Search for Lepton Number and Flavor Violation in K^{+} and π^{0} Decays

Searches for the lepton number violating K^{+}→π^{-}μ^{+}e^{+} decay and the lepton flavor violating K^{+}→π^{+}μ^{-}e^{+} and π^{0}→μ^{-}e^{+} decays are reported using data collected by the NA62 experiment at CERN in 2017-2018. No evidence for these decays is found and upper limits of the branching ratios are obtained at 90% confidence level: B(K^{+}→π^{-}μ^{+}e^{+})<4.2×10^{-11}, B(K^{+}→π^{+}μ^{-}e^{+})<6.6×10^{-11} and B(π^{0}→μ^{-}e^{+})<3.2×10^{-10}. These results improve by 1 order of magnitude over previous results for these decay modes.

NA62 and NA48/2 results on search for Heavy Neutral Leptons

In this paper we present new results on upper limits for the search of Heavy Neutral Leptons (HNL) with data collected by NA48/2 (2003-2004), NA62-RK (2007) and NA62 (2015) CERN experiments. The data collected with different trigger configuration allow to search for both long and short living heavy neutrinos in the mass range below the kaon mass. In addition the status of the search for K+ → π+vv with the NA62 detector will be briefly presented.

Note: Rigid holder to host and bend a crystal for multiple volume reflection of a particle beam

A holder to lodge and bend a silicon crystal to excite multivolume reflection of a high-energy particle beam has been designed and fabricated. A mechanically robust and stable structure fastens a crystal at best condition for experiments. The holder has allowed the observation of 12-time repeated volume reflection with very high efficiency. We detail the most important features behind the construction of the holder together with the characterization of the crystal being bent by the holder.

Observation of multiple volume reflection of ultrarelativistic protons by a sequence of several bent silicon crystals

The interactions of 400 GeV protons with different sequences of bent silicon crystals have been investigated at the H8 beam line of the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. The multiple volume reflection of the proton beam has been studied in detail on a five-crystal reflector measuring an angular beam deflection theta = 52.96 +/- 0.14 microrad. The efficiency was found larger than 80% for an angular acceptance at the reflector entrance of 70 microrad, with a maximal efficiency value of epsilon = 0.90 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.03.

Volume reflection dependence of 400 GeV/c protons on the bent crystal curvature

The trend of volume reflection parameters (deflection angle and efficiency) in a bent (110) silicon crystal has been investigated as a function of the crystal curvature with 400 GeV/c protons on the H8 beam line at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. This Letter describes the analysis performed at six different curvatures showing that the optimal radius for volume reflection is approximately 10 times greater than the critical radius for channeling. A strong scattering of the beam by the planar potential is also observed for a bend radius close to the critical one.

Interference study of the chi c0(13P0) in the reaction -pp-->pi0pi0

Fermilab experiment E835 has observed (-)pp annihilation production of the charmonium state chi(c0) and its subsequent decay into pi(0)pi(0). Although the resonant amplitude is an order of magnitude smaller than that of the nonresonant continuum production of pi(0)pi(0), an enhanced interference signal is evident. A partial wave expansion is used to extract physics parameters. The amplitudes J=0 and 2, of comparable strength, dominate the expansion. Both are accessed by L=1 in the entrance (-)pp channel. The product of the input and output branching fractions is determined to be B((-)pp-->chi(c0))xB(chi(c0)-->pi(0)pi(0))=(5.09+/-0.81+/-0.25)x10(-7).

Coding of contract status aids in cost control

Repeat purchases of stocked and nonstocked items account form the largest expenditures in any given hospital. The purchase orders for these items are often rushed through the system, for they are both repetitive and routine. Little consideration is given to whether the items are under a purchasing contract or that the vendor abides by the contracted price. In this article, the author describes a coding system that indicates both usage volumes and contract status. This system can be readily implemented and used to flag high usage items for contracting as well as ensure that the hospital enjoys maximum benefit from existing contracts. This same easy-to-interpret system can be utilized by all hospital users to assist in alternative product selection for cost control.

New directions in materials management ... dialog

Today, the VHA stands as the country's largest hospital purchasing program, representing hospitals that purchase over $1.5 billion in supplies each year. But not all of that comes through VHA programs, and it is in the relationship between the individual institutions and the VHA system, that the group draws its strength and discovers its limitations. At once highly sophisticated and fiercely independent, the materials managers that make up the VHA program must weigh the significant opportunities inherent in the group's size and scope against the individual demands of their institutions. Mutual understanding leads to consensus and eventually to commitment and out of that process comes a number of highly innovative programs, such as standardization and single sourcing and the VHA Plus private label program, that are helping to make the VHA not simply the country's leading purchasing organization, but its most innovative as well--a true materials management system.