Articles tagged with Neutrons
A novel method for 3D printing components used in neutron instruments has been licensed to ExOne Company. The collaboration will help develop patent-pending techniques to create lightweight, metal-infused composites ideal for neutron scattering applications.
Using data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, scientists at Durham University measured the rates at which neutron particles leaked out from Venus and Mercury. The findings suggest a neutron lifetime of 13 minutes, with implications for our understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Physicists studied mirror nuclei helium-3 and tritium to measure their properties with high precision. The results showed that the data generally matched theoretical calculations well, but with some differences, indicating a need for further refinements in nuclear theory.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a 'nanobrush' structure with high surface area, enabling vertical alignment of ions across interfaces to transport energy or information. The unique architecture drives efficient electronic and chemical interactions.
Researchers found a collective resonance in 11B that explains the mysterious β-delayed proton decay of the neutron halo ground state of 11Be. The resonance has features similar to a nearby proton emission channel, suggesting that it may be involved in a quasi-free decay process.
Researchers at RIKEN found that knocking out a single proton from a fluorine nucleus transforms it into a neutron-rich isotope of oxygen. This transformation has a significant effect on the state of the nucleus, defying conventional wisdom and sparking further investigation.
A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.
Michigan State University Professor Alexandra Gade reviews advancements in describing rare isotopes, revealing new magic numbers and shell evolution. The study has implications for nuclear astrophysics, nuclear security, and nuclear medicine.
A team of researchers has successfully measured the dispersion relation of complex quantum many-body states 'Bethe strings' using inelastic neutron scattering experiments. The results confirm theoretical predictions made by Hans Bethe in 1931 and provide new insights into the properties of these excitations.
Researchers have detected magnetic monopoles in a metal for the first time, using a two-dimensional Kagome spin-ice system consisting of holmium, silver, and germanium. The team's findings suggest that this system behaves as if magnetic monopoles were present.
Physicists have successfully isolated and characterized Bethe strings in a real solid for the first time. The team used high magnetic fields to investigate SrCo2V2O8 crystals, obtaining a phase diagram that confirms their presence.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory use focused electron beams to create artificial molecules in graphene, allowing for controlled manipulation of atomic structures. Meanwhile, researchers develop a non-destructive neutron imaging technique to visualize the interior of uranium particles without damaging them.
A UMass Lowell-led team discovered that a symmetry in atomic nuclei is not as fundamental as previously believed, opening up new avenues for understanding the universe. The researchers created over 400 strontium-73 nuclei and compared them to bromine-73 nuclei, finding that they behaved differently.
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and CERN studied the neutron-shell structure of a nucleus with fewer protons than lead and more neutrons than 126, revealing new insights into heavy element formation. This study informs models of stellar events and the early universe.
A research team discovered that high-entropy alloys exhibit exceptional mechanical properties at ultra-low temperatures due to multiple deformation mechanisms. The study used in-situ neutron diffraction technique to reveal the sequence of deformation mechanisms, including dislocation slip, stacking faults, twinning, and serrations.
Researchers at IAS and University of Michigan propose QCD axion as solution to cosmological excess of matter over antimatter. The QCD axion could explain three missing pieces of physics puzzle, including the strong CP problem and dark matter.
Researchers propose axion as solution to three mysteries: matter-antimatter asymmetry, dark matter, and the strong CP problem. The axion's rotation creates a tiny excess of matter over antimatter, explaining why we exist.
The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) is being upgraded with a new capability to produce beams of heavy atomic nuclei consisting of 126 neutrons, a 'magic number', for nuclear structure and astrophysics research. This upgrade will help scientists test a reigning theory on the formation of heavy elements.
Scientists at the University of Sussex have measured a neutron property more precisely than ever before, finding it smaller than predicted by some theories about matter in the universe. This discovery helps rule out these theories and pushes the limit on measuring the electric dipole moment of the neutron.
Researchers at PSI measured a property of the neutron more precisely than ever before, finding it has a significantly smaller electric dipole moment. This challenges the long-held assumption that this dipole moment could help explain the excess of matter in the universe.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have determined the neutron charge radius from lightest atomic nuclei using a more direct methodology, differing significantly from previous calculations. The new result corrects the previously assumed value for the size of a neutron.
