Phase-imaging ion-cyclotron-resonance measurements for short-lived nuclides

Precision Mass Measurement of the Proton Dripline Halo Candidate ^{22}Al

We report the first mass measurement of the proton-halo candidate ^{22}Al performed with the low energy beam ion trap facility's 9.4 T Penning trap mass spectrometer at facility for rare isotope beams. This measurement completes the mass information for the lightest remaining proton-dripline nucleus achievable with Penning traps. ^{22}Al has been the subject of recent interest regarding a possible halo structure from the observation of an exceptionally large isospin asymmetry [J. Lee et al., Large isospin asymmetry in Si22/O22 Mirror Gamow-Teller transitions reveals the halo structure of ^{22}Al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 192503 (2020).PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.125.192503]. The measured mass excess value of ME=18 092.5(3)  keV, corresponding to an exceptionally small proton separation energy of S_{p}=100.4(8)  keV, is compatible with the suggested halo structure. Our result agrees well with predictions from sd-shell USD Hamiltonians. While USD Hamiltonians predict deformation in the ^{22}Al ground state with minimal 1s_{1/2} occupation in the proton shell, a particle-plus-rotor model in the continuum suggests that a proton halo could form at large quadrupole deformation. These results emphasize the need for a charge radius measurement to conclusively determine the halo nature.

Applying machine learning methods for the analysis of two-dimensional mass spectra

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133 Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

Measuring Ion Oscillations at the Quantum Level with Fluorescence Light

We demonstrate an optical method for detecting the mechanical oscillations of an atom with single-phonon sensitivity. The measurement signal results from the interference between the light scattered by a trapped atomic ion and that of its mirror image. We detect the oscillations of the atom in the Doppler cooling limit and reconstruct average trajectories in phase space. We demonstrate single-phonon sensitivity near the ground state of motion after electronically induced transparency cooling. These results could be applied for motion detection of other light scatterers of fundamental interest, such as trapped nanoparticles.

Evidence of a sudden increase in the nuclear size of proton-rich silver-96

Understanding the evolution of the nuclear charge radius is one of the long-standing challenges for nuclear theory. Recently, density functional theory calculations utilizing Fayans functionals have successfully reproduced the charge radii of a variety of exotic isotopes. However, difficulties in the isotope production have hindered testing these models in the immediate region of the nuclear chart below the heaviest self-conjugate doubly-magic nucleus ¹⁰⁰Sn, where the near-equal number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N) lead to enhanced neutron-proton pairing. Here, we present an optical excursion into this region by crossing the N = 50 magic neutron number in the silver isotopic chain with the measurement of the charge radius of ⁹⁶Ag (N = 49). The results provide a challenge for nuclear theory: calculations are unable to reproduce the pronounced discontinuity in the charge radii as one moves below N = 50. The technical advancements in this work open the N = Z region below ¹⁰⁰Sn for further optical studies, which will lead to more comprehensive input for nuclear theory development.

Isomer yields in nuclear fission

The generation of angular momentum in the fission process is still an open question. To shed light on this topic, we started a series of measurements at the IGISOL-JYFLTRAP facility in Finland. Highprecision measurements of isomeric yield ratios (IYR) are performed with a Penning trap, partly with the aim to extract average root-mean-square (rms) quantities of fragment spin distributions. The newly installed Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron Resonance (PI-ICR) technique allows the separation of masses down to tens of keV, which is suffcient to disentangle many isomers. In this paper, we first summarize the previous measurements on the neutron and proton-induced fission of uranium and thorium, e.g. the odd cadmium and indium isotopes (119 ≤ A ≤ 127). The measurements revealed systematic trends as function of mass number, which stimulated further exploration. A recent measurement was performed at IGISIOL and several new IYR data will soon be published, for the first time. Secondly, we employ the TALYS nuclear-reaction code to model one of the newly measured isomer yields. Detailed GEF and TALYS calculations are discussed for the fragment angular momentum distribution in 134I.

