniques at low gas temperatures. The required multiplier has been determined for the mean line spacing for pressures from 10^?6 to 10^?1 atm at 55, 100, and 150 K.     

Prompt-fission-neutrons spectra of <Superscript>238</Superscript>U

The spectra of prompt fission neutrons from the reaction ²³⁸U(n, F) for neutrons of energy in the range E _n ≤ 20 MeV are interpreted within the statistical model. It is shown that exclusive spectra of prefission neutrons emitted in (n, xnf) reactions play a decisive role in describing the observed promptfission-neutron spectra and determine the average energies of prompt-fission neutrons. The dependence of the effect of prefission neutrons on the fissility of a target nucleus is demonstrated for the reactions ²³²Th(n, F), ²³⁵U(n, F), and ²³⁹Pu(n, F).     

Spectre d'absorption et effet Zeeman de l'ion Mn2+ dans un sulfate acide de manganese et de potassium MnK4H2(SO4)4, 2H2O a basse temperature

We present aborption spectra of an oriented single crystal of MnK₄H₂(SO₄)₄, 2H₂O at temperatures between 20 and 1.6 K. This salt has orthorhombic symmetry and gives, both in the visible and ultraviolet regions, an absorption spectrum which changes considerably when the temperature decreases from 20 to 4.2 K. The spectrum has sharp lines at 1.6 K in the two absorption regions corresponding to teh excited levels ⁴A₁⁴E(⁴G) and ⁴T₂(⁴D). A study has been made of the Zeeman splitting of these sharp lines; a discontinuity has been observed in the Zeeman splitting as a function of magnetic field at 1.6 K. This discontinuity is a consequence of a magnetically-ordered phase.