Status of NICA complex at JINR

New scientific program is proposed at Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna aimed a study of hot and dense baryonic matter in the wide energy region from 2 GeV/amu to √s _NN = 11 GeV, and investigation of nucleon spin structure with polarized protons and deuterons maximum energy in the c.m. 27 GeV (for protons). To realize this program the development of JINR accelerator facility in high energy physics has started. This facility is based on the existing superconducting synchrotron—Nuclotron. The program foresees both experiments at the beams extracted from the Nuclotron, and construction of ion collider—the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility (NICA).     

NICA at JINR: New prospects for exploration of quark-gluon matter

A new scientific program is proposed at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna aimed at studies of hot and dense baryonic matter in the wide energy range from 2 GeV/u kinetic energy in fixed target experiments to $\sqrt {s_{NN} } = 4 - 11$ GeV/u in the collider mode. To realize this program the development of the JINR accelerator facility in high-energy physics (HEP) has been started. This facility is based on the existing superconducting synchrotron??the Nuclotron. The program foresees both experiments at the beams extracted from the Nuclotron, and the construction of a heavy-ion collider??the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility (NICA) which is designed to reach the required parameters with an average luminosity of L = 10²⁷ cm^?2 s^?1.     

Longitudinal dynamics of <Superscript>197</Superscript>Au<Superscript>32+</Superscript> and <Superscript>197</Superscript>Au<Superscript>79+</Superscript> ions in NICA injection chain

The main objective of the NICA project developed at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) is to conduct experimental studies with colliding heavy ion beams in an energy range of 1–4.5 GeV/nucleonucleon with luminosity on the level of 1 × 10²⁷ cm⁻² s⁻¹. In this paper the operation regime of the collider injection chain providing the bunch with experimentally desirable parameters at the output of the Nuclotron is considered for gold ions as an example.     

Beam-cooling methods in the NICA project

The Nuclotron-based Ion Collider Facility (NICA) is a new accelerator complex under construction at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) for experiments with colliding beams of heavy ions up to gold at energies as high as 4.5 × 4.5 GeV/u aimed at studying hot and dense strongly interacting nuclear matter and searching for possible indications of the mixed phase state and critical points of phase transitions. This facility comprises an ion source of the electron-string type, a 3-MeV/u linear accelerator, a 600-MeV/u superconducting booster synchrotron (Booster), a Nuclotron (upgraded superconducting synchrotron with a maximum energy of 4.5 GeV/u for ions with the charge-to-mass ratio Z/A = 1/3), and a collider consisting of two vertically separated superconducting rings with an average luminosity of 10²⁷ cm^?2 s^?1 in an energy range over 3.0 GeV/u. Beam cooling is supposed to be used in two NICA elements, the Booster, and the collider rings. The Booster is intended for the storage of ¹⁹⁷Au³¹⁺ ions to an intensity of about 4 × 10⁹ particles; their acceleration to the energy 600 MeV/u, which is sufficient for the complete stripping of nuclei (an increase in the injection energy and the charge state of ions makes the requirements for vacuum conditions in the Nuclotron less stringent); and the formation of the necessary beam emittance using the electron cooling system. Two independent beam-cooling systems, a stochastic one and an electron one, are supposed to be used in the collider. The parameters of the cooling systems, the optimum mode of operation for the collider, and the arrangement and design of the elements of the systems are discussed.     

Time-of-flight system for the multipurpose detector (MPD)

A conceptual design for a multipurpose detector (MPD) [1] is proposed for the study of hot and dense barony matter in collisions of heavy ions over the atomic mass range A = 1–197 at center-of-mass energies of up to 11 GeV (for Au⁷⁹⁺). The MPD experiment is scheduled to be performed at a future JINR accelerator complex facility for heavy ions, the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider Facility (NICA), which is designed to reach the required parameters with an average luminosity of L = 10²⁹ cm⁻² s⁻¹. Identification of charged hadrons (PIDs) at intermediate momenta (0.1–2 GeV/c) is achieved via time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. As a base element of the TOF detector, we consider a 10 gap MRPC with a strip or pad readout. Results from an MRCP prototype test are presented.     

