L. Phair

The MSU Miniball 4π fragment detection array

Abstract A compact and highly granular charged particle detection array, covering 89% of 4π in solid angle, is described. In its present configuration, the array consists of 188 fast-plastic CsI(Tl) phoswich detectors arranged in 11 rings coaxial about the beam axis. Each phoswich detector is comprised of a 40 μm thick plastic scintillator foil and a 2 cm thick CsI(Tl) crystal selected for good scintillation uniformity. The detectors are read out by photomultiplier tubes. Elemental identification up to Z ≈ 18 and isotopic identification of H and He nuclei is achieved by exploiting pulse shape discrimination techniques.

Statistical Multifragmentation in Central Au+Au Collisions at 35 MeV/u

Abstract Multifragment disintegrations, measured for central Au + Au collisions at E A = 35 MeV , are analyzed with the Statistical Multifragmentation Model. Charge distributions, mean fragment energies, and two-fragment correlation functions are well reproduced by the statistical breakup of a large, diluted and thermalized system slightly above the multifragmentation threshold.

Multifragment Emission in the Reaction 36Ar + 197Au at E/A = 35, 50, 80, and 110 MeV

Abstract Multifragment emission in the reaction 36 Ar + 197 Au at E A =35, 80, and 110 MeV has been measured with a low-threshold 4π detector array. Over this broad range of incident energies, the mean values and variances of the intermediate mass fragment (IMF: 3 ⩽ Z ⩽ 20) multiplicity distributions exhibit an approximate scaling with the total charged particle multiplicity. The measured multiplicities of light charged particles and intermediate mass fragments are compared with both a model involving statistical decay of an expanding compound nucleus, and with a model involving microscopic quasi-particle dynamics. The statistical decay model predictions are sensitive to the low-density nuclear equation of state.

Thermal source parameters in Au+Au central collisions at 35 A MeV

Central Au+Au collisions at 35 A MeV are analyzed to find the characteristics of a thermal source, in the framework of the statistical multifragmentation model SMM. A recently introduced backtracing protocol provides an effective comparison of theory and experiment. For the first time the distributions of the central source parameters (density, mass number, excitation energy) are found. The collective energy of primary fragments is also deduced. It is shown that the backtracing procedure allows an estimation of the pre-equilibrium emission. c 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Impact Parameter Filters for 36Ar + 197Au Collisions at E/A = 50, 80 and 110 MeV

Abstract Collisions between 36Ar projectiles and 197Au target nuclei at E A = 50, 80 and 110 MeV have been studied with the MSU Miniball, a 4π phoswich array with a low detection threshold. Various impact-parameter filters, based upon total charged-particle multiplicity, transverse energy, midrapidity charge and multiplicity of emitted hydrogen nuclei, are compared and cross-correlated. The relative selectivity of each prescription for small impact-parameter collisions is evaluated by assessing the suppression of fast-particle emission at forward angles.

Multifragment production in Au+Au at 35 MeV/u

Abstract Multifragment disintegration has been measured with a high efficiency detection system for the reaction Au + Au at E / A = 35 MeV. From the event shape analysis and the comparison with the predictions of a many-body trajectories calculation the data, for central collisions, are compatible with a fast emission from a unique fragment source.

Expansion effects in intermediate energy heavy-ion reactions

Abstract Transverse kinetic energy spectra of fragments in the reaction 36 Ar + 197 Au are used to probe the multifragmentation mechanism at intermediate energies. The mass dependence of the average transverse kinetic energy is examined in the context of the statistical decay of an expanding, emitting source. The role of source expansion during emission is explored. Results suggest the onset of volume emission at the highest incident energy.

Azimuthal correlations as a test for centrality in heavy-ion collisions

Abstract Azimuthal correlations of particles emitted in collisions between 197Au target nuclei and projectiles 36Ar (at E A = 35, 50, 80 and 110 MeV ) and 129Xe (at E A = 50 MeV ) have been measured with the MSU Miniball, a 4π phoswich array with a low detection threshold. Various impact parameter filters, based on the charge-particle multiplicity, transverse energy and midrapidity charge are tested by their ability to suppress collective motion as measured by the azimuthal correlations. The usefulness of a directivity cut in selecting central collisions for these systems is evaluated.

Multifragment emission in 36Ar+197Au and 129Xe+197Au collisions. Percolation model

Abstract Relative abundances of intermediate mass fragments and light particles measured for 36 Ar+ 197 Au collisions at E A = 50, 80 and 110 MeV lie within the range of percolation model predictions, but for 129 Xe+ 197 Au collisions at E A = 50 MeV , the percolation model predicts too small admixtures of intermediate mass fragments among the emitted charged particles.

Thermalization in nucleus-nucleus collisions☆

Abstract Impact parameter dependent excited state populations of intermmediate mass fragments are investigated for 36 Ar induced reactions on 197 Au at E / A = 35 MeV. Population inversions, indicative of non-thermal excitation mechanisms, are observed in peripheral collisions characterized by low associated charged particle multiplicities. These population inversions disappear for collisions with larger associated charged particle multiplicities, consistent with a more complete thermalization for more complex final states. Discrepancies, observed in central collisions, suggest that the limit of local thermal equilibrium has not yet been observed.