Researchers used novel method to access space between protons and neutrons, capturing snapshots of correlations to study nuclear matter. They found that leading theories on interactions describe the strong nuclear force at short distances, with a tensor interaction at close range and a scalar interaction at smaller scales.
Researchers characterized the strong nuclear force at extremely short distances, revealing a surprising transition that challenges current understanding. The findings have huge implications for neutron stars and nuclear systems as a whole.
Researchers at TU Wien successfully measured a novel quantum effect in neutron spin, demonstrating inertial effects. The experiment involved exposing neutrons to a rotating magnetic field, revealing the coupling between spin and rotation.
Physicists at HZB discovered a non-ferromagnetic phase in U2Pd2In crystals under high magnetic fields, with a structure containing 80 magnetic moments. The finding may help develop more precise theories for 5f electron systems and has implications for many other materials.
A team of researchers investigated electrode surfaces during charging and discharging using X-ray and neutron tomography methods. They found deformations, discontinuities, and areas with low electrolyte levels that affect battery performance. The analysis allows for the development of strategies to improve lithium battery design.
Researchers discovered hydrogen atoms in zirconium vanadium hydride are more tightly spaced than predicted, which could lead to superconductivity at or near room temperature. The team used neutron scattering experiments and computer simulations to understand the phenomenon.
Engineers have developed a new system that combines fast neutrons and gamma rays to detect corrosion in oil and gas pipelines. The technology mimics the natural world's use of ultrasound waves by bats to detect objects, enabling real-time detection of pipeline flaws.
A compact neutron resonance transmission analysis device can detect nuclear material in just one minute, reducing the need for kilometer-scale neutron beams. Researchers have optimized its design to minimize background interference, allowing for accurate detection of isotopes in various materials.
Researchers have created a new type of semiconductor neutron detector that boosts detection rates by reducing the number of steps involved in neutron capture and transduction. The LiInP2Se6 material converts neutrons into pairs of charged electrons and holes, generating a current directly detectable thermal neutrons.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding foam film stability by studying the behavior of liquids containing multiple additives. This breakthrough has potential applications in improving the creamy topping on flat whites, making beer heads last longer, and developing more effective fire-fighting foams.
Researchers have designed a catalyst that converts biomass into light olefins with an impressive yield of over 99%, requiring significantly less energy than previous catalysts. The optimized catalyst, NbAlS-1, offers a more environmentally friendly approach to biofuel synthesis.
A metal-organic framework material has been developed that can capture nitrogen dioxide from the air and convert it into nitric acid for industrial use. The material requires only water and air to achieve this conversion, making it a promising solution for cost-effectively removing toxic pollutants from the atmosphere.
A US Department of Energy-backed robotic system has successfully identified the source of nuclear radiation and verified if it was shielded. The 'inspector bot' could be part of a swarm to inspect facilities like gas centrifuge enrichment plants, detect undeclared uranium use, or verify disarmament treaties.
Researchers created a new fundamental unit of polymers called bundlemers, which can be customized and linked to create rigid, self-assembling chains. These bundles have surprising stiffness and potential applications in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.
Researchers at RIKEN have confirmed that atomic nuclei with 34 neutrons are more stable than expected, exhibiting strong shell closure. This finding demonstrates that 34 is a 'magic number', a set of numbers where the shells are completely filled and the nucleus exhibits unique properties.
Astronomers detected freshly made heavy element, strontium, in space after a neutron star merger, confirming the process by which it forms. This discovery provides a missing piece of the puzzle of chemical element formation and ties rapid neutron capture to neutron star mergers.
Researchers demonstrate high-contrast imaging of water states for fuel cell applications and indicate how their new method can be applied to other hydrogen-relevant industrial processes. The team's cross-continental collaborations were critical to confirm experimental findings and optimize contrast-to-noise ratio in acquired images.
Scientists have created an accurate 3D model of an intrinsically disordered protein using supercomputing and neutron scattering experiments. The ensemble of its atomic-level structures reveals new information about its biological function, including transient ordered structures.