Progress in development of Nuclotron accelerator complex

The Nuclotron superconducting synchrotron was constructed in 1987–1992 [1]; it is the world’s first synchrotron based on fast cycling “window frame” electromagnets with a superconducting coil. For a design field of dipole magnets of 2 T, the magnetic rigidity is 45 T m, which corresponds to the energy of heavy nuclei (for example, gold) of 4.5 GeV/nucleon. The Nuclotron accelerator complex is currently being upgraded (the Nuclotron-M project); this upgrade is considered a key part of the first stage of fulfilling the new Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) project: the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility and Multi-Purpose Detector (NICA/MPD). The most important task of this new project is the preparation of basic Nuclotron systems for its reliable operation as part of the NICA accelerator complex. Basic results of activity on the project, which started in 2007, are presented and the results of the last Nuclotron runs are analyzed.     

Booster synchrotron of NICA accelerator complex

NICA is a new accelerator complex being constructed at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research; the main task of this complex is to perform collider experiments for ion beams up to uranium with energies of up to 3.5 × 3.5 GeV/nucleon. This complex includes an electron string ion source, a 6 MeV/nucleon linear accelerator, a booster, the Nuclotron, and a collider with an average luminosity of 10²⁷ cm² s^?1. The main tasks of the booster are to accumulate up to 4 × 10^{9 197}Au³²⁺ ions, to accelerate to 600 MeV/nucleon (sufficient enough energy for completely stripping nuclei), to reduce the requirements of vacuum conditions for the Nuclotron, and to form the necessary beam emittance using an electron cooling system. The specific features of the NICA booster and the requirements for the basic systems of the synchrotron and their parameters are presented in this paper.     

Measurements of the total-cross-section difference ΔσL(np) at 1.39, 1.69, 1.89, and 1.99 GeV

New accurate data of the neutron-proton spin-dependent total-cross-section difference Δσ _L(np) at the neutron-beam kinetic energies 1.39, 1.69, 1.89, and 1.99 GeV are presented. In general, these data complete the measurements of energy dependence of Δσ _L(np) over the Dubna Synchrophasotron energy region. Measurements were carried out at the Synchrophasotron of the Veksler and Baldin Laboratory of High Energies of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The quasi-monochromatic neutron beam was produced by breakup of extracted polarized deuterons. The deuteron (and hence neutron) polarization direction was flipped every accelerator burst. The initial transverse (with respect to beam momentum) neutron polarization was changed to a longitudinal one and longitudinally polarized neutrons were transmitted through the large proton longitudinally polarized target. The target polarization direction was inverted after one to two days of measurements. Four different combinations of the beam and target parallel and antiparallel polarization directions, both oriented along the neutron-beam momentum, were used at each energy. A fast decrease in −Δσ _L(np) with increasing energy above 1.1 GeV and a structure in the energy dependence around 1.8 GeV, first observed from our previous data, seem to be well revealed. The new results are also compared with model predictions and with phase-shift analysis fits. The Δσ _L quantities for isosinglet state I = 0, deduced from the measured Δσ _L(np) values and known Δσ _L(pp) data, are also given. The results of the measurements of unpolarized total cross sections σ _0tot(np) at 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 GeV and σ _0tot(nC) at 1.4 and 1.5 GeV are presented as well. These data were obtained using the same apparatus and high-intensity unpolarized deuteron beams extracted either from the Synchrophasotron or from the Nuclotron. From Yadernaya Fizika, Vol. 68, No. 11, 2005, pp. 1858–1873. Original English Text Copyright ? 2005 by Sharov, Anischenko, Antonenko, Averichev, Azhgirey, Bartenev, Bazhanov, Belyaev, Blinov, Borisov, Borzakov, Borzunov, Bushuev, Chernenko, Chernykh, Chumakov, Dolgii, Fedorov, Fimushkin, Finger, Finger, Jr., Golovanov, Gurevich, Janata, Kirillov, Kolomiets, Komogorov, Kovalenko, Kovalev, Krasnov, Krstonoshich, Kuzmin, Ladygin, Lazarev, Lehar, de Lesquen, Liburg, Livanov, Lukhanin, Maniakov, Matafonov, Matyushevsky, Moroz, Morozov, Neganov, Nikolaevsky, Nomofilov, Panteleev, Pilipenko, Pisarev, Plis, Polunin, Prokofiev, Prytkov, Rukoyatkin, Schedrov, Schevelev, Shilov, Shindin, Slunečka, Slunečková, Starikov, Stoletov, Strunov, Svetov, Usov, Vasiliev, Volkov, Vorobiev, Yudin, Zaitsev, Zhdanov, Zhmyrov.     