Quartz resonators for penning traps toward mass spectrometry on the heaviest ions

We report on cyclotron frequency measurements on trapped ^206,207Pb⁺ ions by means of the non-destructive Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance technique at room temperature. In a proof-of-principle experiment using a quartz crystal instead of a coil as a resonator, we have alternately carried out cyclotron frequency measurements for ²⁰⁶Pb⁺ and ²⁰⁷Pb⁺ with the sideband coupling method to obtain 21 cyclotron-frequency ratios with a statistical uncertainty of 6 × 10^-7. The mean frequency ratio R¯ deviates by about 2σ from the value deduced from the masses reported in the latest Atomic Mass Evaluation. We anticipate that this shift is due to the ion-ion interaction between the simultaneously trapped ions (≈100) and will decrease to a negligible level once we reach single-ion sensitivity. The compactness of such a crystal makes this approach promising for direct Penning-trap mass measurements on heavy and superheavy elements.

High-Precision Q-Value Measurement Confirms the Potential of ^{135}Cs for Absolute Antineutrino Mass Scale Determination

The ground-state-to-ground-state β-decay Q value of ^{135}Cs(7/2^{+})→^{135}Ba(3/2^{+}) has been directly measured for the first time. The measurement was done utilizing both the phase-imaging ion-cyclotron resonance technique and the time-of-flight ion-cyclotron resonance technique at the JYFLTRAP Penning-trap setup and yielded a mass difference of 268.66(30) keV between ^{135}Cs(7/2^{+}) and ^{135}Ba(3/2^{+}). With this very small uncertainty, this measurement is a factor of 3 more precise than the currently adopted Q value in the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2016. The measurement confirms that the first-forbidden unique β^{-}-decay transition ^{135}Cs(7/2^{+})→^{135}Ba(11/2^{-}) is a candidate for antineutrino mass measurements with an ultralow Q value of 0.44(31) keV. This Q value is almost an order of magnitude smaller than those of nuclides presently used in running or planned direct (anti)neutrino mass experiment.

First Glimpse of the N=82 Shell Closure below Z=50 from Masses of Neutron-Rich Cadmium Isotopes and Isomers

We probe the N=82 nuclear shell closure by mass measurements of neutron-rich cadmium isotopes with the ISOLTRAP spectrometer at ISOLDE-CERN. The new mass of ^{132}Cd offers the first value of the N=82, two-neutron shell gap below Z=50 and confirms the phenomenon of mutually enhanced magicity at ^{132}Sn. Using the recently implemented phase-imaging ion-cyclotron-resonance method, the ordering of the low-lying isomers in ^{129}Cd and their energies are determined. The new experimental findings are used to test large-scale shell-model, mean-field, and beyond-mean-field calculations, as well as the ab initio valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group.

Radioactive ion beam manipulation at the IGISOL-4 facility

The IGISOL-4 facility in the JYFL Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla (JYFL-ACCLAB) produces low-energy radioactive ion beams, primarily for nuclear spectroscopy, utilizing an ion guide-based, ISOL-type mass separator. Recently, new ion manipulation techniques have been introduced at the IGISOL-4 including the application of the PI-ICR (Phase-Imaging Ion Cyclotron Resonance) technique at the JYFLTRAP Penning trap, as well as commissioning of a Multi-Reflection Time-Of-Flight (MR-TOF) separator/spectrometer. The successful operation of the MR-TOF also required significant improvement of the Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) cooler and buncher device beam pulse time structure. In addition, laser ionization techniques have been developed for particular cases, for example, a hot cavity laser ion source for silver production. A new stable isotope ion source and a beam line has been introduced for tuning and calibration purposes. In addition to the installations at the IGISOL-4 facility, the extension of the vacuum-mode recoil separator MARA (Mass Analysing Recoil Apparatus), MARA-LEB (MARA Low Energy Branch) has been under development. MARA-LEB will utilize the gas-cell technique and laser ionization to convert MeV-scale radioactive beams to low-energy ones.

Direct mass measurements and ionization potential measurements of the actinides

The precise determination of atomic and nuclear properties such as masses, differential charge radii, nuclear spins, electromagnetic moments and the ionization potential of the actinides has been extended to the late actinides in recent years. In particular, laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry have reached the region of heavy actinides that can only be produced only at accelerator facilities. The new results provide deeper insight into the impact of relativistic effects on the atomic structure and the evolution of nuclear shell effects around the deformed neutron shell closure at N = 152. All these experimental activities have also opened the door to extend such measurements to the transactinide elements in the near future. This contribution summarizes recent achievements in Penning trap mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy of the late actinides and addresses future perspectives.