The University of Delaware will lead the development of a world-class neutron spin echo spectrometer, allowing scientists to detect molecular motion in various materials. The instrument will advance research in engineering, soft matter, and biological sciences, benefiting humanity through new medicines and technologies.
A new method uses neutron beams to establish facts about warheads, physically encrypting information to prevent disclosure of military secrets. The system balances verification with secrecy for countries involved in arms reduction pacts.
Researchers from MSU and TRIUMF observed a rare nuclear decay in beryllium-11, measuring low-kinetic-energy protons emitted after beta decay. The observation represents a new challenge for understanding exotic nuclei, particularly halo nuclei.
Researchers visualize dynamic water transport in soil and roots using neutron tomography, gaining insights into efficient water use in crop cultivation. The technique enables faster imaging, overcoming previous limitations to study rapid processes.
The high flux neutron generator produces boutique neutrons ideal for dating fine-grained rocks and analyzing evidence. The device expands the capability of dating materials like clay minerals associated with ore deposits.
Researchers used neutron scattering to analyze battery electrode reactions and found that lithium sulphide forms on the outer surface of carbon fibres, not within microporous electrodes. This insight could improve battery development with higher energy density and longer lifespan.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a predictive model to identify veterans at risk of suicide, accelerating the process by running 300 times faster. Additionally, they discovered a lubricant that reduces friction in gears, increasing durability and efficiency. These breakthroughs aim to improve healthcare services f...
Researchers at PSI have developed a new method to precisely measure strong magnetic fields using polarized neutrons. This allows them to visualize and quantify inhomogeneous and anisotropic magnetic fields, with applications in alternators, MRI systems, and other devices.
David Cullen and Kate Page, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. They were recognized for their exceptional research accomplishments in fuel cell materials and nanoparticle properties, respectively.
Scientists have re-measured a crucial physical constant with unprecedented accuracy, setting a new benchmark for physics research. The result could help explain nuclear fusion in the sun, understand element formation after the Big Bang, and improve particle collisions at CERN.
AIXTRON's Neutron system enables roll-to-roll graphene production under ambient conditions, bringing costs down by two orders of magnitude. The CCS 2D system targets semiconductor applications, offering large-scale production of graphene on insulating wafers.
Researchers have developed a new laboratory technique to measure polymer flow at the molecular level, providing fundamental understanding of soft material behavior during rapid deformation. This approach has led to significant insights into designing biomedical, industrial and environmental applications.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory determined the nuclear charge radius difference between boron-10 and boron-11 isotopes. This discovery could aid in precise calculations of other nucleus structures, experimentally validated by laser spectroscopy.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered crystalline phases of ice thought to exist beyond Earth's limits, challenging accepted theories about super-cooled water and amorphous, non-crystalline ice. The findings led to better understanding of ice and its various phases found on other planets and moons.
The team found that the special nickel nucleus (78Ni) is more stable and rigid than other isotopes with similar numbers of neutrons. This discovery challenges current understanding of nuclear physics and has implications for our understanding of matter's origin.
Researchers used heavy ion accelerator to demonstrate nickel 78's stability, finding it maintains spherical shape like doubly magic isotope, but with a surprise: lighter isotones may lose magic nature due to deformation.
Researchers employed neutron-imaging techniques to track lithiation and delithiation processes in lithium-ion batteries' materials and structures. The study aimed to understand how lithium moves through electrode materials, essential for designing faster-charging batteries.
A team of researchers has discovered a new property of supercooled water that can be triggered by subatomic particles like dark matter. They created a detector, called the "snowball chamber", which uses supercooled water to detect fundamental particles and potentially identify dark matter.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered and characterized oxygen-11, the lightest-ever form of oxygen with three neutrons to its eight protons. This discovery opens a new avenue for studying nuclear symmetry by comparing it to its mirror nucleus lithium-11.
Using neutrons, scientists have determined the crystal structure of solid fluorine, resolving a scientific dispute that lasted for 50 years. The research confirms Nobel laureate Linus Pauling's earlier suspicions about fluorine's structure.