Measuring the cross sections of heavy-metal spallation induced by deuterons with energies of 2, 2.94, and 3.5 GeV per nucleon

The cross sections for the spallation of the heavy-metal nuclei ¹⁸¹Ta, ¹⁹⁷Au, ²⁰⁷Pb, ²⁰⁹Bi, ²³²Th, and ²³⁸U induced by relativistic deuterons with energies of 2, 2.94, and 3.5 GeV per nucleon are measured using the deuteron beam from the Nuclotron accelerator of the JINR Laboratory of High Energy Physics in Dubna, Russia. The cross-section measurements employ a combined experimental technique involving the solidstate nuclear-track detectors and the activation gamma spectrometry. Adding our measurements to the database of experimental nuclear data will make it possible to test the computer codes used for selecting the parameters of the ADS-type facilities.     

Interactions of relativistic heavy ions in thick heavy element targets and some unresolved problems

Interactions of relativistic heavy ions with total energies above 30 GeV in thick Cu and Pb targets (≥ 2 cm) have been studied with various techniques. Radiochemical irradiation experiments using thick Cu targets, both in a compact form or as diluted “2π-Cu targets” have been carried out with several relativistic heavy ions, such as 44 GeV ¹²C (JINR, Dubna, Russia) and 72 GeV ⁴⁰Ar (LBL, Berkeley, USA). Neutron measuring experiments using thick targets irradiated with various relativistic heavy ions up to 44 GeV ¹²C have been performed at the JINR. In addition, the number of “black prongs” in nuclear interactions (due to protons with energies less than 30 MeV and emitted from the target-like interaction partner at rest) produced with 72 GeV ²²Ne ions in nuclear emulsion plates has been measured in the first nuclear interaction of the primary ²²Ne ion and in the following second nuclear interaction of the secondary heavy (Z > 1) ion. Some essential results have been obtained. (1) Spallation products produced by relativistic secondary fragments in interactions ([44 GeV ¹²C or 72 GeV ⁴⁰Ar] + Cu) within thick copper yield fewer products close to the target and many more products far away from the target as compared to primary beam interactions. This applies also to secondary particles emitted into large angles (Θ > 10°). (2) The neutron production of 44 GeV ¹²C within thick Cu and Pb targets is beyond the estimated yield as based on experiments with 12 GeV ¹²C. These rather independent experimental results cannot be understood within well-accepted nuclear reaction models. They appear to present unresolved problems. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

On the development of an ion-beam stochastic cooling system for the nuclotron superconducting accelerator complex

The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) initiated the creation of a unique heavy-ion collider, the Nuclotron-based ion collider facility (NICA), which is planned to be put into commission in 2016. According to the calculation data, the collider luminosity, which should be kept at a record high level of 10²⁷ cm^?2 s^?1, will gradually decrease, mainly due to intrabeam scattering. To maintain luminosity at a high level, it is necessary to include a cooling system in the base project of the accelerator. Among the two cooling methods (electron and stochastic) most frequently used for heavy ion beams, stochastic cooling seems more attractive. However, there has been a lack of experience in the development and commissioning of such systems in Russia. For this reason, an experiment on stochastic cooling on the Nuclotron accelerator is being prepared to explore the technology and possibilities of this method. In this work, the method of stochastic cooling, the technique for calculating the cooling dynamics, and the experimental setup under development are briefly described.     