Precise ground state properties of the heaviest elements for studies of their atomic and nuclear structure

The precise determination of atomic and nuclear properties such as masses, differential charge radii, nuclear spins and electromagnetic moments of exotic nuclides has recently been extended to the region of the heaviest elements. To this end, ion trap-based techniques and laser spectroscopy methods have been employed to provide information complementary to that obtained by nuclear spectroscopy. This enables more detailed studies of the atomic and nuclear structure of these exotic nuclides far from stability. This contribution summarizes some of the recent achievements and addresses future perspectives for measurements on even heavier elements.

High-Precision Atomic Mass Measurements for Fundamental Constants

Atomic mass measurements are essential for obtaining several of the fundamental constants. The most precise atomic mass measurements, at the 10−10 level of precision or better, employ measurements of cyclotron frequencies of single ions in Penning traps. We discuss the relation of atomic masses to fundamental constants in the context of the revised SI. We then review experimental methods, and the current status of measurements of the masses of the electron, proton, neutron, deuteron, tritium, helium-3, helium-4, oxygen-16, silicon-28, rubidium-87, and cesium-133. We conclude with directions for future work.

Masses and Beta-decay Studies of Neutron-rich Nuclei using the X-array and Gammasphere

Properties of neutron-rich nuclei in the A˜160 region are important for achieving a better understanding of the nuclear structure in this region where little is known owing to diffculties in the production of these nuclei at the present nuclear physics facilities. These properties are essential ingredients in the interpretation of the rareearth peak at A˜160 in the r process abundance distribution, since theoretical models are sensitive to nuclear structure input. Predicated on these ideas, we have initiated a new experimental program at Argonne National Laboratory. During the first experiment, beams from the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade radioactive beam facility were used in conjunction with the SATURN decay station and the X-array. We focused initially on several odd-odd nuclei, where β decays of both the ground state and an excited isomer were investigated. Because of the spin difference, a variety of structures in the daughter nuclei were selectively populated and characterized based on their decay properties. Mass measurements using the Canadian Penning Trap aimed at establishing the excitation energy of the β-decaying isomers were also carried out. Evidence was found for a change in the single-particle structure, which in turn results in the formation of a sizable N=98 sub-shell gap at large deformation. Results from the first experimental campaign using the newly-commissioned β-decay station at Gammasphere are also presented.

Precision Mass Measurements of Neutron-Rich Neodymium and Samarium Isotopes and Their Role in Understanding Rare-Earth Peak Formation

The Canadian Penning Trap mass spectrometer at the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) facility was used to measure the masses of eight neutron-rich isotopes of Nd and Sm. These measurements are the first to push into the region of nuclear masses relevant to the formation of the rare-earth abundance peak at A∼165 by the rapid neutron-capture process. We compare our results with theoretical predictions obtained from "reverse engineering" the mass surface that best reproduces the observed solar abundances in this region through a Markov chain Monte Carlo technique. Our measured masses are consistent with the reverse-engineering predictions for a neutron star merger wind scenario.

Masses and β-Decay Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich Odd-Odd ^{160,162}Eu Nuclei: Evidence for a Subshell Gap with Large Deformation at N=98

The structure of deformed neutron-rich nuclei in the rare-earth region is of significant interest for both the astrophysics and nuclear structure fields. At present, a complete explanation for the observed peak in the elemental abundances at A∼160 eludes astrophysicists, and models depend on accurate quantities, such as masses, lifetimes, and branching ratios of deformed neutron-rich nuclei in this region. Unusual nuclear structure effects are also observed, such as the unexpectedly low energies of the first 2^{+} levels in some even-even nuclei at N=98. In order to address these issues, mass and β-decay spectroscopy measurements of the ^{160}Eu_{97} and ^{162}Eu_{99} nuclei were performed at the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade radioactive beam facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Evidence for a gap in the single-particle neutron energies at N=98 and for large deformation (β_{2}∼0.3) is discussed in relation to the unusual phenomena observed at this neutron number.