Multipurpose Detector MPD for the Study of Strongly Interacting Matter at the NICA Collider

Physics of Atomic Nuclei - A new accelerator complex NICA (Nuclotron-based Ion Collider facility) for the study of the collisions of heavy ions and polarized particles is under construction at JINR...     

Few-body Studies at Nuclotron-JINR

Recent results on the deuteron analyzing powers in dp- elastic scattering obtained at Nuclotron (JINR, Dubna) are compared with the calculations performed within relativistic multiple scattering model. The data demonstrate strong deviation form the predictions at large angles in the cms. The preliminary data on the energy dependence of the cross section in the dp → ppn reaction at 150–250 MeV/nucleon for different configurations and dp elastic scattering up to 1 GeV obtained at internal target station at Nuclotron are reported. The prospects of the further few-body studies at JINR are discussed.     

Source of polarised deuterons

The proposed project assumes the development of a universal high-intensity source of polarized deuterons (protons) using a charge-exchange plasma ionizer. The design output current of the source will be up to 10mA for ↑ D⁺(↑ H⁺) and polarization will be up to 90% of the maximal vector (±1) and tensor (+1,−2) polarization. The project is based on the equipment which was supplied within the framework of an agreement between JINR and IUCF (Bloomington, USA). The project will be realized in close cooperation with INR (Moscow, Russia). The source will be installed in the linac hall (LU-20) and polarization of beams will be measured at the output of LU-20. The main purpose of the project is to increase the intensity of the accelerated polarized beams at the JINR Accelerator Complex up to 10¹⁰ d/pulse. Calculations and first accelerator runs have shown that the depolarization resonances are absent for the deuteron beam in the entire energy range of the NUCLOTRON. The source could be transformed into a source of polarized negative ions if necessary. The period of reliable operation without participation of the personnel should be within 1000 hours. The project should be implemented within two to two and a half years from the start of funding.     

Results of the Nuclotron-M project

The main goal of the Nuclotron-M project, approved in 2007, was formulated as follows: modernization of the main accelerator systems for reliable and safe operation of the Nuclotron as a part of the accelerator facility NICA (Nuclotron-based Ion Collider Facility) being constructed at JINR. Demonstration of heavy-ion beam acceleration (with atomic mass number higher than 100) as well as safe and stable operation of the main superconducting system operation at a magnetic field of up to 2 T had been defined as criteria of successful project fulfillment. Another very important issue is performance of stable, long-term beam runs and increase of the accelerated beam intensity. All the main goals of the Nuclotron-M project had been successfully achieved by the end of 2010. In this report we give an overview of the project realization chronology and present the main experimental results obtained at LHEP Nuclotron accelerator facility in the period from 2007 to early 2011.     

Beryllium (boron) clustering quest in relativistic multifragmentation (BECQUEREL Project)

A physical program of irradiation of emulsions in beams of relativistic nuclei named the BECQUEREL Project is reviewed. It is destined to study in detail the processes of relativistic fragmentation of light radioactive and stable nuclei. The expected results would make it possible to answer some topical questions concerning the cluster structure of light nuclei. Owing to the best spatial resolution, the nuclear emulsions would enable one to obtain unique and evident results. The most important irradiations will be performed in the secondary beams of He, Be, B, C, and N radioactive nuclei formed on the basis of JINR Nuclotron beams of stable nuclei. We present results on the charged state topology of relativistic fragmentation of the ¹⁰B nucleus at low energy-momentum transfers as the first step of the research.     

Beam transportation lines for the NICA project

A heavy-ion collider, i.e., the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider Facility (NICA), is being developed at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russia. The aim of this project is to construct a new accelerator complex for conducting experiments with colliding ion beam (at the first stage of the project) and with polarized proton and deuteron beams (at the second stage). The NICA accelerator complex will consist of two linear accelerators, two synchrotrons, two collider rings, and beam transportation lines. The magnetic lattice and diagnostic and correction systems for the NICA beam transportation lines are described in this report.