Charting Terra Incognita at Alto and S3

Charting Terra Incognita is a project grant that brings together the IPN Orsay, CSNSM Orsay and Irfu-SPHN laboratories around the common development of knowhow, equipment and techniques for mass spectrometry and nuclear spectroscopy at the low-energy branch of the new S3 spectrometer at Ganil, where likewise the Reglis set-up for intrajet laser spectroscopy is entering its final phase of construction. At the same time its concerted action initiates and sets the pace for the corresponding precursor physics programme at the Alto on-line isotope-separation facility, based on the photofission of uranium. We also collect a review of the Alto laser ion source, which is an essential instrument at any low-energy facility for the production of purified isotopic beams.

Measurement of fission yields and isomeric yield ratios at IGISOL

Data on fission yields and isomeric yield ratios (IYR) are tools to study the fission process, in particular the generation of angular momentum. We use the IGISOL facility with the Penning trap JYFLTRAP in Jyväskylä, Finland, for such measurements on 232Th and natU targets. Previously published fission yield data from IGISOL concern the 232Th(p,f) and 238U(p,f) reactions at 25 and 50 MeV. Recently, a neutron source, using the Be(p,n) reaction, has been developed, installed and tested. We summarize the results for (p,f) focusing on the first measurement of IYR by direct ion counting. We also present first results for IYR and relative yields for Sn and Sb isotopes in the 128-133 mass range from natU(n,f) based on γ-spectrometry. We find a staggering behaviour in the cumulative yields for Sn and a shift in the independent fission yields for Sb as compared to current evaluations. Plans for the future experimental program on fission yields and IYR measurements are discussed.

Nonvolatile and tunable switching of lateral photo-voltage triggered by laser and electric pulse in metal dusted metal-oxide-semiconductor structures

Owing to the innate stabilization of built-in potential in p-n junction or metal-oxide-semiconductor structure, the sensitivity and linearity of most lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) devices is always fixed after fabrication. Here we report a nonvolatile and tunable switching effect of lateral photo-voltage (LPV) in Cu dusted ultrathin metal-oxide-semiconductor structure. With the stimulation of electric pulse and local illumination, the sensitivity and linearity of LPV can be adjusted up and down in a nonvolatile manner. This phenomenon is attributed to a controllable change of the Schottky barrier formed between the metal layer and silicon substrate, including the consequent change of film resistivity. This work may widely improve the performance of existing LPE-based devices and suggest new applications for LPE in other areas.

Isotope dependence of the Zeeman effect in lithium-like calcium

The magnetic moment μ of a bound electron, generally expressed by the g-factor μ=−g μ_Bs ħ⁻¹ with μ_B the Bohr magneton and s the electron's spin, can be calculated by bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BS-QED) to very high precision. The recent ultra-precise experiment on hydrogen-like silicon determined this value to eleven significant digits, and thus allowed to rigorously probe the validity of BS-QED. Yet, the investigation of one of the most interesting contribution to the g-factor, the relativistic interaction between electron and nucleus, is limited by our knowledge of BS-QED effects. By comparing the g-factors of two isotopes, it is possible to cancel most of these contributions and sensitively probe nuclear effects. Here, we present calculations and experiments on the isotope dependence of the Zeeman effect in lithium-like calcium ions. The good agreement between the theoretical predicted recoil contribution and the high-precision g-factor measurements paves the way for a new generation of BS-QED tests.

In addition to hyperfine splitting effects, isotope shifts of atomic electronic energy levels allow the investigation nuclear properties. Here, the authors study the isotope dependence of the Zeeman effect in litihium-like calcium isotopes in a Penning-trap setup and find good agreement with QED calculations.

Direct Measurement of the Mass Difference of (163)Ho and (163)Dy Solves the Q-Value Puzzle for the Neutrino Mass Determination

The atomic mass difference of (163)Ho and (163)Dy has been directly measured with the Penning-trap mass spectrometer SHIPTRAP applying the novel phase-imaging ion-cyclotron-resonance technique. Our measurement has solved the long-standing problem of large discrepancies in the Q value of the electron capture in (163)Ho determined by different techniques. Our measured mass difference shifts the current Q value of 2555(16) eV evaluated in the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2012 [G. Audi et al., Chin. Phys. C 36, 1157 (2012)] by more than 7σ to 2833(30(stat))(15(sys)) eV/c(2). With the new mass difference it will be possible, e.g., to reach in the first phase of the ECHo experiment a statistical sensitivity to the neutrino mass below 10 eV, which will reduce its present upper limit by more than an order of magnitude.